The fam... gotta love it. Everyone has been so supportive of my wanting and deciding to go to Africa. Despite his fear of heights, my Dad (yeah... he's to my right) is planning to climb kilimanjaro in summer/fall 2008. My mom (to his right) is planning to drink beers at base camp. I'm still on the fence. My bro (to my left) is working like crazy at his restaurant in Atlanta, but he'll be there in spirit.

I'm basically packed and definitely ready to be done with the "gettig ready" phase of this experience... I've had way too much time to second guess what I'm bringing (and not bringing). It IS pretty liberating, though... leaving behind a lot of things I would think to bring, as well as the mentality that goes with all of it. This is a completely different ball game (if you can even call it that). One that I am so lucky and excited to be a part of. :)

Almost!!

So... staging has been pushed UP to May 21st... it's CRAZY! The countdown has really begun. I'll be in Kenya starting the 24th. It's hard to believe... there's a lot of life organizing that has to be done before then!

Thank you, out there, for caring about what I'm up to (and for still being my friend despite the horrible, self involved title of my blog... I don't really think that I'm at all like Barbie... what can I say, I took creative liberties. )

Hope to be in touch! Love, H