And it's off... My bags are packed and tomorrow at 1pm I leave Sioux Falls, SD for Tanzania! I am very excited mixed with a bit of apprehension. I am not worried about me, but more about leaving home and missing the joys of family and friends, while praying that nothing happens to those I love while away. I am thankful however that you are already checking to see how I am doing. I will be posting messages on this site as frequently as possible, hopefully at the minimum once a week, as well as posting links to new pictures from Tanzania. Unfortunately, the shutterfly site I am using gives a new address after every new picture is added so keep checking here for the most up-to-date picture link!



My summer has been great. I spent it in Washington, DC working for a research institute and I even was able to write a paper that will soon be published. I think it will be quite a change to go from the competitive atmosphere of the nation's capital to Tanzania, but I shall see. My itinerary in Tanzania is roughly two weeks in Northern Tanzania in the town of Arusha. There are 4 girls who are also on my program, (one from Luther- Anna Osterbur), and we will spend those two weeks trying to get a feel for the country by picking coffee beans at a plantation, going to Selian hospital near Arusha, auctioning off goods at a church bazaar, and hopefully a safari and a hike up Mount Kilimanjaro. It should difficult and rewarding. After those two weeks we go to our home for the rest of the semester in Dar Es Salaam. It is the biggest city of about 1 million people on the east coast of Tanzania, right on the India Ocean. There we will spend about 6 weeks taking Swahili classes and teaching English to 3rd graders. Then, we will have about 2-3 weeks of travel time before the actual classes start at the university. I'm not sure what courses I am taking yet, but I'm ready to dive into the language and culture and hopefully doggy-paddle my way through. I am very excited to try to keep in touch with everyone and I think this is the best way. I will do my best to write personal e-mails and letters as well. I do not know my Tanzania address as of yet, but will post it as soon as it is available. I hope August will be another great month for everyone. The next time you hear from me I will be in Tanzania!

Cheers.



PS- The first link for pictures are here! Try it out to see if it works and check out my amazing packing job!