Send Me To Rwanda!

So yesterday I started my last minute errands for Rwanda... spent $240.00 on malaria medicine that is NOT covered by my insurance. It was either $240 or $900... of course I chose the less expensive one. So all the big things are now checked off my list. Woo hoo!

Today I am going to figure wedding stuff out...and look into getting some other items. Thanks to my best friend Nicole, I now have a date with Borders....Rwanda books, here I come!

I leave for Rwanda in a week.. final preparations are in effect.

The Mason Gazette featured an article about me today. Please see the link for direct access to the website: http://gazette.gmu.edu/articles/15537

I am so grateful for all this hard work that people are putting in to help get the word out about my internship!

I leave in 2 1/2 weeks! This is so crazy!

I'm listening to Pandora Radio right now... I am so excited to be able to have this online source of music while I'm in Rwanda. I am bringing my IPOD but honestly, I won't even need it if I have this to listen to :). It will be my sanctuary...my home away from home. I just wanted to share in what I am doing tonight and what is on my mind.

Not only do I love George Mason because I am about to graduate :), but I also love my school because it has allowed me yet another opportunity to spread the word about my internship. I am grateful for the writer and interviewer Leah Fogarty, who works for the Department of University Relations. She is working on a blog piece and a small article which should be posted sometime next week (I'll make sure to keep everyone posted). The article will be featured at www.gmu.edu under the "Campus Buzz" heading. However, the best news to come out of the interview is the fact that she is going to be writing a more extensive piece on me for the Mason Spirit Alumni Magazine. The magazine, which is published only twice every year, features alumni profiles. I will be one of those alumni in the Spring 2010 issue upon completion of my internship in central Africa. The link to the magazine is as follows: http://spirit.gmu.edu/ .I look forward to being able to share in this exciting experience with you all!

I had the honor of being the guest speaker this afternoon at Woodson High School's STAND for Conscience club meeting. STAND for Conscience is the student led-division of the Genocide Intervention Network. The club students were eager to hear about my plans in Rwanda and were anxious to ask me questions regarding the specifics of my living situation, how I was to pay for the internship, and other such matters. I brought in materials for them, such as books about the Rwandan genocide that I am reading/read in the past. They are also graciously contibuting to my cause by purchasing supplies for me that I will need for my trip, such as bug spray, everyday items, and snack foods. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to meet with such a wonderful group of students and I am anxious to come back in May to debrief them on my trip to central Africa!

So yesterday I booked my flights. I am leaving on January 6 at 6:00 PM and arriving in Rwanda the following day. It's only about a 15 hour flight however I have a layover in Brussels for a few hours.

Then I return to the states on May 7, 2010. I leave Rwanda at 4 PM and arrive in DC on the following day. I am super excited!

I am now attempting to find a travel health insurance that will benefit me while I'm there. Also, I am having some issues with getting the amount of malaria medication I need...so working on that as well.

Other than that, everything is coming along as planned. I made my list of everything I need, and I'm trying to purchase those items. I've already got a few new work pants and flats. I am also doing exceptionally well on my fundraising. Thank you again for all of you who have contributed. :) I love you all!

As previously mentioned, my phone number will be changing soon. If you need to get a hold of me, please contact me at [email protected] .