Here we go!

I cannot believe that this trip is less than two months away! The books we've been reading allow me to visualize what our time there will actually be like, but I know it will be much different at the same time. Reading about the genocide has given me a "reality check" about some of the situations we will encounter. To think that everyone over the age of 16 has witnessed murder is astonishing.

On another note, I finally got everything figured out for the Yellow Fever vaccine! We're almost "All Systems Go" for our adventure.

The donation collection process has increased immensely! We've set up an area in the library to gather donations from people on campus, and Anna contacted the Des Moines Register to gain more awareness. Our story was on the front page! Also, with help from my Godfather, we have gained a wonderful group of supporters. I know other members from our group have been working hard and have acquired games, clothes, paint, and so much more. I'm so excited to see everyone's reactions.

What I'm most excited for is to meet all the Rwandans and people whom we'll be helping. I know they will change my life in so many ways; I can't wait to see how!

I don't really know how to do this whole blog thing but I guess I'll learn as we go! I can't believe that March is already winding down. We only have about a month left of classes and then we are off to Rwanda! I feel like I have so much to do in that short amount of time. I am beyond excited for this trip. I have wanted to go to Africa for years. I know it will be a life changing experience. At the same time, I know I can't even imagine everything this trip will accomplish, both for the Rwandans and for me. I can't wait to meet the amazing people Virginia and others have told us about. Seeing pictures of the land also gets me so excited. It's so beautiful! It seems like it will be a wonderful place to reflect on what is truly important in life and discover how we can make a difference in the world.

We're reading our last book for class, Rwanda Means the Universe. I've really enjoyed the books we've read. It's amazing to me that we will be seeing and experiencing some of the same things (hopefully some different ones too) that the people from the stories did. I think we might be having some Rwandans come in to talk with us too. That would be really cool to hear about their life and culture.

We're still looking for donations! Every little things makes a difference! :)