The Journey Begins Before I Expected

Okay, so now that you all know where I am going, let's talk about how I got there!

I have been VERY blessed to be surrounded by the people I am surrounded by. My family and friends are very generous and donated enough money to pay for my room and board while in Kenya. I have been very blessed as well to have a number of personal donations to pay for vaccines, mosquito netting, clothing, prescriptions, even a hotel stay in London! I thought I would have to go to Africa to feel humbled and to be aware of how lucky I am here in the States, and I didn't. I can't tell you how touched I was by the support I have received (and still am receiving) and I am not just talking money, here. The positive words, the encouragement, the supportive thoughts are beyond invaluable. For those of you at Crone, you saw me break down (I couldn't even get the first sentence out before I broke into tears! By the way, VERY out of character for the stoic Melissa Bachler). I just feel so lucky, and I think the fact that I can't put that emotion into words says it all.

So, now that my massive

amount of vaccines have been administered (R.I.P. Yellow Fever, Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Polio, Influenza 09-10, H1N1, Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap), and Meningitis), I feel invincible- at least my immune system does. By the way, I was looking at the CDC Map of vaccines required for places you're visiting. Kenya is literally one of the few that requires nearly ALL of the vaccines. Next time, I am going to Australia- they don't need anything! Even their rabies danger is low! Like I said, headfirst without knowing what I was getting into...

As you can see from the pictures, my first round of vaccines went fine (orange shirt, 3 shots). My second round of vaccines left me sick (brown dress, 3 shots), and my third round went well (beige top, 3 shots). There's also a list of everything (except the Yellow Fever) I've been vaccinated for- pretty long!

Thanks again to all who have helped me get this far. You have taught me so much on my journey that I feel like it has already begun.

"Plant your own garden; decorate your own soul." Jen Ginsberg.