Last Day!

Hey everyone!

Tomorrow I fly out. I am so excited and SO nervous, hard to believe that it is here all ready.

There has been some changes in plans too. It looks like for one day we get to go out with an interpreter and go talk to the local farmers about their farms. I am really looking forward to that!

Well, wish me luck and I will talk to you all when I get state side!

Thanks again for everyones help!

SO EXCITED Only 18 Days Left

Well, there are only 18 days left. Now I feel like I'm in crunch mode.

Talked to AAA and the bank about getting South African currency. It seems like the more I talk to AAA, the more I love them.

I am also looking at what backpack I am going to take for carry on. Our professor told us that we get 1 duffel bag and 1 backpack. So I am going to have to pack light, especially if I want to bring back souvenirs.

I also got a couple other trip supplies today.

I am sort of worried about communication, apparently it is going to be pretty hard to communicate when I get to Lesotho. No cell coverage and no internet. I honestly don't see how people survived back in the day. I have a calling card for South Africa, but so far nothing for Lesotho. Luckily, my professor has to have a SAT phone, and his blackberry will work over there, go figure.

But I am very excited! This is going to be AMAZING!!

COUNTDOWN 18 DAYS!

Update - 19 days until takeoff

Sorry everyone, things have been a little crazy. I've trying to work in as many shifts as I can before the trip.

I've gotten all shot up (which hurt by the way) and I seem mostly ready to go.

I had a group meeting with my professor and fellow students the other day at Calhoun's. It seems that we are all ready to get going. We are still having to make some last minute plans, but it seems that everything is coming together.

I am getting very excited and very nervous. :-)

I have started making a packing list and just have to get a few more supplies, like water treatment tabs.

I have to take some small gifts to give to people while I'm there. If anyone has any ideas let me know! I need something small that will work well for various ages.

ONLY 19 DAYS LEFT!

Tickets Update

Plane tickets have been purchased! Thanks to all those who have helped out.

Don't worry, there are still plenty of more opportunities to help out!

I still have to eat when I get there. :-)

We are getting closer! So far we've raised about $90. All we have left is a little over $300.

Thanks to all those who have helped out!

ebay

The first round of ebay items have gone through thanks to our happy bidders! :-)

But don't worry there are still a few more prayers beads listed. But hurry, time's running out!

Tickets!

This just in... it looks like we are going to be buying plane tickets on Thursday or Friday.

We are currently arranging it through World Travel, so we just have to get the group squared away!

Lesotho

I thought you all might want some more information about where I am going. I am going to Lesotho! It is a small country completely surrounded by South Africa. About 40% of the population live below the poverty line ($1.25 US per day).

One of the professors I am going with gave a presentation about their work in Lesotho.

http://www.utk.edu/tntoday/2010/04/20/forbes-walker-science-forum-conservation/?utm_source=tntoday&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2010-04-21

For more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lesotho

So far, we have raised $20! Thanks everyone!

Even a couple bucks helps! :-)

Ebay

Hello everyone!

Check out the ebay items! They are going fast!

http://myworld.ebay.com/scrabtr2/

Thanks Again!!

We are on the move!

Hey everyone!!

Things are a movin! Right now we have items for bid on ebay including clergy shirts and prayer beads!

We even have a paypal account! samsafricatrip@gmail.com

The wheels are a turning and we are a moving! :-)

A huge thanks to everyone who has helped out so far!

Anglican Prayer Bead Photos

Hey all!

The prayer beads are looking great!

(Thanks Mom!)

Check 'em out!

Introductions... A quest for Africa

Hello. My name is Sam! :-)

I am a college student on a quest to Africa.

I found out about a study abroad trip going to Africa and I decided that I had to go. This will be a great opportunity for me. I have never really been out of the country (Niagra Falls Canada doesn't count), and so this will be a first. Heck, I have never been on a plane before (something that is making me very nervous let me say). But this will be the experience of a lifetime! We are going down there mainly to take a look at how the people use there soils and what we can do to help them prevent soil erosion and loss. Most of the part of Africa we are going to consists of Agriculture, kind of hard to do when your soil is washing out from under you. So, here we come. While there, we will spend some time working with a project down there planting trees in some of the gullies in order to hold the remaining soil in place.

Of course, while we are there we are going to take a look at the landscape also. :-)

I've seen pictures and it looks BEAUTIFUL!!

I am so excited and nervous all at the same time.

So thus, I begin my quest. A journey that will prepare me for a brighter tomorrow, and one that will provide me with memories and an experience that will last a lifetime.