Getting pretty excited!

Oh my Goodness! I leave in a week and a half...

I feel obligated, after my post from last week and sounding less than enthusiastic, to share my growing excitement with whoever is reading this! Two weeks from now, I will be on a plane over the Atlantic, about 2 hrs away from the airport in Dakar. Soon after that, I will be almost taking a step back in time. Ironing clothes with an iron that you load with hot coals, bathing with 2 liters of non-running water, using a bike to get around (as long as the large thorns aren't too difficult)... granted, I will take advantage of some modern day marvels, such as a headlamp to help me see at night and the internet that may be available, but how incredible to simplify life to needs rather than the want that has become America's "need."

I'm also looking forward to making a difference on a level that will be somewhat new, yet somewhat familiar. Working as a mental health case manager for the past year and a half has likely prepped me well for the challanges I will face, though from my experience, the little steps in progress are some of the most amazing and worthwhile experiences! Especially those you don't see coming...

Don't get me wrong, I will absolutely get home-sick, I will cry many tears, and at some point I will likely wish for the life I currently know. But how many people can say they've slept under the stars on a regular basis, or bathed without a roof over their head with only 2 liters of water, or been woken up by the sound of millet being pounded for the days meal, or learned to balance heavy objects on their head? Ok, so maybe a lot of people, but not many Americans.
We spend too much time in our little bubble...