Hello Friends!
I finally finished my exams on Monday April 28th, and since then I have been preparing for my trip to Malawi! With only four days to move back from Hamilton, unpack all my things, and repack everything, I am afraid I have not had the chance to see all my friends before I head off on this adventure. But you are all loved, and I will miss each and every one of you!
I wanna give a shout out to my Mom, for helping me every step of the way in organizing everything from vaccinations to enough hand sanitizer. She's been truly amazing, even after getting her tooth pulled just yesterday.
I also want to say thank you to everyone who has taken the time to write notes, have coffee with me, and/or wish me well as I prepare for this trip. Each and every one of you acts as such a support, and I am really grateful for all the friends and family I have to wish me well as I depart!
This summer will be full of challenging situations, changing perspectives, and a huge change in maturity level as it relates to international development. I plan on using this blog to share some of the key learning curves I have and also some of the fun times I am experiencing!
For example, today I bought a motorcycle helmet and needed a size LARGE, because of my montrous head. It's super cool! When I wear it, I look like I am in one of those "elf yourself" videos because my head is three times it's normal size. I don't know if I will be riding, or driving a motorcycle in Malawi yet, but if i come back a true Hog, my Dad sure will be proud. And my sisters, mortified.
The next leg of my journey will be spent in Toronto from April 30th to May 6th doing pre-departure training and bonding with the students going to Malawi and Zambia! Afterwards, I fly out of Toronto on May 7th, endure a 22 hour flight, and arrive in Lilongwe, Malawi!!
Time for bed, I have a phone interview tomorrow morning for a job in September, sooo I need some sleep!
Love ya!
Karina
