Shots

6 shots down, 1 more to go!

My typhoid vaccination finally arrived, so yesterday I received that from my Dr. plus my yellow fever shot at the Health Department. All I have left is one final Hep A/B shot.

I'm expecting everything I drink to start leaking out of my arms any day now :)

Amongst other things, I am now protected against:
* Influenza
* Polio
* Hepatitis A
* Hepatitis B
* Typhoid
* Yellow Fever

I also have 12 weeks worth of malaria pills as well as prescription meds for when (not if, apparently) I get sick. Sweet.

Blog With A Purpose

The semester is over and now I can focus solely on Ethiopia! YAY!!! There will be more posts soon :)

Originally, the reason for this blog was to keep in touch with my family and friends. I tend to gravitate towards crazy adventures, which understandably sometimes worries my family (my Dad blames me for his white hair :). They like to know what I'm doing and a blog seems like a good way of keeping them informed.

I am hoping that this blog will also have a greater purpose, however. Ethiopia is a country that is close to my heart. Even closer to my heart are the many issues that millions of people, including Ethiopians, face all around the world. Issues such as poverty, HIV/AIDS, homelessness, illiteracy, and many others. I could go on and on about this for hours. It is easy to think about all of these issues and feel both overwhelmed and helpless. Fortunately, I am surrounded by some great people. Professors, classmates (who are going to be AMAZING social workers!), and even strangers have given me good advice on how to keep things in perspective.

This blog is going to help with that. While I can't single handedly erase all of the difficult problems I may encounter, I can share my experiences with you! I can help increase awareness just by discussing everything that I see. Most people will leave this site with a greater knowledge of Ethiopia and its orphans. That is so great! Maybe, though, one person will learn about an issue that will become important to them. Maybe they will feel inspired to help in whatever way they can, whether it is in their neighborhood or on the other side of the world.

Perhaps I am just dreaming, but I think that would be pretty cool :).

The start of an incredible journey

Have you ever felt drawn to a place that you have never seen? I have. About 2 years ago, I learned about Ethiopia. I learned of their fascinating history, rich culture, and their 4.5 million (approximate) orphans. No matter how hard I try, I can't shake this country from my mind. Ethiopia refuses to loosen her grip on me. I am captivated by a nation that seems to have so little yet so much.

Because of this, I will soon be spending 6 weeks in the capital of Addis Ababa where I will volunteer at an orphanage for children living with HIV. While in country, I will be providing some exceptional kids with attention, lots of love, and anything else that is asked of me. I can't explain how excited I am to have this opportunity!

I look forward to sharing my experiences as well as Ethiopia's culture & history with you! I'm sure that upon closer inspection you too will find a place that is much more magical than the pictures in National Geographic depict.

Since I am getting class credit for this, I should consider & outline my goals for this trip:
Goals (in no particular order):
1. Experience Ethiopia's culture first hand.

2. Eat as much injera (a popular sour and spongy flatbread) as possible!

3. Experience life in an orphanage so that when I work in international adoption stateside, I will have a better understanding of where many children will be coming from.

4. Obtain a better understanding of the issues that create orphans & how we can alleviate these circumstances so that future children are not orphaned.

5. Obtain a better understanding of foreign aid & how it is working as well as where it needs improvement. - I recently read a book that discussed why humanitarian aid is not working. I am interested in seeing the benefits/repercussions of aid first hand, forming my own opinions, & learning about ethical and responsible ways of helping.

6. Help in whatever way I am needed. Leave Ahope knowing that I was a positive addition to their organization.

7. HAVE FUN!!!!