My Bags are Packed and I'm Ready to Go

My four 50-lb suitcases (weighed and re-weighed) are packed, and I'm putting all the last-minute items into my one carry-on suitcase.  (I'm allowing my mom to take one carry-on for herself.)  =D 

We were supposed to have a big snow storm in Seattle today, but at my house, the half inch of snow that fell last night has now melted.  We'll see if we get any more tonight (originally 2-6 inches was predicted), but it looks like we should be able to take off okay at 1pm tomorrow (Thursday).  We have a 10-hour flight to Europe and then an 8-hour flight to Uganda, arriving Friday night.

I'm looking forward to getting back there and seeing everyone and starting my new life, but in some ways I still can't believe I'm embarking on this 2+ year adventure (even though I've lived there for a year already).  I think it will probably be pretty different being on staff and living in my own apartment, than being an intern who lived as a part of an inseparable group of interns.  Also, I know I'll miss my family and pets and being surrounded by the familiar.  =)

"I'm leaving on a jet plane!"

Heading Back

I plan to start blogging again now that I'm heading back to Uganda.  I've been at home for two months enjoying spending time with family and friends.  I've enjoyed indulging in things that are hard to find in Uganda, like berries, grapes, Washington apples, cheese, ice cream, TV dinners, cheap cereal, cool weather, snow, TV, and fast internet.

While in the US (I'm based in Seattle), I traveled to Colorado to visit and interview at EMI's headquarters, and I also got to see several EMI friends while I was there.  I spent a weekend with some EMI friends (the Bergs) in Oregon, and I spent over a week in snow-laden Boston, where I got to see many of my college and post-college friends.  Besides traveling, I've been spending my time keeping in touch with people, fundraising, preparing to go back (shopping/packing), and working on a presentation that summarizes my time in Uganda thus far.  Oh, and I also got a haircut...shortest it's been since I was 2!  =)

Snowshoeing in Boston with Friends!

I will be heading back to Uganda on February 24th to serve as EMI East Africa's Office Manager.  I am excited to be heading back and am looking forward to what the next 2+ years in Uganda will bring!