100% Raised!!

A few months ago, when I first decided to begin this journey, I was a bit daunted by the amount of money that I would need to fundraise in order to pay for my program fee.  After all, $3763 isn't exactly pocket change!  As the first few donations came in, I was ecstatic.  As even more came in, I often found myself in disbelief and feeling somewhat "unworthy".  Still, after each donation, each demonstration of complete and utter support from family and friends, I became a bit more confident in what it is that I'm about to do.

As my trip is merely 45 days away, and most of the big "to do's" have been checked off, it's becoming more and more real...and more and more frightening.  But today, after one final, generous, and very unexpected donation came in, I found myself feeling more confident than ever.  I've decided that I'll print out a list of all of my supporters and carry it with me to Tanzania so that, during the tough times, I'll be reminded of all of you who believe in what it is that I'm doing.

I'm absolutely thrilled to look on my fundraising page and see the "100% Raised" that is posted under my name.  Adequate thanks is impossible, but please continue to accept the gratitude I am able to show.

Check....check....check....

Two months from today, I'll be landing in Dar es Salaam.  It's so surreal!  But, as I wade through the unending checklist of things to do, it's becoming a bit more "real".  Last week, I received six of the eight immunization shots that I'll need, and have the bruised arms to prove it!  The passport photos for my visa and short-term residency permit have been taken, and my visa application will be in the mail tomorrow.  I'm amazed that I'm only $116 from reaching my program fee fundraising goal.  Thank you, thank you, thank you all for allowing this dream to become a reality!  Now, if I could only get some swahili down.

On Friday, one of my Somali students who was a refugee in Kenya and therefore speaks some kiswahili (aka swahili), came into my room and announced that she was going to help me learn.  In Tanzania, greetings are long and drawn out.  A typical American nod with a "What's up?" simply won't suffice and is considered insulting.  Tanzanians say hello, even to complete strangers, for about twenty minutes:

"Jambo!"
"Jambo sana!"
"Habari za asubuhi!"
"Mzuri."
"Mzuri sana!"
"Karibu!"
"Asante sana!"
"Tutuonana baadaye!"

Translation:  What's up?

I'm in for a bit of a shock.  When I asked Fatima (the student) what was next, as I know that a typical greeting is far longer, she looked at me and said in a very serious manner, "Let's start slow.  You're not ready for more yet."