Officially Official

So Work the World accepted my application for Tanzania 2014!I got confirmation about a week ago but I haven't posted about it because I have been busy with classes. Although the hard work paid off because I got an awesome grade on both of my tests. Anywho Work the World set up a "MyTrip" account that helps me stay organized while planning for my trip. It even gives suggested dates as to when I should make flight arrangements, get a passport, obtain travel insurance etc. This is an awesome tool that I plan to utilize as much as possible because I don't have the best organizational skills. I actually made an appointment to get my first passport EVER for this week, putting me ahead of the schedule. Along with the helpful "MyTrip" account, Leah, my coordinator, sent me a whole PDF on how to speak Swahili. It is actually really neat and some of the words are similar to the English language. The PDF even has a section about Swahili words from the Lion King! Here is a list of words from the Lion King that are actually from the Swahili language:
From the Lion King:
hakuna matata – no worries
simba - lion
sarabi - mirage
pumbaa - careless; to be a fool; to be bewildered
rafiki - friend
banzai - skulk, lurk
shenzi - uncouth, savage, demon, barbarous
upendo – love
asante sana – thank you

I found this to be really cool. Who knew we were actually learning Swahili while we watched this as children?! If anyone actually knows Swahili or has any tips about learning a new language, please feel free to leave a comment:)! Thanks again everyone for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers as I continue on my journey! Please keep your eyes open for my next blog!

One step closer

Hey everyone!

Sorry I haven't posted anything in a while between school and life I haven't had alot of spare time. Anywho I just wanted to update everyone on what is going on. I put down my down-payment today for my trip (shout-out to Ashleigh for helping to calm my nerves). This trip became so real to me as I was typing in my information and my nerves started to get the best of me. But now I am just really excited again, everything is starting to come together. The next step is to wait to hear back from Work the World to make sure that the program I want is available for the time I want. If it is not available then they will suggest a different trip/time. From there I can decide if I would like to do the new volunteer internship instead or just withdraw completely. I will most likely just go on the alternate trip:). I have also been thinking about splitting my time so I do two weeks of Pediatrics and two weeks of Surgery, instead of just doing 4 weeks of pediatrics, but that is only if that program is available during my time as well. Lastly I just want to mention that I will be starting to fundraise for my trip! If anyone has any fundraiser ideas please let me know. I will try to keep everyone posted on what is going on. Thanks again for your prayers and support!