Moving along!

Finally! I've been working to get this updated for a while now and as soon as I sit down and think about what I'm going to write, something else happens that I'll want to add and I totally get lost thinking about other things regarding the trip :)
So here are some updates, in bullet form because it's easiest. Things are happening so quickly now that by the time you read this I might have rec'd more info...

- I have been in touch with a travel agent who (I believe) is a former UMVIM coordinator in another Jurisdiction. She was also the woman who conducted my phone interview. (Her name is Jan.) She has just returned from Lubumbashi and said that she had a nice (but busy) trip. She is booking all my flights for me and right now I'm looking at about $1700-1800 round trip. (Yes, I really need to dig into my fund-raising!) I'll leave on June 1st and return on August 28th if everything goes through. I will fly to London, then Nairobi, then on to Lubumbashi... the same for the return trip except that I'm going to stay in London for about 4 days. (I'm saving up to treat myself to this small vacation, this will not be paid for with any money from my fundraising.) I've been to the UK before and look forward to going back and visiting some places I saw during my trip five years ago and also to seeing some new sites! I ran out of a perfume I got in Bath and am hoping maybe I can find some more!! :-D

- I have heard from a few folks at the Jamaa Letu orphanage (their Director is actually in the US right now I believe) and I should be receiving my official invitation letter in the next week or so via email... which their embassy will accept, so that I can get my visa. (Which will cost at least $250... Yes, I really need to dig into my fund-raising)

- I have been in touch with some other young women who recently volunteered near the orphanage where I'll be and/or actually lived there! This has been so helpful! They'll been answering all kinds of questions for me and I'm sooooo grateful!!!

- I found the blog of a young man from the UK who lives in Lubumbashi and have sent him many questions regarding the area. His answers have also been very helpful!!

- I have more details about the location of the orphanage, the water and power situation, food, etc.

-I have started a registry on REI.com to help get some supplies I'll need. Just use my name to search for it if you'd like to help in that way. Feel free to stick a note with and/or in whatever you purchase. It will be a special treat to read notes from home while I'm away for three months.

-I am almost done being a pin cushion. Most of my shots are finished... just one or two more to go. I have a prescription for my anti-malaria meds (fun... blah) and will get that filled soon.

Well, those are some updates... please feel free to ask any questions and I'll do my best to answer them :) I'm enjoying preparing for this adventure God is allowing me to be a part of and can't wait to get to Lubumbashi!

Your sister in Christ,
Rachel