You know you are close when you see the baboons...

Today is my last day to pull things together before my departure tomorrow. Anyone who travels for extended periods of time knows the drill...go through that dog-eared check list one more time, shop in a frenzy for the last-minute items that seem to always escape you, and last but not least, PACK. I managed to fit two weeks worth of clothing, video camera with accessories and a various assortment of first aid items into a respectable-sized wheelie bag. Respectable in size, but totally unrealistic in weight. I am sure that the airline representatives will give me one of those -are you kidding me?- looks. My other accessory is one of those plastic footlockers that bring back memories of summer sleep-away camp. Mine is chock-full of gifts for the children in Iringa--t-shirts, colored pencils and art paper, as well as a hefty supply of granola bars and chocolate. After all, chocolate is the international symbol of friendship.

Over the past week Stan has been sending me daily e-mails with updates on what is going on in Iringa, how the weather is, etc. His message this morning completely cracked me up, though. He explained that one of his Global Outreach colleagues would meet me at the airport in Dar es Salaam, transport me to the hotel, and make sure that I get on the bus the next morning for the eight-hour journey to Iringa. Stan went into great detail about things to look for along the way...landscapes, trees, towns, etc. His final words to me where that once I see the baboons in the mountains I will know that I am very close to my final destination...what a landmark!

I am aiming to be back on line when I land in Iringa June 1. Speak with you all then!