Am I really qualified?

The trip is right around the corner.
Updates:
I registered my trip with the embassy in Kampala and forwarded flight information to the school. There is still so much to do but I will get it all done!

Have you ever wondered how to pack for a three month trip to africa? Well, I don't know that any of you have but it is SUPER difficult! I am a pretty low maintenance person in day to day life but it is hard to pack for three months in (hopefully) just a hiking backpack.


Things left to do:
~get a new license... not necessary for trip but I leave on my birthday and will therefore have an expired license when I get back... not cool.
~Actually pack ( i have mentally done it a few times... but like that actually helps)
~ collect a million things of bug spray. Mosquitos happen to love me and I don't need to add too much to the plethora of scars on my legs from BUGS in tennessee :)
~ oh about a million other things that are not interesting to anyone except me! :)

Again I am so grateful for the opportunity to go to Uganda and hopefully make a difference. My country directors made it to Mbale last week and have worked out housing and guards and all that jazz. I cannot wait to join them.

Here is a picture of the Namatala Slum where we will be helping work with clean water projects.

So why Me?Am I really qualified?

I was asked this week an interesting question that I thought I would answer for everyone.
"What makes you qualified to help offer solutions?" this was an honest question from a man I have great respect for and who has influenced me greatly but it did make me realize I don't know that I have ever made it clear that this is more than just a trip!

I had the opportunity to begin an undergraduate thesis last semester and was able to begin research both philanthropy and international aid. While I am in no way an expert, I have spent three months reading articles on what is successful and what is not in the scheme of offering aid internationally. However, with this limited research the best way to learn more is to put my feet on the ground.

This is not just an opportunity to serve this summer but will be instrumental in furthering my education and career goals. I hope to continue to work with non profit organizations and make a real difference in this world. There are so many in this world that do not have their basic needs met on a daily basis, and others that have more than they know what to do with in life. This disconnect fascinates me and I hope to make a difference in educating the haves and helping the have nots and hopefully take away the labels completely.

Anyways, I promise the updates will be more interesting when I am in Uganda! Just 8 Days! ( and 8 days until I turn 26- YIKES!)