$80.00 for a rushed birth certificate, a passport, a $2000.00 plane ticket, $1600.00 to Impact Africa, the organization that I will be teaching for (I know it is counter intuitive), a Go Fund Me fundraiser, a trip to the doctor for 4 shots and some malaria pills, collecting donated teaching supplies and now...
A trip to REI for much needed survival supplies. Things to think about before going to Africa:
Clean water
Mosquitoes (malaria)
Over UV exposure (could lead to cataracts and skin cancer)
Dehydration
Medical care
Unpredictable and non-compatible electricity
Dangerous animals
Supplies purchased to battle said obstacles:
Power transformer
Universal Plug Adapters
Headlamp
Jungle Juice 100 Insect Repellent
Kelty Ruck Sack
Camel Bak water bladder
Camel Bak filtering water bottle
PackTowl bathing towel and face towel
Gerber Pocket Knife
Dry Doc water proof bag
3-Way Camp Mirror
Medical Kit
Wilderness Wash (All purpose soap for clothing and personal hygiene)
Supplies still to be purchased:
Mosquito net
Sleeping Bag
Boots
Sun Glasses
Sun Cream (High Factor)
Sewing kit
Wet Wipes
Lip Balm
Climate appropriate clothing (Natural/light fibers/durable/long sleeves)
I can easily say that this has been a lot of prep that I did not anticipate. But I am bound and determined to be prepared for whatever the African wilderness throws at me. I told my sister that I do not want a new law or rule created because of me or something that happens to me! I know that once I leave there is nothing I can do about it, so now is the time to plan!
I look forward to whatever God has in store for me and the people that I will meet in Malawi!
