Thursday

I worked on some more mailings today. Also surfed the net looking at Tanzanian sites. I was puzzled by the rule that volunteers couldn't wear flip-flops, so I emailed my coordinator for the explanation. They just aren't sturdy enough. Also, because of the terrain, you will have filthy feet (not attractive). Probably not good to get the germs from the soil either. She mentioned buying some shoes called Tevas, so I will check into them.
Yesterday at my book club, one of the member, Su, gave me a newspaper clipping of Tanzania. Very thoughtful and very interesting. They grow a lot of bananas there, and I am told I will eat many banana dishes. Hope they are good! Maybe I will lose some weight there. CCS serves us 3 meals a day. We are encouraged to bring snacks, such as, granola bars. We can't drink the water there, or any food that hasn't been cooked. We can eat fruit that we can peel. No raw vegies, though. No salads!!! All drinks must be bottled. I really would like to eat some local food, but with all of these restrictions, I am not sure how much I will be able to try.
I am working on a quilt now to use to raffle for my trip. I haven't decided just where to raffle it at. I will have to give that some thought. I have a quilting meeting tonight. Maybe they will have some ideas.

Mailing Campaign

Today I started mailing out fundraiser letters to old friends & aquaintences. I actually went through the entire phone book looking for people that might want to help me. I sent letters to all of the Damascus area PTA's also. I wrote a letter to send out to other service organizations in Damascus, and hopefully next week I will find time to go to each of the businesses in Damascus to solicit funding. I am making a list of eveyone that I have approached and I need to make a list of my sponsors. I am also behind on my Thank You letters to those people nice enough to have contributed already.
As you are not supposed to wear tank tops or sleeveless shirts in Tanzania, I went out looking for end-of-the-summer bargains today. I got 1 long skirt and several short sleeve cotton shirts. I think I will make the rest of my skirts. Skirts must be below the knee.
I have been busy making items to sell at the Pathways Fair on Oct. 21. All of the proceeds will be used towards my trip. I am hoping to cover my airline expense. I need to write up my inventory, also. Lots of things to do!!!

Inoculations

Today I made my appointment for my inoculations. Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, & Adult Polio Booster. also, pills for Malaria and diarhhea and insect repellant. Not looking forward to Oct. 1 for the shots, but better than getting the diseases. They cost $519.00!! And they are not covered by insurance. Sure is expensive to volunteer overseas. I would like to make this a yearly excursion. At least I won't have to get most of these shots again for 5-10 years.

Sept. 17 2007 My First Blog

This is so exciting!!! I am so happy to share my volunteer trip experiences with you all.
As you know, I will be volunteering in Tanzania, Africa for 3 weeks, starting March 8, 2008. I am working hard on my fundraising. I need $2,700 for my CCS portion, and so far I have received $1,400!!! Just $1,300 to go!!! However, I still need an additional $2,300 for all of the incidentals: passport, visa, inoculations, airfare, etc.
I received my passport last week, so I can check that off of my list. Now I need to start working on my inoculations. :( Not looking forward to them. Also, I am working on my fundraising letters for Damascus organizations, Friends and Neighbors. I hope to get them out this week.
Well, I will update more later this week.
See ya!