Time..... where did it go?

Here is blog #1 in what will hopefully be a highly blogged about year in South Africa with me (Leslee) setting out on an adventure that I've talked about, dreamed about and planned for years. In four days (yes four!) I am hopping on a plane with my mom headed for New York! and after New York I am flying to South Africa! Why am I, a single 27 year old nurse going to South Africa for a year? Glad you asked! I have joined Catholic Medical Missions (CMMB) and am headed to South Africa to test people for HIV and carry out a HIV study in King Williams town. Have I been to Africa? No. Do I speak Afrikaans? Nope. Do I know what to expect once I get there? Not a clue - but I guess not knowing adds to the adventure!

On September 9th my mom and I are headed to New York prior to my Catholic Medical Mission orientation that begins on the 13th. Mom and I are planning on being super tourists which will include riding a red tour bus, taking a ferry around the statue of Liberty and seeing the Lion King - YAH! From September 13-17 I will be taking part in orientation - what will we be learning?! I have no clue but I am sure I will be soaking up everything they teach! Items I assume they will be covering will be: how to not get malaria, how to be culturally sensitive, and that I will be driving on the left hand side of the road. When I get to South Africa I will be living with a women who was also a nurse and is now volunteering with the Doctor that I will be working with (Dr. Malebo)- so I'll have my very own insider to help me adapt!

As of now I am trying to decide what I still need to do in order to prepare. I have received my immunizations. I have my passport with me. I have registered with the Canadian Government telling them I'm off to SA. I have purchased super duty bug spray. Yet, the nagging question still remains: what does a person pack when they are headed to Africa for a year? Do I bring a suitcase full of sandals because it's warm or do I only bring hiking boots because I am afraid of spiders, ants, centipedes and snakes.... or do I bring a collection of the two even though I am trying to only carry one suitcase (a collection of the two equals about 6 pairs of shoes :) hehe). One suitcase for 1 year - oh my!


If you have any hints, tips, or tricks pls fill me in!