Update on Africa

Not much to update, but it's truly, truly, TRULY official.  I have booked my flight to Arusha, Tanzania.  I will be leaving on August 30 from Lexington and returning January 3, 2012. In exactly three weeks from today, at about this time, I will be boarding a plane and taking off on what promises to be a true adventure.  I'm not sure about my living situation quite yet.  I have a place to stay for the first month (for free) and will hopefully meet another intern who I will live with while in Arusha.  Apparently, apartment hunting is too difficult to do from the States, so instead I am just waiting until I get there to figure it all out.  The apartments will come fully furnished which is a relief.  I won't have to pack too much "home-ish" stuff.  I think I might have already mentioned this, but I will be working in the Office of the Prosecutor in the Trials Division.  I'm still not sure what all that will mean in terms of job responsibilities and assignments; however, I think it sounds exciting and I am just glad to be going.  I have been in contact with two other interns who will be arriving the day before me and staying at the temporary housing as well.  One will be working in the Office of the Prosecutor but in the Appeals Division, and I am unsure of where the other will be interning, I think it is in Chambers. 

As I prepare, this is what I will be up to...
--seeing friends, boyfriend, family, etc.;
--buying "work" clothes that do not require dry cleaning (so much harder than you think);
--eating as much "American" food as possible which include large quantities of the following foods: cheesecake, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, pie, ice cream....actually just desserts in general, french fries, homegrown veggies from my family's garden, and anything that else that appears appetizing;
--and most importantly, attempting to pack a suitcase full of stuff that will be sufficient for four months of living abroad.  This is proving to be the most difficult.  I am trying to pack all that I need/require as well as  reminders of home such as photographs, notes, and other knickknacks.  I'll keep you posted on how this turns out.

On another note, I think it has finally hit me of all that I will miss while I am away.  It seems like I will be temporarily stepping out of my own life into another.  I have felt a lot of emotions during the past few weeks, mostly nerves but also a bit of sadness as I think of weddings I will miss, dances I will not attend, people I will not laugh with and hug for months.  It's bittersweet.  I think the next few weeks will be pretty emotional as I say goodbye to people I love and will desperately miss; but it's only four months!  I can do this. 

Anyways, I just wanted to give an update on the recent Africa developments.  Again, I appreciate all the love, support, and encouragement I have received from everyone!  Thank you!