Meetings

Today we had another meeting about our trip. A couple of people talked to us today that went on a trip to this orphanage this past year - a dentist and his wife. They gave us some insight into what to pack, what to expect, etc. Both of them had a wonderful experience. It's hard to get a real feel for exactly what we'll be doing. The area / orphanage that we'll be going to (there is a team of about 15 people I think) has a doctor that comes in about once a month. My impression is that we will be basically running a clinic for kids in the orphanage and in the community and treating whatever we can. We all get 2 checked bags, which Ada Bible will use to pack medical supplies. All we can bring for our clothes, etc is our carry-on bag. Yes, it will be LIGHT packing. It will be their summer season when we are there -- between 80-90 degrees during the day; 70 degrees at night. Right now, as were are having snowy, cold dreary weather, that sounds simply heavenly!

Flights are being booked this week - but, it takes about 24 hours to get there. We have a connection from Grand Rapids to Detroit. Then, we have about an 8 hr flight to Amsterdam. From there, we have another 8 hr flight to Nairobi, Kenya. We'll stay there one night, then drive to our destination (about 2 hrs I think) in Denali (I think). Please forgive all the "I think" notes -- it's a little hard to know all the details when it is all being planned and organized by someone else!

Things I'm told - we will have no phone or internet. There will be a phone that the church sends along for emergencies. We will have good accomidations - private to semi-private rooms with bath. No hot water though. Cold showers - although, that might feel good after a warm day! On the day before we come home, we will have the oppertunity to go on a safari day trip out of Nairobi (and Sarah and I will for sure be going on that!). I'm told it is an amazing experience and I can not wait to go!