I am FINALLY done with finals and feel like I have a few weeks to relax a little more before we take off. I am moved back into my parent's house and enjoying my mom's cooking (I also watched about 5 hours of TV yesterday just because I could...) and getting ready for the trip.

I am really excited to go to Africa; I can't believe we leave so soon! Despite to stress of packing (I am always a little nervous that I have too much or not enough, etc.) I can't wait until we leave.

Last summer I went to the United Nations on a trip with PLU as well and I was frustrated at talking so much about world issues but not getting to see them or have the chance to change them. I went into that trip with a lot of excitement because I am really interested in world issues and helping people in need in terms of humanitarian aid. I was really disappointed at the lack of passion I saw with some of the groups we met with and with the diplomats. In other words, it made me realize that a political body like the United Nations was definitely not the place for me.

I am looking forward to actually going to someplace that action is taking place in the world. I love people and I want to know what things are actually like in a country where so much has been happening in the past decades. I am excited at the prospect of learning more about South Africa's past and what they are doing in the present to solve real-world problems. I think this trip will be life-changing for all of us.