I've been doing a decent amount of driving the last few days and it has given me time to contemplate my fast approaching trip and think about what I am most looking forward to, so I decided to put together a list because, well, lists are awesome. Some of these things a lot of people would think of as hassles which is probably why most people don't travel to Tanzania very often...
I'm looking forward to.................
- Not wearing make up for an entire month (or very little).
- Having crazy hair because I won't be straightening it.
- Having no cell phone and therefor be unable to text anyone.
- Having limited access to the internet.
- Having lots of time to read good summer books.
- Surviving on chai tea and veggies and other healthy things.
- Learning how to deal with food cravings.
- Walking to every destination within walking distance.
- Living by the ocean.
- Searching for awesome souvenirs for my family and friends.
- Deciding what personal belongings to leave behind in Africa so I have room in my suitcase to bring home these souvenirs.
- Being missed.
- Mastering the skill of going with the flow.
- Being barefoot as much as possible.
- Making new friends and hearing their stories.
- Using charades, smiling and laughing as a means of communication when there is no other option.
- Meeting Terri, Caito, their children, and the kids at their orphanage (hopefully!).
- Bringing them the much needed cloth diapers.
- Sleep deprivation.
- Learning how to live in a place completely different than anything I have ever known.
- Taking wonderful pictures.
- Weekend adventures.
- The opportunity to teach others as well as learn from them.
- A break from all this craziness to experience a different kind of craziness.

I'm sure there's a bunch of other ones but these are all that I can think of for now. In 72 hours I will be at the airport, hooray!