The Final Countdown!

I leave for Ghana next Friday! It is still rather surreal, but very exciting and nerve-wracking just the same. I can't wait to see what is in store for me in a semester exchange program in western Africa. We're in the final stages of piecing together everything I'll need, and we finally committed to having a party the night before I leave.

All of my winter clothes and big fuzzy blankets are at my parents' house so I stand a better chance of not freezing to death when I return to Denver in December.

I've gotten the financial support of friends and family -- for which I look forward to gratefully acknowledging upon my return. (I hope to be able to include exciting stories and pictures with exceptional thanks) .

I have my mosquito bed netting, my vaccinations, my visa, my airline tickets, my water sterilizing system, and skirts and dresses (with pockets of course :) .

Now I just need to assess how to actually pack everything and jump through hoops to get the insurance company to cover the remainder of my malaria pills.

I think that's the most I have to say for now!

Look forward to more posts either shortly before departure or after arrival in Accra, Ghana!

Up-to-date

Many of you may have also seen my blog on WordPress. I thought I would give this site a chance as well and then we'll narrow it down to one or the other. Whichever seems to be easiest for myself and others to access.

So I jumped through all the application hoops for the International Student Exchange Program (or ISEP) back in January and February. Then I received information that I had been successfully placed at the University of Ghana but it had not yet been confirmed by the university. At this point, I have been confirmed at the University of Ghana and I am in possession of a round-trip United Airlines ticket for this upcoming Fall semester!

Once the plane ticket had been covered there were still plenty of expenses to come up with the funds for between now and August 6th when I fly out of Denver International Airport (or DIA) on my way to Accra, the capitol city in Ghana - which is a country in West Africa where I will be attending school for a semester.

Between covering additional meal and housing expenses, a cell phone for general and family communication, last minute vaccinations/pills (i.e. Malaria pills), and a visa. Due to the nature of an Exchange Program, I will maintain my status at the University of Wyoming as an Undergraduate in my Junior year and will be enrolled as a full-time student so I will be able to keep my scholarships and will not have to start making payments on student loans.

Fundraising is still a necessity. Donations are going to be a huge help at this point, but I would still love to have a spaghetti dinner fundraiser at some point or similar before I leave.

I think that basically brings everything up-to-date at this point.

I'll keep you updated.

Thanks for your support!

-Katie