Just a bit of perspective …

Spinal meningitis – already immune
Yellow Fever vaccine – check
Polio booster – check
Typhoid pills – half-way through the cycle
Malaria prescription – filled

Well, looks like I’m on my way to Africa! I’m so excited for this life-changing experience, and lets face it, the change in perspective is already happening.

While I was sitting in the nurses’ office contemplating the challenges in my life and treading those deadly waters of self-pity, I was given a peak at what life is like for so many in this world. Deadly diseases are a part of everyday life. Hunger, sorrow and pain is a daily occurrence for millions of people.

So here is a little reminder of just how lucky we all are! Next time you take a drink of water, marvel at the fact that you don’t even think twice about the diseases you may get from it. Next time you get a bug bite, instead of being bothered by the nuisance, be grateful your life isn’t at risk.

And on a lighter note…

The nurse told me that the malaria medicine makes your skin even more sensitive to sunlight – sunburn here I come! My classmates are already starting to make fun of how much I’m going to stand out.