Arcadia in Arusha but No Wedding

Well, I've been accepted by Arcadia University's program in Arusha. I won't be near the beach but I'll be near Kilamanjaro with a much more moderate climate. Arcadia's program seems promising and based on the lack of contact I had through the Univ. of Florida's program in Dar es Salaam, I believe Arcadia is a better choice for study abroad. Unfortunately because the orientation in Arusha is mandatory, I'll have to miss Joe and Nyakio's wedding because of overlapping dates. Bummer! At least I'll be able to arrive a few days early and spend some time with the Wazungu from America and some of Nyakio's family (actually, scratch that, plans have changed....I'll be going straight from Nairobi to Arusha by bus when I arrive). Joe advised me that I should not jeopardize my study abroad by skipping orientation and I think he's right; it will save me a chunk of money too. I want to attend their wedding but I shouldn't risk getting off on the wrong foot with the program faculty. As everything overall is falling into place, I'm getting more and more excited and I'm realizing the reality of the fact that I'll be in Africa with a whole new perspective very soon.

Near Future

Sitting in bed anticipating the journey to come.  There is still a lot I have to do before I leave, and the waiting is the worst of all.  Africa is now very near and I want to make sure all my planning is complete well before departure.  Even though I'm right on track It feels like there is something else I'm forgetting to do.  All the paperwork is submitted and now I wait for acceptance letters, scholarship notifications, and get many shots. Ouch! Nevertheless, I'm stoked and I'm trying to let the idea set in that Tanzanian soil will be under my feet in the very near future.