July 17 is looming on the horizon. Its hard to believe that I will be in Mali by the end of next week. So, for the next week ill be trying to manage the sweet mixture of packing, partying, hanging out, reading, and anxiety attacks. Im contemplating a complete revolt against the packing list by taking only what I wear to the airport (and of course the goggles suggested by a family member to fend off the dust storms). I challenge anyone to convince me that goggles are not priority A when packing for a trip to Africa. Anyways, hopefully I will get to see all my friends before I leave, and if not, ill definitely be thinking of all of you when im finally in Mali. My goal for the whole experience is to immerse myself completely in the day to day life and culture of the community I am in, as well as maintaining contact with friends and family back home. As far as this blog goes, ill keep it updated as much as a computer illiterate person in a developing country can.