16 days...

As our trip nears, I am getting more nervous by the day. Today is t minus 16 days until take-off. I am *hoping* that everything will fall into place very shortly. Last week, I had a series of melt-downs, and anyone who knows me, knows how often I get into melt-down mode. Unfortunately, the OIE (Office of International Education) has been less than forthcoming with information about our trip. There has been minimal communication between their office and us (the students) which is currently causing a significant amount of stress. Mostly, this is related to the financial strain that the trip is causing; for both us as students, and our families, who likely will have to absorb the excess cost. The trip, which is still in planning stages (and yes, you read earlier that we are leaving in 16 days), is likely well over our "proposed budget" from last fall when we signed up for the clinical trip. At the time I signed up for the trip, airfare for a round-trip ticket was in the $900-$1,200 price range. Last Wednesday (with a final payment deadline of May 7th...this Friday), several of our group approached the OIE for our final cost. To our dismay/disbelief/hysteria our final cost is still unavailable. So....I'm still writing a blank check. This news did not sit well with our group, and we *finally* pulled out at least the airfare cost: $2,236. Yes, that is a full $1,000 over budget on simply the airfare. Obviously, this is quite concerning, as the airfare is only part of the cost. We still have to hear about our lodging arrangements, meal plans and traveling from point A to point B while in Uganda. After long conversations with both parents, they have reassured that we will "make it work". This whole ordeal last week was disappointing for me for many reasons; primarily since I have been saving for this trip for months, working 2 jobs, up to 60 hours per week, and I still might fall short of the total cost. I am praying that the trip will magically become more affordable, the closer that it gets to our departure date. Until then, I will continue plugging away at saving every penny and working nearly every day. Oh, and to add to the stress of everything, final exams are just around the corner. Less than 24 hours around the corner, to be exact. I am reminding myself constantly to take *deep breaths* and that seems to temporarily alleviate the stress. I dropped my prescriptions off at the pharmacy, and had my blood pressure checked...156/88. YIKES. Well, it explains the tremendous headaches I've been getting recently. But, one positive, is that I now have all of my medications for travel! And, I promise to update again as soon as I hear any news!

P.S. I just want to say a very HUGE thank you to my wonderful family, friends and coworkers, who have gathered around me to show support by collecting donations, offering a sympathetic ear for me to vent and reassuring me that everything will work out. Without all of your help, I would not be who I am today, and I would not have this amazing opportunity awaiting me. I love you all :)