This morning I took the first of four pills that will protect me from typhoid next month. I take one on an empty stomach every other day for 7 days. The typhoid vaccine is the second to last vaccine in the lineup. I’ve also had 4 shots, and will start on my malaria pills the week before I leave for Ethiopia.
Gearing up for this trip medically hasn’t been as bad as I thought. Only one of the shots gave me any side effects (the yellow fever vaccine gave me a nice little headache).
The kids were there to give me lots of hugs, kisses, and cheers as I got shots and they got lollipops. Not quite sure how that’s fair, but anyways…
People keep asking me if I’m getting excited for the trip. To be honest, it’s been really hard to wrap my mind around what is about to happen. Traveling to Ethiopia with Food for the Hungry and some amazingly incredible bloggers is so far outside of my normal reality that I have to keep reminding myself that it’s actually happening (getting poked in the arm is a good reminder).
When I think about the trip, some fears and anxieties threaten to kick in. The “what-if’s” try to take hold. I worry about being so far away from my family, I worry about the long travel days, the gluten-free food situation, my writing skills, my safety, the kids I will be meeting, my ability to represent them and FH well…
Then I take those fears and turn them into prayers. And God reminds me that He’s got this. When I started my relationship with FH, I had no idea that it would lead to this trip.
But He did.
If you have one minute and 55 seconds to spare, watch this intro on Food for the Hungry. If you don’t have that much time, click here to see some of the sweet faces up for sponsorship. For only $1 a day, you can make sure he or she has food, clean water, sanitation, medical care and a chance to go to school . . . all without fostering dependence.
Food for the Hungry (www.fh.org) from Food for the Hungry on Vimeo.
I’m so proud of you for doing this. I know it’s scary. I went to China years ago for a summer, but it was one of the most memorable moments of my life.
Mamavation is behind you dear! XXOO
Thank you so much for your support Leah!
I am excited for you to have this opportunity and I can’t wait to hear your thoughts while you are there and when you return.
Thank you Megan!
i’m right there with you on the fears, alysa… and i’m thankful i get to face them WITH you.
Me too Alece!! Me too.
Wow, What an amazing fulfilling journey you are about to embark upon. I can’t wait to hear about it when you get back. Safe travels!
Reminds me of when I went to Bangladesh and Pakistan in 1997. So many shots, plus malaria pills and dehydration tablets when we got there. That part of the trip wasn’t particularly enjoyable…actually I wouldn’t really describe any part of the trip as “enjoyable.”
Hard? Yes. Memorable? Yes. Worthwhile? Yes. Life-changing? YES.
Godspeed, friend. I can’t wait to follow your journey.
Amazing and inspirational Alysa! Another leap of faith!