Let's pretend we're old friends

...and I will update you on "what I'm up to."

This is the "old friend" or "old family member" conversation that we all (sometimes fortunately, sometimes unfortunately) experience. This won't be awkward, I promise.

This is actually super convenient since I have super awesome news! (Yeah, yeah, yak, yak, I initiated this conversation, but hey).

I've been sort of floating for a couple weeks now, because I found out I'm going to need a passport very soon. In February, I applied for a faculty-led study abroad adventure in Kigali, Rwanda; in mid-March, I learned that I have been accepted into the program. I am still floating.

This is unbelievable for numerous reasons: One, I have never been out of the country (except for fishing in Canada, where, I'd like to mention, I caught the biggest fish), and two, the itinerary for the program is breathtaking. It's odd to describe an itinerary - a schedule, yuck - as stunning or inspiring, but this itinerary is the X factor.

In summary: We are going to spend 3 - 4 weeks in Kigali to attend classes (mine will be gender studies) and explore the post-genocidal society. We will each be responsible for an internship that is relevant to our interests and studies, and then produce a final project based on our experiences at said internship.

As far as my big plans go (remember?), this experience will be - to use a horrible metaphor - a very important canister in fostering the seed.

Now, to obtain the canister. See, I'm paying for this trip with out-of-pocket cashola, and I'm being creative, but I'm suddenly at a loss for ideas...and now is when I shamelessly (is this illegal?) ask for any input for generating travel funds. Any ideas?

Well, I'm done yak yaking on this topic. Thank you (absolutely thank you) for any input.

Yanna