Are we there yet?

Distance between Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States and Nairobi, Kenya, as the crow flies:

8167 miles (13143 km) (7097 nautical miles)

Initial heading from Minneapolis to Nairobi:
east-northeast (60.0 degrees)

A few days from now, I’ll be on my way.

*boggle*

I might be crazy.

I don’t think it’s sunk in yet—but it has begun. Sometimes, I’ll be doing some paperwork or talking to my parents, and I just burst into laughter: “I’m going to Africa!” “Mom, I’m going to be a teacher!” “There are rhinoceri in Kenya! Cool!” In the past few weeks, my imminent departure has been difficult to fully confront. For me, it’s like the sun: you can’t look directly into the sun; you perceive it best by focusing on some point off to the side, or examining the shapes of the shadows it casts. For now, I’m trying to tackle my mini (but multitudinous) “to do” lists, gather the things I might take with me, and maximize the time I have with my family. It is a little overwhelming. And incredibly exciting! The next two years are going to be unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.

I hope to get to a computer once in a while to post updates on here. Emails and/or “snail mail” will be enthusiastically welcomed. Keep in touch!

With much excitement and anticipation in the midst of last-minute packing chaos,
Natalie ☺