Typhoid, hair and culture

Hey everyone!! So this week I really worked on getting things done and getting ready for my trip. On Wednesday I got two vaccinations- one for Typhoid Fever and one for Yellow Fever. On this coming Wednesday I have an appointment with my doctor to get the preventive medication that you take once a day to make sure you don't get Malaria. It is kind of weird to be getting all these shots- I mean, you here about these illnesses all the time but they seem so far away! I also learned this week that I will be in the same time zone as Missouri! Crazy! :) Vickie answered a lot of questions for me this week- I didn't write about all of them last time because I was feeling overwhelmed- thank you to everyone who left comments or sent emails- that was such an encouragement!! She told me that I needed to bring nicer clothes- I can't run around in jeans and a t-shirt everyday like I do here. She suggested kind of a step above my everyday clothes but a step below church clothes. So get ready for me to dress spiffy everyday! :) I also learned that I won't be drying or curling my hair at all while I am there- unless I decide to buy all new hair equipment there- which I won't, by the way! :) I am prepared to be all natural. :) There are a lot of cultural things that I will be learning when I get down there. I know that the first two weeks will be the hardest out of the whole trip- I will be having trouble understanding Spanish and be trying to find my place. But I know that through the whole experience God will be with me and He will be leading me. Someone asked me this week what was the thing I am looking forward to the most- without a shadow of a doubt it is hugging those kids. I just cannot wait to show them love, compassion, and caring. I want so much to be a blessing to them as I know they will be to me. Well, I am off to find some travel health insurance and to try to book a hotel room for my first night in Lima! Wish me luck!
love you all- janie