Pre-trip planning

This is the part of every trip that I absolutely hate. Whoa... wait... did I say "hate"? That is probably not strong enough of a word. This is the part of every trip that I loathe and abhor.

I once read a study that said people are actually at their happiest before they leave for a trip. This is because they dream of how perfect their vacation is going to be and that the reality of any trip could never live up to that lofty expectation. Not me. I really hate the weeks before a trip. The tedium of getting the necessary items for my trip all while still functioning on a rotation is exhausting. Not to mention the fact that the week before my trip is Match Week! (Little side note- I'm so excited about Match Day!!! I just can't wait to find out where I'll be doing my residency!)

As much as I don't like going through the motions, I know that if I just muscle through the things I need to do, I'll find myself on the plane to Kenya soon enough.

I even feel like I've really done my research when it comes to expect when over there. I've talked to Brian Cogburn and Michelle Cormier (who went to Kenya with the same program earlier this year... and had an absolute blast). They've talked to me about what I can expect. I've also poured over country-wide health statistics that compare Kenya to its neighboring countries including Uganda, which I am somewhat familiar with. I've done what I can to prepare myself. Yet I know that no amount of preparation can really get me ready to be in the thick of things for the month.

So, I have the countdown on my computer desktop ticking away, and as of this moment there are only 14 days, 0 hours, and 43 minutes until I'm on a plane for the adventure of a lifetime. (Never mind the fact that I plan to go on many, many "adventures of a lifetime".) This will be one for the books, and I'm ready.