An update we received from a Mosotho (person from Lesotho, singular) who is working with Help Lesotho. It will give yuo a better idea of what we're up against, in terms of HIV infection rates. Heart-wrenching, to say the least...Joel and I will be living working with the people in Mahlekefane. *** "A lot has happened on this trip, more than I can say yet I'll do my best to describe it to you. Peter and Peggy [Help Lesotho volunteers] went ahead of me...

We're starting to get a few more details about our living arrangements in Lesotho. We'll be renting a mud hut (the traditional houses of the Basotho people) in Mahlekefane for a whopping $25 a month. We may have to share it with another volunteer, Shauna, for a few weeks as our time in Mahlekefane begins as hers will be ending. Luckily, she seems to be a lot of fun and it'll be great to only have to pay 2/3 of that crazy rent bill :) Apparently the hut is q...

Less than 40 days to go and the nerves are starting to set in. The hardest part of this trip is going to be leaving behind our Scooter cat. He has been absolutely fantastic lately; we figure that he's sucking up to us in hopes that we won't leave him behind. Don't worry, Scooter will living with in Sudbury with Jonathan and Kate, M's cousin, so he will be in good hands. Nonetheless, Scooter is being affectionate like never before. We are loving it, but it is...

We're one step closer to blowing this Popsicle stand. Last night we got poked in the arm and now have yellow fever coursing through our veins (cost = $125 each). Then we got our prescription for malaria pills (cost = $250 each). Then we bought our trip insurance (cost = $1142 total). The bills are starting! I could write some cheesy thing about the beauty of the trip being priceless, but I'll resist the temptation... So, now we're putting the final touches o...

Yes, it's true. The hair is gone. I had 12 inches to donate to make wigs for kids who have cancer! It means that there are very few inches left on my head :) Photos to come. In more exciting news, we've booked campsites for Kruger National Park in South Africa. And I also booked a HOT-AIR BALLOON SAFARI!! Well, we're awaiting confirmation, but availability shouldn't be an issue. Check out the official Kruger website: http://www.sanparks.org/parks/kru...