Malaria and Typhoid

I finished the Typhoid vaccination (4 pills) last week.  Some people get really sick on them so I was really worried since my finals were last week.  I did not get really sick. One day I was a little queasy, but not bad.  Two days I felt some strong pain in my abdomen, but nothing I couldn't tolerate.  For those who have never had to take this medicine, you can take a shot or the 4 pills.  The pills are suppose to last longer and be more effective.  You have to take the pills every other day until you have taken the last one.  It is a live virus, hence the ability to make you sick.  Much better than getting Typhoid though.  

Anti-Malaria pills are going to cost 43.00 a month.  That is my cost after insurance.  It is also a pill that I take daily, starting a week before I leave.  I did a little research on Malaria since so many children in Zambia get Malaria, and we will be there during the rainy season.  It is an awful and devastating disease.  It can be treated for a little more than a dollar a day, and yet thousands of children die each year in Africa due to lack of treatment.

Cost?

Want to know how much it cost to go to Zambia?  Not too bad as a student, of course, there are hidden costs that I hadn't planned on.  I suppose seasoned travelers would not have been so surprised.

Here is a running list so far.  I'll update as necessary.  

$100.00 PassPort

$90.00 Hep. A - I already had Hep.  B and the other shots at the health clinic in Wabash were free.

$20.00 Flu Shot - (not mandatory, but strongly suggested)

$135.00 Doctor's Appointment and School Nurse Practitioner Appointment (required) - (includes typhoid medicine).

$500.00 Deposit on Plane ticket - (Balance of $2,000 paid for by IWU Alumni)

$90.00 Special all terrain sandals

Biggest shock of all was just received last week.  Unknown to me all the students going are still paying their room and board even though they will not be on campus.  Guess what that means to me?  Yep, a $3,500 bill that I did not prepare for.  Can you say, "student loan?"

I have no idea what a 3 month supply of Malaria vaccine will be, I'll keep you posted.  

Back to Research class stuff.

Getting to Know the Team

I was invited to breakfast today with Lindsay, one of the other students going.  She is an amazing young woman.  At 1:45 I visited with Brittany, another young woman going.  It was great to meet this equally amazing young woman.  I loved getting to know them, and I appreciate them for wanting to know me before we all live together for 3 months.  I can't wait to hear all their stories. 

Shots

How do those nurses sleep with themselves at night?  :)  Did you know if you are as old as me you need to have another MMR? Apparently, those of us born in the late 50's or 60's only received one shot instead of two.  Since I'm going to Zambia, I had the fun of receiving 2.  I had both arms feeling like lead weights.

Why Am I Going to Zambia?

The answer is very simple, God wants me to.  I have no idea why, but I am more certain today than I was when the whole process started last spring.  The whole thing seems like a dream.  It doesn't seem real yet.  I mean, I've never been out of the country.  I'm leaving for 3 months.  Leaving my family behind and going where communication may not be so easy.  I have my first ever passport, so cool.  I have shots, not so cool.  Airfare has been paid for (Thanks to God and some really nice IWU Alumni).  I've even bought a pair of Keen sandals, which I have been told is the only shoes that will do the job.  

I have met all the other students going.  They are an awesome group of young adults.  I'm looking forward to getting to know them better.  Other than our fearless leaders, Dr. Garner and his wife, I am the only nontraditional student going.  We have been meeting for prayer together, which has been the greatest thing ever.

More later.