A little note from Corrine

Hello everyone!!! It’s Monday night and I think I’M ALL SET TO GO!!! I can’t believe it really, it’s been such a long time coming. All week I’ve felt so overwhelmed, thinking I have so much to do before I go, and that there was no possible way I’d get it all done. Alas, now all I have to do is wait, and second guess everything I’ve packed, inevitably repacking it several times. I think I’ll finally feel relaxed when I walk onto the plane. In the sensible words of my father and travel partner “whatever you forget you can just buy it there. They have stores in Africa too you know”… He is very wise.
I do have a few concerns. One being that I have the WORST passport picture ever. I don’t know how it happened (considering I process passports for my job) but it’s horrible. Combine that with my weight loss and I’m unrecognizable. I don’t think they’ll let me back into the country. I’ll try to post a picture of it so you can all vote on my chances, and it will make you all feel good about yourselves. I challenge anyone to show me a worse passport picture! =)
My other concern is that I really want to make sure I appreciate this wonderful opportunity I’ve been given. I really can’t believe I get to go to an International Convention. I want to really soak it all in and grow from what I experience. I’ve been told that it really is a life changing experience and it will be more amazing than I can even imagine. I know it will be. One way I’ve been preparing myself is I’ve been reading different experiences from our brothers and sisters in South Africa. I am truly moved by what I’ve read. The 2007 yearbook has a whole section on South Africa. Read it if you have the chance. After reading what our brothers have gone thru I am honored to attend an assembly with them.
I have only one thing that is making me feel a bit of sadness on this trip. It’s that you all can’t come with us. I’m not used to attending conventions or meetings without you! Because of that please do me a favor- check the blog, be a follower and leave us some comments. The only thing that can make this experience better is if we can share it with you! I truly mean that.
Two weeks seems like such a long time, but I know it will fly by. Thank you all for your excitement and encouragement for us. Talking to all of you gets me so excited for what’s to come. I’ll miss you!!!
Welcome to our journey!!!!!

An Overview

It began in December, 2007. Future International Conventions were announced at the meeting. Of course I immediately plan to apply. Then they announced AFRICA as a convention site. Are you kidding?! I have to go! After the meeting, I turn to Corrine – and before I have the chance to say it – she says “I so want to go to Africa!” Got the application from the elders that night. Corrine got a phone call from her mother “Corrine! There’s gonna be an International Covention in Africa! We have to go!” They’re in. Next day, set up a new savings account at the bank which would drain my checking on a regular basis with the hopes of accumulating enough to pay for the trip. Just made it. Two years later, the final payments have been made, vaccinations have been underway, and we are now the proud owners of more pairs of kakhis and cotton pants (and flat shoes!) than ever before – I think we are ready to go!

We can’t believe it is almost time. So many of you have been so excited for us, and so supportive of our plan, we really wanted to be able to share it with everyone. We will try to update it when possible with quick stories and/or photos. We plan on having a blast, and honestly, it’s never dull around here =) Please check back regularly and, when you do – make sure you leave a comment so we know you are out there.

For those who are curious, here is a quick synopsis of our itinerary, some with links if you are so inclined:
Dec. 3-4 - Leave from JFK – fly to Johannesburg, South Africa. 16 hours. Yes, 16 hours.
4 hour layover – then 1 hour flight to Durban.
Dec. 5-7 - Phinda Private Game Reserve in Zululand, Phinda Forest Lodge for Safari. http://www.phinda.com/Accommodation/forest.aspx
Dec. 7 - Leave Phinda Forest and head back to The Royal Hotel http://www.theroyal.co.za/ in Durban.
Dec. 8- Drakensberg World Heritage Tour http://www.drakensberg-tourism.com/world-heritage-site.html
Dec. 9 - Durban City Tour with uShaka Marine World http://www.sa-venues.com/attractionskzn/ushaka-marine-world.htm
Dec. 10-13 - Durban International Convention! http://www.rugby.com.au/venue/absa_stadium,_durban,1505.html/section/
Dec. 14 - Flight to Johannesburg. http://www.southernsun.com/SSH/VHB/d6ad77afe6449010VgnVCM1000001b3d17acRCRD/14/47
Dec. 15 - Johannesburg City Tour and South Africa Branch Tour. And hopefully this place: http://www.sanbi.org/frames/sisulufram.htm
Dec. 16 - Depart Johannesburg headed back to the US.
Dec. 17 - Home.