Africa Bound!

I leave for Africa in four hours, and I couldn't be more excited! I am returning this year with four new teammates, and can't wait to show them the country and people I came to love so much on my trip last summer. I will be gone for 7 1/2 weeks, and will be working with several local organizations in Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa helping with the HIV/AIDS epedemic in the area. We will also be heading to Mozambique for two weeks with a local church in Durban to help with efforts the church has begun there.
Instead of sending out mass emails like I did last year, I plan to update my blog weekly with stories and pictures from our adventures. I would love to also get email updates from y'all. I am so excited to be going back to the region, and I can't wait to share all our stories wih you! Please keep our team and those we are working with in your prayers!

Congratulations to my Dearest Annie!

Since I haven't blogged in a while I have not gotten to properly congratulate my love ANNIE ROBERTS on her new status as a wife! So here's to you Annie and David! I'm so proud of you!

Wandering

So I have a new addiction to traveling! We are officially one month into summer and I have only been home a total of about 5 days. I can't seem to sit still. While three of my trips were planned ahead of time, Las Vegas, Florida, and New York, several of my other summer roadtrips thus far have been a product of my inability to stay in one place for more than a few days. I have always believed in following through with what you say you are going to do, but this summer I have taken that compulsion to a whole new level... and I have to say I am loving it! If I get a notion that going here or driving there might be fun, I go! While my roadtripping can't last too much longer as I leave for Africa in 20 days and counting, until then I plan to make the most of the Southeast's highways! I have a feeling that one of these days my energy is going to crash, but until then all I can say is "Bon Voyage!"

Here's a pictorial overview of some of my unique encounters during the past month's travels:


Las Vegas: The ceiling of the Venetian Hotel made entirely of handblown glass flowers!

Las Vegas: The World's Tackiest Chair

West Point, New York: Some very professional West Point tour guides

Greenwich Village, NYC: Some world famous Magnolia's cupcakes!