Hello! I have safely reached Tz, had a one night layover in Ethiopia and as soon as i got here i joined the TIYO (Toledo International Youth Orchestra) in Zanzibar for their tour and to ensure the logistics I had planned were all set. Of course there were a few problems- but everyone including the doctors from the medical mission who did not go onto Malawi should be home safe and sound now! The tour was very exciting, the performances went amazingly well, the medical mission was highly successful and everyone remained healthy and safe- which were my main concerns. If it had no been for David, my friend from Tanga who organized much of their tour, it would have been a mess. I hope everyone is doing well now back home!

On the topic of this tour, my previous posts were all censored and p.r. friendly to ensure that none of the parents or other tourists worried about their journey here. I purposely left out a lot of what was happening to me personally in order to make sure it was diplomatic and did not damage any relations or make anyone about to travel here fearful of the unexpected.

In coming here originally, I was mislead about numeorus things. Luckily though, and with the help of many good people here and support from those of you at home with which i am close to, I made it through and actually on top now that j have secured a paying job! After finding out what I know now and from watching the actions of select individuals during the tour- i can see that i was way too trusting and naive. This error on my part will not happen again and I do not wish to facilitate those who are interested only in their personal gain.

From henceforth- i will be posting interesting stories, cultural interactions, new adventures, and general information about how i am doing here and how working here is different from volunteering! These posts will be straightforward and uncensored- letting you know how it really is and how i am doing! I expect that it will be much more interesting and entertaining than my previous posts!

I must say that while I was home- I was most fortunate to spend valuable time with my family and friends! I enjoyed sitting and talking with my mother over my favorite meal- grilled cheese and tomato soup, going to wal-mart together and for walks at the lake! I had an awesome time with my dad and driving to Washington, D.C. to make my flight- almost running out of gas like a previous adventure we had together! Spending time with my sister in Cinncinatti and getting to visit with her and my nephews Tobi and Oliver was the highlight of my brief time home! My sister is superwoman and her two children are more full of life and excitement than any other kids I've met to date!!

Tim, Pat, and Shannon- I had so much fun with you guys in Charlottesville!! Seeing Pat's police officer's badge and his stories of the Dallas ghetto beat, Shannon's intense job at Walter Reed and how she's an amazing nurse, and Tim with his stories of the adventure club he is in, kayaking, rock climbing and the journey to Germany were all great times I think of often!

Seeing Renee and Tyler and Maureen and Samantha was too short!! We only got to see each other for a few hours, but it was so nice to see their children growing and happy! I love hearing stories about life in Texas- I will surely come for a visit next time I am home and maybe we can compare the safari there to the safaris here :) I hope everything is going well with you guys as you are very busy!!

Salvatore- Listening to how grad school is was awesome. im so happy your challenging yourself and your new work is a testament of your progression! I was so happy to meet Erica and talking with you was too short!! We will have to keep emailing each other :0

Dijson- Thank you so much for coming to visit me in Cinci- walking and talkin with you was so nice and the depth of your words hits me deep- thanks for your email.

Dan- I better see you here soon! Thanks for the Buju Banton cd, i'm rocking it here!

Stevie- i hope it's getting better for you and that the stressful times will soon be over! I hope ben had a nice birthday!! It was great to see you and I hope I get to see you again soon ;0

Dale- words dont cut it...im glad we get to txt...hope your shoulder is feeling better soon and that work isnt giving it to you too hard.

My time on the puter is up. heading to nairobi today then UAE later. I will post in the next few days!! I hope you are all well and doing good!!! I MISS YOU

Rachel