Day in the Life of a Pin Cushion

I finally have a handle on all the immunizations. I needed immunizations for Hepatitis A & B, Japanese Encephalitis, Typhoid, and Polio. Turns out the CDC says there is no fear of Yellow Fever in Sri Lanka but I had to pick up another polio shot. Most all Americans have had one as a child but if you are traveling to certain countries as an adult another should be had. This one, however, will last the rest of your life.

I received 4 pills to be taken every other day for the Typhoid. This will last about 5 years. The J.E. is a series of 3 shots. I received the first yesterday, with the second in a week and the third in 2 weeks. The Hepatitis shots are combined and is also a 3-series shot. I got the first with the second in a month, right before I leave, and the third in 6 months. These will last forever as well. Though I won't complete the series before I leave it's ok. Hepatitis A is good after 2 shots but B isn't 100% until the 3rd. However, just having it started for the first 2 shots is usually enough to ward off any serious illness. Cost of 4 pills and 3 injections, $357. The remaining 4 shots will be about $400.

I also received 2 prescriptions for the trip. One is for a tri-pack in case I get sick while away. This is an anti-biotic that is a 3-day course. Quick and powerful. The last is my anti-malarial medication. I take it once a week for 8 weeks. 1 week prior to leaving, the 3 weeks total I am gone, and for 4 weeks after I've returned. Phew! I've never had so much medical attention. Makes you wonder what it would be like if you actually contracted one of these. No thanks, but I'm glad it's mostly over.

We're everywhere

This has been an informative week if not a productive one. I've been hearing from other volunteers from around the country as they find the site. This is something I'm not surprised by but I wasn't expecting so quickly when it first went up. It's certainly great to hear from others with the same doubts and questions. We are blazing this trail together because the tsunami tragedy is bringing out a lot of first-time volunteers I'm gathering.

I've heard from a Neuropsychologist in San Francisco traveling to Indonesia with a different group who had a difficult time offering his professional medical services to relief agencies due to not having a 10-year record with trauma work. So, he too, is joining a private group in order to help however he can. Good luck Chris! There are several other people going or currently with Global Crossroad who have written, and a few well-wishers and independent tsunami fund-raisers in Hong Kong offering their home to me if I needed a stay-over there. It seems I won't be flying through Hong Kong so unfortunately I will have to say thank you for the generous offer but I'll have to catch you, MK and Nisha, my next time around.

My flight will be leaving on March 27th, Easter Sunday, from Nashville to L.A. or S.F. where I catch a midnight flight to Taipei, Taiwan then another plane to Bangkok, Thailand, and finally a fourth plane to Colombo, Sri Lanka. I think the total time in the air is about 24-hours plus with the change in time zones I actually leave on Sunday but arrive on Tuesday. This will give me a few days before our April 1 start date to catch up on sleep and get familiar with the area. I need to thank Sandra for putting all my flights together for me, so thanks Sandra!

Tomorrow I'm headed to Nashville for my immunization shots. I have no idea really if this is a one time deal or the first stage of several. I'll know soon enough.
-Chris

Pack in Hand

After a brief but very productive stop at The Outdoor Experience in Cookeville, I am now equipped for the trip. A new lightweight but roomy backpack and summer sleeping bag have me ready for anything the road may throw my way. Seth at The Outdoor Experience was great in helping me with selecting just the right pack and bag. When they learned what it would be used for I was given a nice discount! Seth told me to bring back pictures and I said I'll do you one better.

If you're looking to get outdoors this Spring with a nice hike or that camping trip you've always wanted to take, check out The Outdoor Experience at 136 South Walnut Avenue in Cookeville. Their phone is 931-526-4453 if you need directions or just click on the link for their site and map. I've bought my other camping gear from them in the past and have always been treated as a friend. You'll be happy you stopped by. Ask for Seth or Sam the owner and they'll gear you up right. Thanks guys!