The Beginning of an Adventure Lay in Its Preparation

Today is Thursday, November 20, 2008. I have received a total of six vaccination injections in the past week, consisting of influenza, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, polio, tetanus, and Japanese yellow fever. I have also begun the typhoid vaccine which involves remembering to take a pill every other day for a week (not the easiest thing for a 20-yr old male). I had a bit of a cold for a day after the flu shot, but it was nothing compared to what I experienced last night. I believe that the culprit is the weakened-yet-still-live yellow fever virus injected into my left bicep. Immediately after receiving the shot, a cracked knuckle felt like a guillotined finger lit on fire. That sensation has persisted to a degree but has fortunately improved since the really indescribable feeling I experienced immediately after receiving the shot. Again I was impressed by the power of the "weakened" virus when I awoke at 5:56 am to the feeling that every joint that was slightly achy the day before felt like an independent entity yearning to separate itself from the rest of my body. I popped two extra-strength (vanilla-coated) Tylenol and urged my brain back into a peaceful dream. The rest of the day only brought on sneezing and headaches.

But it is all worth it. The excitement has been the strongest analgesic and the trip is coming together with hints of unexpected opportunities that may present while I am there. I can't end this first post without mentioning Maital and her husband Adam who have likely done more work to make this happen than I have, and my parents for letting me talk them into allowing me to do this. Much thanks to you all. I leave December 15th and I will update the blog when the next opportunity arises. The next post will tell you a bit about the travel plans and what I plan to do while I am there, and the next after that will hopefully be written from Mbale, Uganda!!!

-jtr