Preparations for preparations in the works, or something

I leave for Africa in 4 days. 

Maybe I should start thinking about packing? Okay, no, in all seriousness I have already started ... thinking about it. Clothes have been considered, lists have been made in my head or downloaded from packing sites. There's a site that I used last summer for my visit to my French family called onebag.com that's got great tips on packing light. However I have a sneaking suspicion that this upcoming trip might be a little different from a 3-week vacation in France. 

So I'm freaking out. I mean, my attitude about the whole adventure toes the line somewhere between excitement and full-on panic. Today I spent a three hours reading other blogs by students who've previously studied abroad in Dakar, and now I think that might have been a bad idea. But honestly I couldn't help myself; my inner-Planner wanted to be prepared so I went into research-mode and couldn't stop. 

I know this is going to be a fantastic experience and I'm just going to leave it at that. So far, thinking about all the unknowns has been awfully unproductive- not to mention, it gives me a headache. 

Anyway, this blog is a way for me to keep in touch with all of you out there who are freaking out too [Mom ;-) ] or just plain curious. I'm not sure how often I will be updating, as I have no idea what the internet-access options will be like. But I will do my best! Anyone can comment, so feel free (later on when it gets more interesting)! I hope to be posting pictures as well when I get a chance! 

Thanks for stopping!