87 Days Until Departure - The Luggage Dilemma

Just as quickly as it shipped, it's being returned.  Today, day 87, marks the day of the luggage dilemma.  I am thinking, if it is this easy for me to hide behind the luggage bag that I ordered...it is likely too big!  I tried to put the bag on my back and it was so big that I couldn't bend my knees while wearing it. 

I am going to Ghana-I don't need to pack everything AND the kitchen sink.  Thankfully  my flight itinerary doesn't require that I pack myself in the bag.  Seeing that both of these are the case, this bag is just plain too big!  It is a lesson learned and TRAVEL TIP-It can be hard to order luggage online without a frame of reference for size.  Be sure to order from a company with a liberal return policy.  I found Sierra Trading Post to have decent bags, with a great price, and a wonderful return policy! 

The new bag is already on order and should be here soon.  Hopefully it will be more fitting-quite literally! 

97 Days Until Departure - Fundraising is Baffling!

There are less than 100 days until my departure to Hohoe, Ghana.  Measuring anything in parcels of 100 can give you all kinds of different impressions.  100 pennies - not so many, 100 Ferrel cats - whoa there,  now that's a lot!  When quantifying the days as less than 100 the overall effect is that I'm struck at how quickly the time is going.  In a little over 3 months I'll be starting out on the adventure of a lifetime!  I am traveling with a non-profit organization called Cross Cultural Solutions (based out of New York State).  They ask that volunteers and interns pay a program fee (this program fee does not include costs that come directly from the traveler including airfare, passport, visa, travel equipment, phone and Internet, and general additional free time expenses) that helps promote sustainable long-term volunteer/intern presence in the area.  All sponsorship contributions made on a traveler's behalf are tax deductible and we are encouraged to fund raise.  I have to admit, I am at a lost as to where to start!  That is my challenge for this week.  I am considering doing a bowling fundraiser and a direct appeal to local companies that we patron.  Any other ideas?  Anyone interested in helping to plan an event?

If you're interested in supporting my trip to Ghana and sustainable long-term volunteerism in the Volta Region to benefit local women, children, and elders in the community please visit my sponsor page.  All sponsorships are tax deductible.  I cannot thank you enough for following my adventures and for the generosity that you as friends have always shown myself and our communities. 

https://my.crossculturalsolutions.org/Sponsor/SponsorshipPercent.aspx?PageId=P1_T6&FName=Theresa&LName=Taylor&username=ttaylor

Many Blessings, Theresa

106 Days Until Departure - My First Passport!

It's official!  I received my very first passport.  It's fresh, neat, and clean and ready to be stamped for the very first time!  One step closer to the big trip!