bags are packed...no kidding this time

     So today we had orientation for South Africa and I have been going, going, going since I woke up. I have had mixed feelings of excitement, nervousness, and wanting to know a little more of what the heck we are gonna be doing for the next 3 1/2 months. After the (helpful, but long) orientation and 2 commissionings (one organized by study abroad, and one organized by nursing), I am ready to say goodbye California and fly across the Atlantic. :D 

    I also got fitted for a TB (tuberculosis mask), which was an experience in itself and too funny not to tell about! TB is very prevalent in SA so it is important that the mask fits properly over your face in order to provide a shield to your mouth since the disease is spread through the air. Well...my teacher sprayed a bitter spray at our face while we wore the masks in an enclosed shield to see if we could taste any of the spray. She then proceeded to have us read, turn our head from side to side, jog, you name it while spraying the spray at us, while we manage to look ridiculous throughout the entire process. Lucky for you all I got some pics which are for your amusement (note: my teacher's smiling, but these are not posed at all! ugh! I hate masks!) But don't worry, the mask fits well and so hopefully I will be TB free when I return :) 

  

    So my bags are packed (it's about the third time I've thought they were totally packed and ready)...but seriously, no kidding this time. I gotta meet the group in 2 hours and 45 minutes, so it's a quick siesta for me and I'm off!! Send me some virtual love! :D