Pretty much ready to go

Well, I'm pretty much ready to go  ...got my last vaccination (out of 6) and my tuberculosis test out of the way.  All that's left to do is pack my bags, go pick up some clothes at Oakley (they agreed to give me as many samples as I could fit into my bag!) and Mikey and I will be on our way.  Everyone has been asking me if I'm nervous because the departure date is coming quickly..  For the most part, I've been too busy getting ready for the trip, working on the website and trying to raise money to be getting nervous.  But every now and then, I take a step back and think about the journey we are about to embark on and it does make me feel a bit anxious.  I have very little idea of what to expect about how things are going to be in Meru, how I will feel once I get there, how many hurtles we'll have to overcome to accomplish our goals, how the community over there will affect me and how I will affect them...

I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS IS ALL COMING TOGETHER!

First, I would like to thank Iannick for all the efforts he made to get this website online. All the late nights and weekends he put in are greatly appreciated. I also what to thank Jeff and Janine for their help with the editorial content.

This very website is the proof that together, we can achieve whatever we set out to do. A few months ago, all of this was only ideas shared between a few friends. At first, we were just talking about going to Africa to help out IPI for a few weeks. As we were talking about raising money and getting organized for the trip, we all felt like what we were doing should go beyond the Kenya trip. Ever since we decided to launch Alpine Initiatives, everyone we've come across has been encouraging and more then happy to get involved and contribute. It's been truly amazing to see the desired people have to help others. This project has already given back to us in different ways, wether it's reconnecting with friends or learning new things. We can only hope that everyone who gets involved along the way will also feel like they got something out of it.

Helping out with the Animi Community Home with IPI will be the first of many projects to come. With this journal you will be able to follow us through our journey.

Thank you.