Off to the races

February is a packed month as far as work is concerned. Dr. Allen is here this week. Next week there is an audit by Clinical Laboratory Systems (CLS) as well as a visit from some of the IAVI folks. Then I have arranged that the GCLP audit, that was scheduled for that same week, be rescheduled for another time later this month of early March. It has been unbelievably frustrating working through the inventory issues in the lab. Support from the Emory side is non-existent. I guess they think those, 'can you tell me why this wasn't done' emails are helping? False

My Applications, that had been held up in a most ridiculous third party application site, were finally mailed to schools today. That is a relief and at the same time nauseating. I do hope that they favor with my application.

Mom and Dad sent a couple a packages in the mail a couple of weeks ago so Kahler and I decided to go on a hike to go and pick them up yesterday. It was a nice walk to the south end of Freedom Road where we have time to talk about things other than work. Though walking along the great north the traffic noise makes it such that we are really just yelling at one another.

We got to the post office and I handed the fella one of my old SRPH business cards on teh back of which I had scratched down the tracking numbers that Pa had emailed. After about ten minutes a man walked in from the back with two packages. He sat them down and the woman that we normally deal with had us open the boxes in front of her. Uncle Bill's leatherman made quick work on the packing tape and I feasted my eyes on a bounty of delicious American food, mac and cheese, granola bars, gummy worms, and lots of other little goodies. Once she said ok, we walked over to the other counter, paid the 6500 holding fee. We walked over to the benches and repacked the content of our packages in our backpacks and headed out.

I would like you to notice something very important here. Do you recall the time that I made that trip to the Post office twice? It was because I forgot my passport. We were not asked at any point for our passport this time. Thanks, Zambia, I guess I needed the exercise.

When walked out of the post office and turned north to head home we looked into a dark sky that promised that we were not going to make it home dry. It made good on that promise and for the better half of our trip we were two drenched muzungus making our way back to Emmasdale. My water proof bag held up like a champ and even though I was soaked to the teeth my goods were safe and sound. Thanks again mom, dad, and Becca! Those packages do stacks (South African for lots and lots) to get me through over here.

Tonight I went to a small group at Clay and Erin's house. They are the ones with the munchkins that think that my body is a jungle gym. It was very interesting. I think for now that is all that I can say. I don't know that the leader, a fella names Manie (said with a long 'a' like, Monie), and I are on exactly the same page. I will give it another go though and see where we land. The next topic should be pretty revealing.

It is February, I honestly didn't know if January was ever going to end. I will be talking with Dr. Allen this week about future plans and whether or not I am going to renew my contract. Those of you that know me are well aware of my answer there. I need to get crackin' on this PhD stuff. And, of course, I miss family and loved ones very much. Next time I take a year contract overseas I will be dragging someone else along with me.

I am sorry that posts have been fewer. Going to try and get back on the ball, writing blogs helps me focus on the good things, even after those days where everything seems to have gone wrong.

I hope that you are all very well! I am managing just fine over here though it will be a rough couple of weeks ahead, I can't rely on my own strength to get me through. Week's like these are a wonderful reminder that I need to lean on the Lord for guidance and wisdom.

All is pretty ok