The Melevolent Mosquito

I am now heavily fortified against any pests, viruses or horrible bugs that might attempt to do me harm in the tropical fecund environment of Sierra Leone. In fact, there is NO POSSIBLE WAY I can contract Hepatitis A seeing as I have now received a 2nd booster for the 2nd time. Hmm. Note to self: it pays to take one's immunization record with one to the travel clinic. Better planning required for next time. I will soon begin my weekly doses of Mefloquine which, although it may cause me to have paranoia, hallucinations, severe anxiety, or seizures and may not protect against all forms of malaria, is supposed to nonetheless protect me from contracting the life-threatening infection. Good news. I am advised not to use this drug for a condition for which it is not prescribed. I will bear this in mind.

Here's what Wikipedia has to say about malaria: It is naturally transmitted by the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito. When a mosquito bites an infected person, a small amount of blood is taken, which contains malaria parasites. These develop within the mosquito, and about one week later, when the mosquito takes its next blood meal, the parasites are injected with the mosquito's saliva into the person being bitten. After a period of between two weeks and several months (occasionally years) spent in the liver, the malaria parasites start to multiply within red blood cells, causing symptoms that include fever, and headache. In severe cases the disease worsens leading to hallucinations, coma, and death.

When I get to heaven I'm going to inquire about the original purpose of the mosquito.

Preparations Continue

I purchased my ticket today and have applied for another visa. It's really happening! I leave January 9 and will return (via London and a visit to my good friend Greta's) March 9. I have an appointment to handle malaria medication and have some travel insurance. Good stuff. I'm finishing up Miracle's Boys which is a sort of gritty YA novel that I'm thinking of using as one of the book club books. I think it will appeal especially to the boys. The other selection is The Giver. Loads to talk about in both these books. Especially interesting to get the take of African kids on the issues presented. Speaking of schoolish activities, I've put off grading quizzes long enough. Must get busy.

Preparing to go back to Sierra Leone...

So, it's Thanksgiving and I'm thinking about reasons to give thanks. I'll be heading back to Sierra Leone in a couple of months. At this point, I'm sending out my brochure and trying to figure out technological glitches re: PDF files and/or Word files. Hassle. Okay, back to giving thanks. I'm thankful that I can go to Africa at all! I'm also thankful for family and friends who support me and care about how this trip will factor into the future. I'm full of really good food so I'm having a hard time writing anything of real intelligence. More later.