In the beginning…

…there were many stories waiting: to happen, and to be told. Some too fantastic to happen, and some too secret to be told, but all of them waiting.

I collect stories. I don't remember the beginning of my own, but I have the beginning of this one. It involves me, a twenty-year-old engineering student of no particular fame or fortune, traveling with a group of people I don't know to a strange and far-away land called Tanzania. Probably I will have no idea what I'm doing, undergo several small adventures and minor emotional crises as I struggle to adapt and contribute, and will eventually take my leave of my new city/friends/etc to return (alive) to my old and beloved home in North Carolina and live more or less happily ever after. Until grad school applications. =P

It has all the right elements of a good story, doesn't it? ;-) Most of you, I know, are too busy for the details. So I'm trying my best to consolidate for you. I presume that this has all the essential bits, and if any of the particulars prove inaccurate—if, for example, I die—then I beg pardon and I will designate a surviving representative to amend the story on my behalf. Although I don't think that version will sound nearly as good. *makes a face*

Ta-da! And I'm off! Three days and counting. Wish me luck!

Jara