Well, things seem to be panning out for the best here. Tomorrow I take off for Kigali first thing in the morning. I know--- or have an idea--- as to where I am staying my first few nights (thanks, Bryce). I have a LOT to get done in Kigali and in a rather small amount of time at this point because.... I heard from one of my contacts in Goma yesterday and it appears they were wondering when to expect me. SO.... it appears things are back in line with their original plan. I will do my best to get my visa and then head over to Goma for two weeks--- assuming everything goes accordingly, which they never do. My plans are to stay in Gisenyi (the Rwandese border town-- 5K from Goma) at night as I know more about the accommodations there at the moment.

Not a whole lot to update on. I feel very relaxed and at ease after my first three weeks here. Being around family has definitely helped, but being around Jessica the past few days has helped more than I could have imagined. She is just a wealth of information when it comes to fieldwork and bouncing things off her has done me a ton of good.

As far as other news, I kind of have a line on a job as well. Nothing serious just yet, but I have been talking back and forth with the NGO-- the IRC (International Relief Committee)-- and they seem more than willing to work with me on this. Still too early to tell, but hopefully things will blossom with it. It will all work out for the best no matter what happens though, so I am not too worried about it.

Jess leaves late tonight and I leave first thing in the morning. I feel very ready to go (much better than I did two weeks ago) and will touch base when I am in Kigali. Ta-ta for now...