Volunteering in Africa

I've convinced my mom not to drag me home... at least for the moment, on the condition that I call her every single day for the rest of the time that I'm here. That means, I'll probably update my blog almost every day, too (since I use Skype to call home, as most of you probably already know =D). Instead of spending $3,000 on visas, vaccinations, and plane tickets to attempt and drag your unwilling daughter back to the U.S., wouldn't it be more productive to donate that money to charity? I don't understand my mother. I told her, spending those $3,000 would be put to better use for buying mosquito bed nets for the children here in Africa. $3,000 would be about 1,000 bed nets! She didn't seem to take my reasoning very well. To my mom, all lives aren't equal, she'd probably rather save me than save 1,000 others. That I don't understand. I would willingly die to save 1,000 strangers.

In any case, because she's currently (rather suddenly) panicking about my stay in Africa, I decided not to tell her that I'm going to try and extend my visa. Instead of the end of December, I want to stay here in Mali until the end of January or February. I know this will probably mean I have to pay a ridiculous and grossly inflated/overpriced fee for changing my flight date... but I really want to do this. Not only will that allow me to travel around the area more, but also, after having survived malaria I feel that it is almost my civic duty to try and help others who have it or prevent others from ever getting it. I'm planning to somehow network with some charities back in the U.S., and maybe other countries if I can get a hold of anyone, to buy and distribute mosquito bed nets and help those with malaria get treatment. I know this will take a lot of time, energy, money... but this is something I feel I have to do. I think if I manage my finances correctly, I'll even be able to use my own money to buy a few thousand mosquito nets, don't you think so? I'm horrible with numbers, but I still try to see how I'm doing financially, so that I won't run out of money in the middle of the world =D. I can also continue to work with the educational charity program and teach children how to read and write. It will make me happy, I know it. To know that I made a difference in someone's life no matter how small, to have a positive impact no matter how frivolous the positive impact was, to make someone smile or laugh, to feel useful... these are the sources of my happiness. In helping others, I am helping myself find happiness... amazing this world, isn't it?

So yes, I know some of you want me to come back home and to see me during New Years... but I will be there in spirit, ok? I'll call you ;) hahah. Besides, I will go back (well, if McCain/Palin win, I won't) eventually and even if I never go back home to the U.S., I will see you all one day, whether it be in Sweden, Russia, Mali, Poland, Ghana, France, Slovakia, the Netherlands, Mongolia, Italy, Senegal, Germany, Spain... wherever in this beautiful, big but small world! I love you all and as always, I send you all my love, hugs, kisses, and best wishes from Bamako!!!

Today's Random Quiz:

Your Friendliness Score is 98 (Very Friendly)

You are an amazing friend. Anyone who has you as a friend is incredibly lucky. And judging by how many friends you have, there are many lucky people in this world! You can talk to people easily, and you often turn strangers into friends. You are also a good listener. You are there for your friends when they need to vent, without judgment. Overall, you have a genuine interest in people and their lives. And your friends can tell. Taking time for your friends is very important to you. And because of this, you have lots of deep and meaningful friendships.

How Friendly Are You?