These things only happen to me....

So I finally went to get my tetanus shot yesterday. I have been putting if off because I hate shots. Now I know why. When I woke up my arm was a little sore, but nothing major. I went to work and my day went on as it normally does. It was not until about 9 AM that I started to not feel good, fever, chills, body aches. I eventually came home and slept most of the day and took some advil. To my surprise some people I know that got the shot had the same reaction, flu like symptoms. If there is a side effect to something, I usually get it. Doesn't my body know I do not have time for this! 

Earlier today my friend BFF Sarah emailed me and asked what exactly I was going to do while in India, so here is my schedule once I arrive there:

Day 1
Lunch with Madras School of Social Work
Shopping
Leaving for Bangalore

Day 2
National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Science Visit
Tour Bangalore and have dinner

Day 3
National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Science Visit cont.
Leave to go back to Chennai


Day 4
Meet with Systems of Governance in India
Visiting Madras School of Social Work
Tour downtown Chennai


Day 5
Visiting World Vision National Office
Visiting AIDS project of World Vision

Day 6
Leave for Dehli
sightseeing
Leave for Agra


Day 7
Visiting Taj Mahal

Day 8
Visiting a Rural Development Agency
Cultural program by College of Fine Arts


Day 9
Visiting Department of Social Work Bharathidasan University
Visiting a Rehabilition service for children affected by Cerebral Palsy
Visiting residential service for children


We are staying throughout India while I am visiting. The main purpose is to see how things are over there, what are their resources, how do they practice social work, what are their needs.

Ash

One week away, and an amazing dinner

Tonight my parents surprised me and took me out to a local restaurant for "my last meal" as I would call it. We went to Bobby's of New York, a new local place. It was very good. There were many laughs and even some tears. When I sit here an think that next week at this time I will be somewhere over the ocean, it just blows my mind. I think back to when I found out about this trip and thought of going, but said to myself I could never do it, well here I am. I actually considered skipping this trip so I did not have to miss my cheerleaders compete at Nationals, however Leigh Ann told me I was crazy. I continue to amaze myself and do things that I could have never imagined. The next week will be very hectic, considering my suit case is still not even out. I will check in before I leave next week. Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts. 

Ash

Two weeks away...

So I am new to this, but I figured this will be the best way for my family and friends to follow me on my trip to India. Thank you so much to my friend Sarah for setting this all up for me! Exactly two weeks from tonight I will be on a plane to India, I can not even describe all the emotions I have right now. I got home sick when I was 2 hours away at school, so not too sure how this is going to go. I hope this will be the trip of a lifetime.  I will try to write one or two more times before I leave, although I am sure things will be getting more hectic as it gets closer.

Ashely