I have received marvelous feedback on my Africa plans. Thank you so much. My fundraising efforts continue with a letter to Oprah in the works. National Geographic this month is all about Africa-so anyone interested in learning fun facts about that dark continent-give it a gander.

Hello Everyone. This is exciting...my very own blog. It is a bit intimidating to share your thoughts openly with whomever randomly lands on your blogspot. I've been hemming and hawing about what to say for days...as if I were composing an email to some guy I wanted to date. Now I'm tired of hemming and hawing and I'm going to dive right in.
I'm moving to AFRICA!!!! Those of you who read this and have known me for awhile will understand that is has been my dream for as long as I can remember to live and work in an African village. This year, for various reasons, the question finally rang clear in my mind- "what are you waiting for?" I didn't have a good answer...so I've decided to go for it.
The Global Volunteer Network works with an NGO (non-governmental organization) in Uganda called Grassroots Uganda. Grassroots has offered me a position as a primary school teacher in a small rural village in the hills of the Mukono district. I will be living in a room adjacent to the school-no running water or electricity but they tell me they might have it by January. I'm not that worried about the whole bucket shower thing but not being able to charge up my new ipod (i love my brother josh and his incredible generosity) gives me reason to pause.
Anywho, I need to raise $6350 to get there and live there for 6 months. I am asking for your help. I have raised approximately $600 so far. Thank you to Leila Parrot, Winnie (from the rivertrip), Pat (swing dancing whiz), Steve (my awesome whitewater boss) and family and Susan-a friend and mentor.
If you are interested in helping me get to Uganda, please email me at lnewth@hotmail.com. Any and all donations will help.