Where we are right now

A lot of things have taken place since we made our decision to start on this journey to Tanzania (TZ). We were provided a very lengthy to-do list by the CDC. Here are a few of the things we have been able to check off our list:

1. We have all completed our required medical clearances. For Mike and I, this involved a trip to the CDC's medical clinic. We each had a full physical from the clinic doctor as well as blood work, TB skin tests and updating any necessary vaccinations. The kids were able to see their pediatrician, who had to fill out paperwork and provide copies of their vaccination records. Each child also had to have blood work done and Sadie had to have a TB skin test.

As far as vaccinations go, we had to have the "usual" stuff, which we were all up to date on. Since Mike will be traveling to rural areas in TZ, he also got the recommended rabies vaccine. It was also recommended for Sadie, in case she were to approach a stray animal. However, we opted to pass for her at this time. At her age, we do not plan to let her out of our sight. And she does not typically try to pet animals she is not familiar with. If we change our mind at a later date, then she can be vaccinated at the Embassy clinic in TZ. The only required vaccine for entering TZ is Yellow Fever. Mike and Sadie were both vaccinated. Thankfully neither of them had any side effects from the vaccine. Cash and I are both exempt at this time (me because I am breastfeeding and Cash because he is younger than 9 months). We will both be vaccinated in TZ at the appropriate time.

2. Mike completed his security clearance. This was an arduous process for him. Not only did he have to fill out a LONG application, he also had to undergo a face-to-face interview. Some of you even received questionnaires regarding your relationship with Mike :)

3. We have applied for our diplomatic passports. We all had to go to the CDC's passport office, complete applications, take pictures (always fun) and swear that the children belong to us. We should receive our passports in a few weeks. We were kind of excited to find out that we would be traveling under diplomatic passports. We aren't really sure what all that entails, but we are hoping that it will get us through the customs process a little quicker.

4. Mike is required to take several classes before our move. Some are available online and others are in Atlanta. He has been working on these classes since mid-Feb and will be done by mid-April.

5. We have been assigned to house! The US Embassy will provide us with a fully furnished house. All Embassy families live on the peninsula in Dar (our city). We received word last week that we have finally be assigned to a house by the Embassy housing board. The house is in a compound of 3 homes. We have been told that it is a relatively new house with a pool (shared by all the homes in the compound). We are very excited about the pool which we are told is uncommon to find in Dar. The house is 2-story. The ground floor has a living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom and office. Upstairs is 3 bedrooms and a bath.

The house is currently occupied by a man who is returning to the states in April. The Embassy has a 3-4 week turn around time on the homes. After someone moves out, they go in to paint, clean the house and do any necessary repairs. We've already been warned that we might be in temporary housing when we first arrive. We are very hopeful that if this does happen, that it won't be for very long.


The things still pending before we depart:

1. We are waiting for the CDC to put us in touch with our moving company. We have been told that they will completely pack the house for us. We then identify what will be shipped by sea, what will be shipped by air and what will be sent to long-term storage. Although I am not exactly looking forward to that process, I am glad that I don't have to pack the house.

2. We are going to be taking our dogs with us. Before they can travel, they have to have their own "medical clearances" (ie. International Health Certificate completed by our vet), get a microchip implanted, have a recent rabies shot and be fitted for an appropriate carrier. We are doing most all of the vet stuff next week.

3. We have to tie up some loose ends with our bank, our insurance company and our attorney.

4. And one of the biggest things we are waiting on is a definite move date. We have been told it will be sometime during the first week of May. I think a lot of things will fall into place better once we have a date set. After that, we will be able to make arrangements for our plane tickets.


Some days it feels like we have accomplished a lot since January. And other days it feels very overwhelming at what we still have to do before May. I know it will all get done eventually though.

For your amusement before you go....our mug shots: