August 18, 2006

Wow, what a week! Now it is the eve before we leave. We are heading to Almaty tomorrow, and due to arrive early Monday morning, local time. We have scrambled all week to get ready, and I think we are almost there. It's hard for LeAnne and I to break away from work, but we now have a mission that we are determined to complete. We've invited family, friends, and co-workers to track our progress, so thanks to all of you who may care to check in with us. We are not sure what to expect technology-wise in Arkalyk, our ultimate destination, so we are keeping our fingers crossed that we'll have access to the 'Net and e-mail. I should be well prepared...I've never seen such a pile of gadgets I've accumulated to ensure comunication. Laptop, cell phone, GSM cell phone, digital camera, video camera, headset, Skype. Plus I believe we have packed an entire pharmacy. Anyway, the packing is almost done. We will do last minute things tomorrow, then head to the airport. Sans liquids and gels, natch.