It seems that the dream is coming true and we will be off to Tanzania in early August of this year.  Our house is for rent, our sabaticals approved, we search for affordable airline tickets, Claire and Stella’s passport photos have been taken, birth certificates ordered and the appointment set with the health department’s travel immunization clinic.  The details feel daunting and exciting.  We’ll need to remember to register for our absentee ballots to be a part of electing Obama next fall!  I have the urge to get rid of stuff.  And to savor long, hot baths.  Claire and Stella were telling dinner guests tonight that they will have their 6th and 7th birthdays while we are away. How can it be?  Claire will miss first grade.  She told me the other day that she will be happy to help teach English, but she doesn’t think she can teach Spanish.  Hmh.  Stella mostly looks forward to learning African songs and dances and hairstyles and to wearing pretty sandals and skirts for a whole year!  No more shoving heavy wool socks into rubber boots for her.  aj