DONATIONS* CAN BE SENT TO:

Eric & Laura Dahl
3014 47th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55406

*100% monetary donations will go towards medical/physical therapy supplies.

The Beginning

It's finally here. I have waited for this trip for 5 years. Time to put on some boots and get my hands dirty in international medicine and public health. I haven't been to an impoverished region in some time and I am excited to go. So very excited. Laura is preparing herself for a new adventure. What is it like living in a developing region? Will Charlie be safe? Will this be fulfilling and something to repeat in the future? Lots of questions for her now, and some stress. All good.

So, we are in the "planning" phase of our trip to Tanzania currently. Tickets are being purchased, itineraries are being set, immunizations are being planned out... Lots going on.

One wish we have for going to Tanzania is to not only learn while we are there, but to contribute back to the community. That is one goal for this blog, because I am not one to set something like this up just to write. We need your help, or more specifically the people in Tanzania could use it. Laura & I decided we were going to take supplies over to Tanzania. After talking with friends who have done this though, it is cumbersome taking physical goods across the world. It's better to take cash, and buy the supplies there. That's what we'll do. Any donations go 100% towards supplies that the hospital is in need of. We will take the cash with us, meet with the workers to find out their specific needs (antibiotics, latex gloves, tuberculosis respirators, immunizations, etc) and then buy it from the local pharmacies. This way we not only avoid costs in transport, we help the local economies of towns in Tanzania.

Another goal is education- for myself, family, friends and potential friends. As I learn more about the country, it's health care system, and public health/politics, I will try to share it on the blog. Hopefully the info will impress upon us all how much good we can do with a couple dollars thrown towards helping out, or getting involved.

Finally, we are always looking for advice, tips, deals, anything to help some novice globe trotting do-gooders stretch a buck or two. Maybe this is the seed that will grow a small non-profit some day that can effect some good. Mr. Hoffner , Mr. Bergman- I'm hinting at you two specifically...

Take care,
Eric