Family Support

It is down to two weeks and the great family support has been very touching. Here's a toast to my family, my Mom, my brothers, sisters and their families. Each one of you have been a huge help to me in preparing for my trip. Mom, I know you are concerned about my decision to go to Africa, but I also know you are very, very proud of this journey. I have become stronger mentally, physically and emotionally, than I have ever been. I owe some of that to you and the other strong willed ancestor women of our family. I love you so much, I'll be careful and I will wear the LOCKET with pride. I have a picture of you and Dad, in one side and a photo of Brykn in the other. I owe you and Dad everything and Brykn is my everything. Don, even though you are gruff and tough on the outside, you're pretty soft on the inside. Your greatest advise, "Don't get eaten by a tiger" and "the only person you have to run faster than is the last one in line" I don't really plan on getting eaten by a tiger or a lion, but thanks Don for the advise. Jeannie, you have listened to my excitement and read all about my plans with as much as excitement as me. You have hiked with me and offered help with anything I have needed. I will take a part of you with me, especially on the Mt. However, I probably won't see a moose, but I will take photos of what I do see. Jacquie, I know with this life changing journey, you have picked up some of the slack with taking care of Mom when I have been either working or training, thanks! Steve, your pep talks with "You can do it Laur!" mean so much to me, it's nice to know someone believes in me. I've tried to have your enthusiasm for life throughout this entire process, however, I don't know if I'll have your gift to gab to everyone I met.
Doug, Your patience and taking care of Mom, when I've been busy has been a great help for me. Though I know you wonder why I want to climb some Mt, just to say I did it. I, really think however, your amazed at my determination to do so. Oh and I love it when you shake your head in total bewilderment at this crazy plan.
Kelli, Toni, thanks for words of encouragement for the old gal. All I can say is "this one's for the girls." Old girls, young girls, girls in our heritage who passed on tenacity, drive and attitude. An attitude of don't tell me I can't do it because I'll prove you wrong. I can see the same attributes in Reese, she is already a fighter at four pounds.
For everyone else, Thanks I hope I have made you proud to say I'm a member of the family.... I love you all far more than I often say.

Sure Do Love Ya!

Just think three weeks from today and I'll be on the plane headed from my second stop, Amsterdam. The closer it gets to my departure, the more nervous and possessive TJ gets. So today I tip my hat to my Buddy, of twenty years. I really think TJ thought I was just kidding and would not go through with my life changing journey. TJ should know me by now, but sometimes he doesn't take me serious. So when I told him I was going to Africa, he replied WHAT! Then it was, "do you know how far away that is, and what if something happens to you?" TJ and I have done so much together and have enjoyed being best buddies. Though I am going alone on this trip he will be with me all the way.
TJ has been a great help to me in hiking with me and encouraging me to keep going. Just today he sent me a text message, that said; you're my hero Mom, I sure do love ya! TJ, little do you know, but you have been my hero since you were in the third grade, when you were diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Over the years you have displayed extraordinary courage against a life changing disease, encountered rude comments from others, and taught so many about bravery and compassion and you have done it all with a smile. In the dictionary the meaning of a hero is; a man of distinguished bravery, that is you TJ.
As the days grow closer for this wonderful experience, I want to say THANK-YOU, TJ, for all you have taught me about being brave, having courage to go after my dreams, and to see the good in everyone. Oh and I sure do love ya too.
Though I know you haven't really said it, I know you are proud of my determination, my dedication, and my compassion towards this journey. I intend to give climbing the mountain, standing in awe at the beauty of Africa, and touching as many lives as I can, all I have. Or in other words and a phrase used between me and you, " I'll kick em in the ----!"
Thanks Bud, I love you more than you'll ever understand, as a mother's love is deeper than any other love.

This Ain't No Farm House

I got my itinerary for my hike and my safari from my guide, Bryson Mandari. Holy cow this place ain't no farm house I've ever seen. Check it out @www.expertafrica.com/lodge/Ngorongoro_Farmhouse

Mt. Kilimanjaro
MARANGU ROUTE:
DAY 1: 29th January 2009: After breakfast and pack every thing for hiking mountain briefing before leave to gate for hiking reservations Marangu gate 1800m 1hour drive from the hotel in Moshi.. Start hiking with lunch box to Mandara 2727m 3-4hrs.Dinner and overnight

DAY 2: 30th January 2009 Breakfast and continue Horombo 3720m 5-6hrs with lunch packet. Dinner and Overnight at Horombo Hut.

DAY 3: 31st January 2009 Early morning after breakfast descend to Marangu gate where you will meet a Vehicle for your transfer to the Bristol hotel shower, rest and overnight.

Lake Manyara Safari
SAFARI LODGE 3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS:
Day 1: February 1st 2009: Drive from Moshi to Lake Manyara National park with lunch packet, game drive, dinner and overnight Ngorongoro Farm House Lodge.

Day 2: February 2nd 2009: After breakfast drive to Ngorongoro crater with lunch
packet, game drive in the crater drive back in the late afternoon dinner and overnight Ngorongoro Farm House.

DAY 3: February 3rd 2009: Breakfast and drive to Tarangire with lunch packet game drive and drive back to Moshi.

END OF THE TRIP.
February 4th drive to Kilimanjaro Airport to flight to Nairobi 7.40pm.
The next two & half weeks at different villages doing humanitarian work.

I Am So Blessed

I really thought the time would never come for me to head off to Africa, however, it is almost here. Though there are days when I wonder if I am really ready for this life changing journey.
There have been so many people, who have supported me in so many ways that I thought it would nice to put the spot light on a few of them. I can't say THANKS enough to Tiffany!!! Tiff was the first one I told, "I,m going to Africa!" Tiff has never questioned my decision, she has always encouraged it. And if I have ever doubted myself she has been there to pick me up, telling me "you can do it Mom." Yes, I will be going by myself to climb the Mt. Kili and go on a safari, but I will then meet my group in Nairobi a week later. I'll be with the AILC group for the humanitarian part of my trip, but had I had the chance to chose one person to go with me, it would have been Tiffany. After all there is no one who knows me better than she.
Tiff, has been willing to help me with my training program, from hiking, to run 5-ks. She is constantly giving me words of encouragement, when others think I have lost my mind. I know without a doubt she will be with me all the way, if not physically there, I'll be in her thoughts for four weeks in February. Plus, there will be so many women and children who will benefit from the Burnett family's financial generosity.
I want to say THANK-YOU, Babe, you'll never know how much your positive attitude, your love and your help has meant to me. For so many years it has been me cheering you on and proudly exclaiming, hey that is my daughter! You have accomplished many wonderful things in your twenty-nine years and I have been there to brag about them all. I truly hope I can make you just as proud of me, and I hope you'll be there when I get off the plane, yelling " hey that's my Mom!"
I love you beyond words, and I am so blessed to have you as my daughter and my friend!
LOVE YOU BABE****Friends Forever

A Flag Of Love

Christmas 2008, brought many emotions, one being gratitude and love. Tiffany made me a flag with several stripes and colors. Each strip and color having a significant meaning for my journey to Africa and my trek on Mt. Kilimanjaro. The gift made me cry, as each member of the family had put their hand print on it, written a message, and signed it. I LOVED IT! It gives me hope and encouragement that everyone is behind my African quest. Along with the flag, which I will carry with me and proudly fly while on the mountain, was a card explaining each color and meaning: Tiffany has always had a way with words, however this time the words mean so, so much to me. The meaning of my one of a kind flag are:

First: each persons hand print means:

I'll have my families helping hands should I need them.

Second the meaning of the colors are:

Red: ENERGY & VITALITY,

Grey: FRIENDSHIP (friends forever Tiff)

Green: LIFE

Yellow: LOVE

White: COMPLETION

Blue: INSPIRATION

It is hard for me to believe that I encompass any of the above, but hopefully by the time I get back from Africa, my name and the above words go hand in hand.

Fulfilling A Dream, Is Like A River

After graduating from nursing school in 1975, a humanitarian mission was one of my goals as a nurse, a goal I set thirty-three years ago. In November of 1975, Buck and I moved to Preston, Idaho, so he could do a lineman apprenticeship for UP&L. January 1976 I found myself working on the Orthopedic Unit at the old Logan Hospital I was there that I that I became best friends with a CNA, by the name of Mabel. Mabel, was from West Africa, here in the United States going to school. Mabel and I were the out casts of the unit as she was very black and I very non Mormon. Though were were treated rude by racial patients and arrogant staff, we had each other and we were just fine with it all. Thirty-three years ago I expressed to Mabel, my desire to see Africa. Mabel and I visited each shift about her home land. I know she would be amazed to hear I am going to East Africa, I can see here smiling at fulfilling my dream. Here's to you my old African friend, here's to you Mabel!
I suppose a dream is like a river, ever changing as it goes, and finally both dreams are becoming a reality. A reality that I often wondered about, but held on to the dream!!
While listening to the radio the other day and thinking about my upcoming journey,"The River" by Garth Brooks came on, it says it all. I'll sail my vessel, 'til the river runs dry! Not only iwth my upcoming trip, but with life itself.


You know a dream is like a river
Ever changin' as it flows
And a dreamer's just a vessel
That must follow where it goes
Trying to learn from what's behind you
And never knowing what's in store
Makes each day a constant battle
Just to stay between the shores...
And I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
Til the river runs dry
Too many times we stand aside
And let the waters slip away'
Til what we put off 'til tomorrow
Has now become today
So don't you sit upon the shoreline
And say you're satisfied
Choose to chance the rapids
And dare to dance the tide...yes
I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
There's bound to be rough waters
And I know I'll take some falls
But with the good Lord as my captain
I can make it through them all...yes
I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Yes, I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
'Til the river runs dry

Off I Go Into The Wild Blue Yonder

My ticket is bought, my bags are getting packed...it is off I go into the wild blue yonder. I will be leaving Salt Lake on the 27th of January. Bitter cold here, but summer in Africa. The rest of the departing flights and returning flights look like this:

Itinerary
LAURA ANN WALL
Reservation code: KJRONZ
E-ticket number:
0127386073374 - NW/KL
0317386073349 - Precision Air

Tue, Jan 27
Flights: KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINES, KL 5167 From: SALT LAKE CITY, UT (SLC)
Departs: 8:30am To: MINNEAPOLIS ST PL, MN (MSP) Arrives: 12:30-- 15A Mileage: 990

Flights: KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINES, KL 6042 From: MINNEAPOLIS ST PL, MN (MSP)
Departs: 3:15pm Tue, Jan 27 To: AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS (AMS)
Arrives: 6:30am Wed, Jan 28 Duration: 8 hour(s) and 15 minute(s) Mileage: 4155

Wed, Jan 28
Flights: KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINES, KL 0569 From: AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS (AMS)
Departs: 10:10am To:TANZANIA (JRO) Arrives: 8:35pm Duration: 8 hour(s) and 25 minute(s) Mileage: 4288

Wed, Feb 4
Flights: PRECISION AIR, PW 0725 From: KILIMANJARO, TANZANIA (JRO)
Departs: 7:40pm To: NAIROBI KENYATTA, KENYA (NBO)
Arrives: 8:30pm Duration: 50 minute(s) Mileage:147

Tue, Feb 17
Flights: NORTHWEST AIRLINES, NW 8566 From: NAIROBI KENYATTA, KENYA (NBO)
Departs: 10:50pm Tue, Feb 17 To: AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS (AMS)
Arrives: 5:30am Wed, Feb 18 Duration: 8:40 hours Mileage: 4147

Wed, Feb 18
Flights: NORTHWEST AIRLINES, NW 0041 From: AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS (AMS)
Departs: 10:20am To: MINNEAPOLIS ST PL, MN (MSP) Arrives: 12:30pm Duration: 9 hours

NORTHWEST AIRLINES, NW 1897 From: MINNEAPOLIS ST PL, MN (MSP) Departs: 2:20pm
To: SALT LAKE CITY, UT (SLC) Arrives: 4:08pm Duration: 2 hour(s) and 48 minute(s)

Oh Boy looks like fun....really the scariest part for me are the airports adn making sure Bryson ( my guide) is there to pick me up. Thank goodness I have long lay overs so I can find where I need to be, find it, sit and wait for the next leg of the LONG flight. I was given two MP3 players for my birthday. My plan is to put music on one and movies and books on tape on the other. I think I'll pack me a lunch along with a Phenergan or two ( it makes me really sleepy) for the eighteen plus hours into Africa. Sure hope they have Diet Pepsi on this airline!!!