An email from Dr. Jackson:

...You should keep a daily personal log of your activities while in Africa (starting from now) as well as an official record of your activities. This is something that you can regularly attend to in the evenings. The most important thing to take with you as you begin this trip is an open, flexible mind. Divorce any attachment you may have to material things. Stay focused. You will see, smell, and hear strange and sometimes repulsive things, but don't be alarmed. I believe that you will find the people to be as curious about and receptive to you as you are to them. You will experience some periods of loneliness, but at these times, remember the larger goal of gaining knowledge and dig deep in your soul for the committment to perservere. You are going to make a fine health professional. What you are doing now is getting your "in the trenches" experience. If you pay attention and learn from this hardship, it will serve you well the rest of your life. I have every confidence in you and your successful completion of this mission. Just be careful. Don't take unnecessary risks, but be open to new experiences. Other than the things we have for Dr. Ndumbe, don't give all of your gifts away in the first week because you will be meeting new people throughout your stay with whom you may want to give a momento of your friendship. By the end of your stay, however, be free of the gifts. Just so you know, in some places in Cameroon, it is the custom for people to give you something before you return home. But whether this happens or not, you will come away from Camerooon with many rich memories and significant insights that will be directly applicable in your public health career.

Thanks, Dr. J!