Out of Africa, Seriously.

I'm going to be out of pocket for a while.  I'm on assignment for the next week or so in Africa.  We're traveling with UT Athletic Director Mike Hamilton. 

He's going - not on UT business - but on a humanitarian trip as a Board member of Blood Water Mission.  The Nashville-based group is involved in water and HIV projects in Kenya and Rwanda. 

Last year, Mike organized a fundraiser for the Marsabit, Kenya water project.  We're traveling to Marsabit to see if the funds raised, went where they were intended.

Along the way, we'll examine the plight of Africans - many of whom - lack access to clean water and as a result are plagued by disease.  We'll also visit an HIV clinic in Rwanda.  In Africa, HIV is a huge problem because of lack of education and the stigma associated with it.

For Mike, this is a personal mission.  Last year, he and his wife Beth adopted three children from Ethiopia...Their youngest Kalu, has HIV.  Mike says he's "compelled" to work to help other African children.

I'm told there will be lighter moments on this trip.  For example, we'll be touring a tea farm near Nairobi and see plenty of African wildlife on our overland trek to Marsabit. 

In Rwanda, we'll stay at a hotel that looks out at a volcano range.  And we stay one night at the Milles Colline - aka the "Hotel Rwanda."

Chief Photographer Brian Engalstad will be there to take the pictures.  I'll provide the words. Mike will be our guide..and the continent of Africa, from Nairobi, Kenya to Kigali, Rwanda and a number of points in between, will be our canvas.

We have internet access in Nairobi and Kigali...so  hopefully you'll hear from us next week. 

But the bulk of our work, we'll share starting February 14. Mark it on your calendar. This should be a very interesting time.