While yesterday was certainly a three-ring circus at the hostel, the highlight was definitely our trip to the doctor. As a part of the visa process, we need a sign-off from a medical professional stating that we're mentally and physically stable enough for this project. The mental stability still has yet to be determined but we submitted ourselves to blood tests for the physical.

Now, this is really not a big deal but it happens that Lauren is terrified of needles. When the doctor told us we'd need a blood test, Lauren went temporarily deaf. She turned to me, white as our new sheets with a horrified look on her face, "What did the doctor say, Lee? Did he say something about a needle?!" I had a flash back of our first cholesterol finger-prick test at ages 8 & 9, when two nurse's aides literally had to sit on little Lauren to get the deed done, and I think my complexion turned a bit ashen as well.

We took a few minutes to dry her cold sweat and get her heart rate down and I assured her this is no big deal and something we must do. I think she's really proud that she handled it like a big girl. I'm sure she'll post pictures of her bruised up arm later. Her purple badge of courage.