Good luck with your new post, Annie! I've loved reading your posts... although I still miss actually seeing you! I have to apologize for not staying in better contact. The past year wasn't all that great... I had fun and I did learn a little, both about life and myself, but however happy I was, it wasn't complete. Well, my biggest news is that I just moved to Texas (been here almost 2 weeks now). I'm in Austin, serving with the AmeriCorps through a program called The First Tee of Greater Austin. Basically, First Tee teaches golf and life skills to, generally, under-priveledged youth. I'm the Mentor/Volunteer Coordinator... which means that I make sure we have people to work all of our different activities, make sure the youth know their commitments, and manage interns. I'm adjusting... office work, especially for a non-profit, is such a change from serving but it's definitely good for me. Austin is still so new, but I do like it... I think it'll grow on me even more as my year progresses. Most importantly, the change was exactly what I needed. Anyways... I just wanted to say hi and tell you that I do miss you and think of you often. Keep posting... it's nice to know what you're up to and I always need a fix for a different culture. Oh, my new email is cristin.neil@gmail.com if you ever need to get a hold of me. Take care, Annie!
Love,
Cristin

Hey Annie. The weather in Paris was absolutely spectacular, most of the time the French were very friendly and helpful (also tolerant of my French to an amazing degree), and we managed to see most of everything we wanted to see. Missed seeing Chartres Cathedral, but saw the one in Rouen instead, plus the Joan of Arc memorial (very moving). Also got to attend a mass in Notre Dame presided over by an American priest! (go figure)