I wonder if they placed you in this town because of your previous experience with Islam? It makes sense. By nut, do you mean the area where Benin becomes much wider? I read on one of the map sites that Benin is slightly smaller than Pennsylvania, so I just try to turn the country from north-south to west-east when I visualize it; it was very helpful. So, given the analogy, you'll be due south of State College, Pennsylvania! Yeah, Happy Valley. By the way, a daughter of a Brass player has to wait for a Brass fanfare, not a drum roll!!!!!

Glad to hear you have a placement, Annie. I hope you'll be able to post some pictures on this site by and by. Does this mean that you have to pick up an African language on top of French? I think your dad is correct in saying that your knowledge of Islam must have been a factor in the choice and I'm sure it'll be a big asset in your work there. As you're aware, the musical gifts on this side of the family all went to your mother, so I can send neither a drum roll nor a blast of trumpets. But I can and do send a prayer that you be happy and healthy.

Hey dear,

Sorry I've been catching up on all your posts today. I had lost the link for awhile, then refound it. woo hoo. mom and dina and i just got back from a week in Cancun . . . was fun except for the day of hurricane Ivan. lol. by the end of the trip mom was forcing dina to do tequila shots. - they did four in like an hour. here's my favorite quote from my mom: "i like to feel the buuuuuurn as it goes down my throat." omg. she's nuts. oh so what's this thing about a sticker contest??? like any type of sticker? i don't get it. please explain. I'm glad things are going well for you. did you get the letter meghan sent you? she was curious. oh and mom wants to make sure you are still good on underwear. lol. ok well have fun. love ya.

birger

YAY for your post and house! I wish I was there so I could decorate it for you....just think how Pottery Barn would look in Benin!! I'd also bring you lots of things from the Container Store of course! Hope everything is going well! It's been school and work for me and not exciting news to report on the Mattfront, but I will keep you posted!
Love you!
Heidi

I had a few free moments today, so I went on a search for your blog...I must admit my first blog experience. It is so fun to be able to read about what you have been up to! I am so glad that things seem to be going well for you-- not that I am surprised. I am sure that you are charming (in a good way) your host family and the other volunteers in your usual friendly way. It was so great to see you this summer! All is well in Vermont-- the leaves are starting to change and the semester is going quickly...I had to call good ol' AXO at DPU this weekend quite randomly to get a copy of the dream cake ceremony...sadness that you weren't there to chat with...

Love and stuff!
Becca