November 6 2008 e-mail from Jenn

Hey there, Just a quick note b/c I'm in Lilongwe for the day, and there are people anxiously awaiting the computer here. I don't know whether you've received my letter yet, but it's on the way, if not. Life is great; Africa is great; I'm seeing a great guy; and generally, I am very happy here! Please tell Barbara Anne that I've received 2 letters and a package, and I've gotten two boxes, an envelope, and 2 letters from you guys (thank you thank you thank you). We finish up homestay next week, and then back to the college (which is excellent b/c I get to see the guy I'm seeing every day). I can't tell you what a great fit P.C. has been for me; hard, yes, but I'm just really happy here! Please tell Bob I say "hi"! Please let me know what' s up with all of you; I hope you're well and that things are going as well for you as they are here for me. Love you lots; looking forward to your letters! Jenn

First Thoughts from Malawi

Leaving

In the twenty or so moves I've made over the past five years, I've learned two things: 1)The more you open yourself up to people and places, the harder it is to leave them. 2) Leaving is never easy. I had hoped to take you guys from skinny-dipping in Vermont to riding on the back of a stranger's bicycle in Berlin, from Shankill Road in Belfast to the Christmas Market in Edinburgh. I wanted to show you Vermont in January and my cross-country road trip to L.A. with my mom. I have photos for you of my first garden, my family's trip out on Lake Mead, my Peace Corps invitation, and my adorable dog. In this last few hours I have here, though, I won't attempt such feats. I find myself, instead, wanting only to say 'thank you' to all of you--a gratitude which I am ill-equipped to express.
From gifts to dinners to parties to knot-tying lessons to help with shopping and packing to encouragement, letters, and phone calls...you all have made this somewhat impossible dream possible. This move was one in which I had time to truly open myself up to the people and places around me, and although it has made the goodbyes harder, I have learned that in doing so, I have found in all of you great strength and support as I step out into the unknown. My gratitude and love run more deeply than I can tell you. I look forward to the conversations I will have with each of you over the next two years. Much love, and, well, peace.

P.S. Come visit!

Tourism No. 1

A little Berlin.