Gee I am glad I didn't know people were barging into your room while you were getting dressed!!! And I am also glad I didn't know they were watching your room.
Thanks for keeping this journal up, it is really fun to read (usually)!!!
Love, me
Sam! Your Lovely Lover!
OMG OMG OMG UR IN INDIA!!! Holy Crap!
i miss you to pieces. i talked to your mom today. it was nice.
now for the BIG NEWS!
teehee... should i tell you? ... maybe i'll make you wait. ... but ur mom may have already told you...
well here goes! ...
IM MOVING TO IOWA!!!
Mason City to be exact.
its not completely official yet, but plans are in progress.
anywho, things are going well. work is being stupid but i'll be quitting soon anyway! i can't wait til you come home, cause i'll most likely be moved into the house Cole and I are buying! and you can visit me way more cause i'll be right between St. Paul and Fairfield!! yay!!!
ok...im stealing internet so i better go. i love you hella lots.
ok bye bye for now!
many hugs and kisses!!!
love,
Sam
Geri Joseph
Dear Gemma -- What a place to celebrate your 19th birthday! I read Zach's fascinating account of life in India (to date), including his being sick and then you being sick and thought: "That's the way it is when you travel to interesting places." (And sometimes even when you're not in such interesting places.)
This is a belated greeting along with the hope that you have now conquered the first repercussions of the Indian diet. Your stay in Puna sounds fascinating and I hope you make the most of every minute. You might tell Zach, though, that he hasn't seen anything of the dark side of street life there until he's been to Calcutta.
Loise
I love reading all your entries and looking at all the photos! You look like you are having a really good time Gems, I am so jealous. It is so weird seeing you in these colourful clothes (You were wearing all black when I was there) though they look beautiful and makes me miss you even more. Keep posting because it is really nice to read your adventures! Much love and kisses, I LOVE YOU! xxxxx
Your Mom Again
Hey I just read the entry you stole from Zach. That was great!!!!Tell him I really enjoyed it. What is his journal's address?? Please email it to me or post it in your next entry. Hope you are feeling better!!!!!!! Love, Mom
Katy Minor
Gemma my darling!!! I am so sad to hear that you are feeling sick! :( You will get better soon I am sure though. I have faithfully read your journal and looked at your pictures you have posted. I am sooooo envious! It looks like you are having such an amazing trip. I wrote down your mailing address so I will send you some mail! :) I love getting mail from home and I am sure you do as well. Anyway, I should go now. I will write you more later!
Love,
Katy
Sarah
Gemma!! I am so happy to hear that you are having a wonderful time. I still can't believe you are in India. I keep thinking that I can still find you in Fairfield but obviously I can't. Oh, well the distance is always worth it, that's what I think. Minnesota is treating me pretty well. I figured out financial aid stuff and St. Kate's isn't going to loose me. I also found a place to live today which is right next to Macalester and is under $200. I didn't even know that is possible, but apparently it is. So I will be living with a bunch of college students next year (including Tom, Kate's boyfriend). I have kept myself busy by reading and finding things to do in the cities. Last night I went to "ANGST- The new teenage musical." You would have appreciated the lines about cutting with a rusty blade, the Bible-thumping Christian character, and the myspace addict. I'm not sure if this is a regulation post size or not but, I'm going to post it anyways. So, have a fantastic day, keep smiling, and I love you very much!
Emilina
I am so glad that you arrived safely, and I am already so jealous of your adventure! I know my mom wished you a happy birthday from all of us, but here's another one from me (albeit two days late).
Everything looks beautiful and wonderful, including you. Your writing is... mmmmf (tasty, enjoyable, good, etc). I look forward to more updates, and I wish I could come visit you (so I could terrify my mother, too). Hehe.
Lots of love!
me.
Ms. Courtney
$ 23 for 5 months of yoga. Nice. Miss you hun, hope youre having a trip of a life time!
Deb
Happy Birthday dear OLD Gemma,
I'll never forget your birth, ever.
I was picking blueberries on the WI bluffs overlooking the Miss. River on your Birthday. There were a variety of East Indian statues here and there around the beautiful gardens as well as some Tibetan flags. Help make for great crops!! Love reading your log while visiting sister Kim (she has Laura, who is your age). d*** and Peter will meet me tomorrow or Mon. for canoeing, biking and camping. Love Deb
Dad
Happy Birthday Sweetheart. Can't believe its been 19 years! I still keep the Wailea t-shirt I wore when you were born.
Hope you're feeling well. Thanks for the update and pics. Looking fwd to meeting your host family. Is there a newspaper there called the Indian Express?
Love you,
Stay healthy.
Dad
Lizzy,tommy, Em And Sam
Gemma,
Our birthday wish comes with love from Minnesota! Sounds like your trip is amazing so far and not as scary as I (your other mother) thought!
We want nothing but for you to continue having the time of your life and to have the most remarkable birthday ever. We love you!