Mark Woo Hoo! According to the conversation I had with Marla the other evening you must be back in the States now! I hope your trip home is going well and that you got to watch High School Musical or something equally ridiculous. At least you have one more chance to catch HSM on your flight from Chi-town. You must be experiencing withdrawals from the Layla kids and your African adventures, and I understand that as well as someone who has never been abroad can. But I'm hoping that a viewing of Gorilla's in the Mist starring Sigourney Weaver might help. I don't know how ready you were to come home, but I've been ready for you so Get Back Here! Have a fun time in Chicago and I'll see you soon! Love, Mark

Kelsey Anna, I did not know that we could even post to your blog! I always just sent you facebook messages, silly me. Anyways, I know that you come back soon and I really can't wait! From the sound of things, you have had truly an incredible experience, and I am so happy for you! I miss you and feel that I have so much to hear and talk to you about. I absolutely love reading your blogs. This last one actually made me tear up a bit (the one about the Layla kids wanting to help out at the kitchen that feeds those who are hungry). I can't believe that kids who have been through so much can be so selfless. They really sound incredible. It sounds like you have had some hilarious times as well! I liked reading about the little girl with the ice cream cone, and you swimming in the lake (i can just see you swimming out there where there might be potential crocodiles!). I am so excited for you to return! (You are returning, aren't you? haha). I want to see lots of pictures. Call me soon when you are able. I expect that you will need a few days to sleep/rest/etc., but lets get together when you can! Love, Kels

Mom Hi, Anna, I kept thinking today, "I get to see Anna in one week!" Exciting for us back at home, but not so much for you, Anna. I have to say that Mark's post below must have had you missing us zany Portlanders a tad. With one week to go, your emotions must be running the gamit. I can't imagine how tough it is to think about leaving, but I am sure you will return. I can't wait to see all your pictures and hear all the tales. Have a safe journey, Anna. Your sissy can't wait to see you in Chi-town, even if it is just for one night. Thanksgiving was great, but we all missed you and spoke of you often. It was great to see Alex and Jon. I miss my gals so terribly and it will be comforting to know that you are just a couple hours away. I appear to be having empty-nest syndrome a little late (although not exactly empty nest, more like empty town). I am sure you are not surprised to hear that Jon was loved by all the Nelsons. He was so cute and drove miles and hours to buy me a gluten-free pumpkin pie, which out of sow-dem or obligation (you guess which one) I consumed in two sittings. I wondered if you had the chicken you spoke of for Thanksgiving or went your standard goat. I hope in was tasty, regardless. See you in a week, and I am glad Mark is coming over for Christmas! Love, MOM

Mark HAPPY THANKSGIVIN'SSSS ! ! ! So this is what it really feels like to have to split the holidays - you in Africa and me in Portland for Thanksgiving, then both of us at your Mom's for Christmas! I'm sorry you have to miss the day after thanksgiving sock sale at Teen Meyer. That's probably the one day out of the year that Freddy's is closest to being Teen Meyer, since it opens at like 4am so all those wild teens just winding down their night can come stumbling in for the free donuts and juice. I was glad to see your post this past week, I hope that you keep having an amazing time in Addis! Tell the kids I say "Salam!" Love Mark

Tiffany Cordova Anna! I've been keeping up with your posts throughout this term and it always brightens my day to hear all that you've been experiencing! I was telling a friend about the balloon/ASL story and we both teared up a bit. It's just awesome. I can't imagine that you're looking forward to leaving the place you've called home these past several months, but there's going to be so much you can share with others here. I hope you have a safe trip back to the states and can't wait to hear from you soon! Tiff

Susie You are my hero. Having been to the continent I know how truly "basic" things are there. You are so incredibly brave - I know everyone is saying that, but it is so true. Isn't it amazing the joy in the hearts of the people there despite how hard life is for them? Everyone in this country should experience for even a day or two life as it is lived there. Give those kids a big hug and kiss for me. love, Susie

Kristin Kauble I am so happy you made it back safe! You know me, I have been freaking out since you said you were leaving. Your trip sounds amazing, I can't wait to see the pictures! All is well here, although I have to say an SGE just isn't the same without you:) I may or may not be a stalker at this point, but you have no idea how much you are missed! I hope the rest of your trip is wonderful, but I am sure this wont be the last time you hear from me on here! Have fun and be safe, Kristin P.S. I am so happy to hear that you voted.... that takes some major dedication to the cause, and I love it!

Lucy Mathew Wow! Your trip south sounds so wild. I can't believe how many exciting/uncomfortable things you're getting to do! I really like DC. There are so many different kinds of people here. So many people are from other countries and speak several languages. It's fun to be here right now with the election and everything coming up. I take the metro to work every morning, and it's straight out of a movie - it's really crowded and hustle bustle.It' s nice to be out of Eugene and in a real place. Chris is visiting this weekend. I'm so excited - it's been almost 2 months since we've seen each other. We found an apartment! We'll move in around December 1st. We're both pretty pumped. It's right downtown; so, I'll be able to walk to work. You are soo invited to come stay with us when you get back stateside, if you've got the time. Love you!! Lucy

Linda Cathey Hi Anna, Wow, it sounds like you are having a tremendous experience. I envy you. If I was your age now, I would be there right next to you! Enjoy every moment, even the hard stuff. It will be an epic time in your life. I worked with Sara and Kristin in class a couple of weeks ago and when our group was asked to offer an experience we brought your name up. There was a collective sigh from everyone missing you! Take care of yourself and I will look forward to seeing you in January! Caio Bella! Linda Cathey

Gayle Anna, WOW! What a wonderful adventure! I am so proud of you and all you are doing to help these kids. This is a once in a lifetime experience and from the sounds of what you are writing you are taking in as much as you can and more with this adventure. There is no doubt you have touched the lives of these children and I am sure all you are giving them will leave a lasting impression . I have always known you and your sister were two very special girls and this is just another example of it. It is funny because we all think the kids will benefit from your time there , and I am sure they will. Only you Anna will be the one who gains so much from taking this incrediable journey. Take good care of yourself and be safe. Miss you and know I am so proud of you. Look forward to your next blog!! Love, Gayle PS : I hope you have not had to use your CIPRO!!!

Alex Sarasohn Anna, you are truly a saint! You have done more help in these past 4 weeks than most everyone has in theri lifetime. I am so proud of you and all that you have accomplished so far. You have truly made a difference in those kids lives. I especially loved the story of the deaf child and how you two have grown attached to each other. In your next blog post you have to tell everyone the balloon story, it is really really amazing. I cannot tell you how proud I am of you, and will be bragging about you to my whole family next week at my cousins wedding. Everyone here misses you, especially me, and everyone coast to coast (Melanie in Seattle, Rebecca in New York, Mark in LA, everyone in Eugene and Portland) loves to read your blog. I cannot wait to hear from you again. Love, Alex

Lucy Mathew Hey Anna! I love getting to read about your time at Layla. It sounds like a really amazing experience. It's great that you're getting to do something so different and important. I'm really impressed that you took initiative and pursued this trip. A lot of people would just talk about going somewhere to help those less fortunate, but few would actually do it. I'm struck by how grown up and responsible you sound in these posts, and I'm forced to recognize that we are becoming real adults. We're no longer the 16 year olds who sat in the back of Mr. Bland's English class writing haiku about our classmates and mixing crazy school bus. I'm in DC now. I'm using my college degree to the fullest extent - hostessing in an Italian restaurant. It's fun though, and I get all of this amazing, free food. It looks like I might get promoted to some kind of an event planner; so, we'll see if this turns into something real. Chris is moving out here in a month and a half, and I'm really excited about that. Until then I'm just working a lot and trying to make some friends. I can't wait to read the next post! Lucy

Mom Hi, Anna, I shan't write much in this format, but will write to you in a personal email, instead. I (everyone) loves your heartwarming stories. I wish there was someone I knew who was seriously looking into adoption and I would let you go to town on them. The deaf boy story was so sweet and I could picture the entire exchange with much love and appreciation for who you are. I can't tell you how proud I am everyday of all you are doing for those kids and how much it means to them to have someone like you there. Your trip south sounds awesome. I am happy you can do some exploring there and hope it is VERY SAFE. I will defer to your common sense and smarts on this. Keep up the blog. I know many people are loving the stories. I send your entries by email to lots of friends and family, knowing not everyone in my age group is down with blogging. Keep up your relentless spirit in getting the sibs together, like I know you will. My money is on your success, regardless of any obstacles. I look forward to our weekly conversations. It is so good just to hear your voice. Love you and miss you everyday. Your Mom

Marty Callaghan Guess my earlier post didn't make it. Okay here goes, second attempt . . . . I was praising your work on behalf of the siblings reunions. I think that that IS JUST HUGE!!! Also, we talked to Massa and Dadzo yesterday and they wanted me to tell you how proud they are of you and what you are doing. They said that you are one gutsy gal! My previous message was stopped when I was suggesting that Mark and Eileen might want to take a trip south to organize a lifeguard crew at the local pool that you described. Not much really going on here, just the usual whining, selfishness, what-about-me nonsense. Ho-hum. Nothing like the real work and good that you are doing. Have a great trip to the national parks, Anna. Can't wait to see the pix. Love, Marty