Natalie Oh hunny I am so sorry. That really is a bummer. I have been meaning to write you sooner, but you know how things get crazy. Things have been so so for me to. I was looking at plane tickets to meet you in Peru ( which I don't think you will be there anymore) and was getting really excited to meet you there. But I think everything works out for a reason because I got in a car accident a few days later and lets just say there goes the cost of my plane ticket. So I wouldn't have been able to meet you anymore. Anyways I am goingt to call you. I hope your ankle is feeling better and you are safe and healthy. I miss you friend!!!!!!! -nat

Marie Chuck just told me about your misadventure. What an absolute bummer!!!! I know many of us were nervous about you being gone so long but in our hearts we wanted you to have a great time and do all that you could do. Please let us know when you are back home. I really am sorry your trip is cut short and more so about your ankle. Can't be fun traveling home like that!! Talk to you soon and love you lots! Marie

uncle guck I won 100 bucks cause you came home soon for some reason...NOT!!! Been checking in time to time on you travels and Aimee and I were happy to see how much fun you were having. Let us know when the welcome home stacy party is.

Jenn hi stacers!! so sorry to read that you have to go back home!! that stinks. oh well, you will get to go back. i hope that you are feeling okay. i havent heard from you since you have been there so call me when you get back near a phone in the states!! love ya, jenn

Aunt Mer Hi Sweetie, I see that you tried to IM me today but I was not on the computer when you were. Rats! I am very rarely on the computer during the day anymore. I usually get on in the middle of the night, because I often wake up and have trouble falling back to sleep. So I get on the computer, read and send email. I have been working on a (dare I say it...) quilt for Katie. So I have been busy sewing during the day. I love it! Plus Steve spend lots of time on the computer ( he hogs it!). I know...I know, I could turn on MY computer, but his is faster, so I'd rather use his when I can. We had a birthday party for Gavin tonight, even though his birthday is not until Thursday. We went to Chuckie Cheese; and a good time was had by all! He is going to be three! Time sure flies when you are having fun! Hope all is well with you and that you are keeping safe, Love to you, Mer PS. write in your journal!

Grandma Q Since I am computer nonfunctional except to play poker...I think of you all the time. We have enjoyed your photo journal and reading your entries. This sounds like such a wonderful trip you are so lucky to have the strength to do this alone. The vistas in the photos are so beautiful. I know you can take care of yourself. This constant communication sure makes it nice. Hope you have fun on your canoe trip. Have fun and enjoy it all. Love from Tampa, all of us. We will write again soon and keep up with your travels. Your Dad calld us earlier and we were gone so we will see what he is up to later when he calls back. Ha Ha!!!

Aunt Mer Oh it sounds like you are having a wonderful time and meeting very interesting people along the way. I loved reading all the journal entries, you are such a good writer, and make it a fun read. I am so proud of you, there is NO way I would have had the courage to attempt anything like this trip at your age...or any age for that matter! Keep having fun, Keep safe, and keep writing. Love you, Mer

Aunt Mer Ok...I have been VERY patient, but now a couple more days have passed and you have not written in your journal. ;) Just write some small thing EVERY day so that I know that all is well and you are having a ball. Things are great here, Heather is taking Katie to Disney on Ice tomorrow night and I get to have Gavin. YEA! I still haven't got the instant message thing figured out, but I will bug your dad about it and maybe get him over here next weekend to set it up. Keeping having fun, and stay safe and happy. Love to you sweetie, Mer

Marie Aye Caramba!!! You go girl. What an amazing time you are having! The pics are beatuful so I can imagine what you are actually seeing is even more gorgeous. There is a song that has the words time of my life in it (and NOT the one from dirty dancy)! and it reminds me of you! I'm trying to sing it right now so the boys can tell me what song I mean and they are covering thier ears and telling me to give it up! Imagine that. Keep having the best time and stay safe and smart! Love, Marie

Marilee Hendry Egger Hey Stacey, I see you have the travel bug as I do! My 4 trips to Europe and I only want more. I'm loving all the pictures you've sent...It's so eye-opening to see our big beautiful world! I am so excited for you. The fact that you are traveling alone is really quite amazing!! I know you will fine!! I'm so glad that your wonderful grandpa sent me your website. I will be watching your travels & wishing I was there. And you will be in my prayers! I'm really glad I was able to spend time with you last time I was in Calif. It was a blast going to Universal Studios together! Love and blessings to you, Marilee

Kim Hey, I've been checking in every once in awhile and I'm just shocked. I didn't realize you were going by yourself and for that long...WOW, I am impressed. I hope your having a great time and be safe, I will be watching. Tommy's is the same, we are having our Christmas party on March 20th, I'll take pictures.

Amy Hendry Parish Hi Stacey, Sandy just forwarded me your information and I can't wait to take a look at your entries and photos. Rob and I had another baby girl in December. Now we have Livvie, Gemma, and Sophia! Hopefully you can meet them someday. Have the trip of a lifetime, we will check in to see how you are doing. Your distant cousin, Amy

Stephanie Hey girl, I'm so glad you made it safely. Your pictures are awsome and i'm extreemly jellous. J/k I'm glad your having a great time and i miss you. Lots of love. Stephanie

Mer OK... OK, so I didn't look at the photo albums, I'm a little slow sometimes. The pictures are just wonderful, I love how you are getting the town, where the people live and the ports, so interesting. Your hostals / hotels look very interesting too. We all enjoyed "talking" to you tonight. I was really getting worried about you, when you did not up-date your journal. I didn't even think to look at the photo album part of the page. I never said I was too bright! It looks like you are meeting people, and having a fun time. Take good care of you and be safe. At least write a little in your journal so I don't freak out! I know you set me up in a instant message thing, but for the life of me I can't remember how to use it or even how to get to it. I am going to make your dad help me with it. Love you so much, Mer

Jenn hi my luv!!!! i hope all is well. tell those misquitos to XXXX themselves. (i think you know what i mean) jk.... well, i miss getting to chat with you on the phone!! Have a great time and keep all of us posted.