For those who are out of the loop, or not so much and are just curious, here is your update:

I have submited a proposal to the Peace Corps Partnership Program to get a link on the web for people to donate to put a borehole at the primary school in my village. I'm currently waiting as the proposal jumps its way though the bureaucratic rungs that is an government operation. I'm sure I am incessantly and thoroughly annoying my superiors as I e-mail and call them all the time to see if there is any way I can speed along the process but they keep telling me that they're going as fast as they can and I will be informed when progress has been made or if there is anything I can contribute. I am trying to get the borehole dug next month before the rainy season kicks into full gear, raising the water table. I had a meeting last week with the local school committee and village development committee concerning the 25% community contribution that is both required by PCPP and necessary for local ownership of the project. It was decided that every student at both the primary and secondary school (over 3,300 students) will bring 10 Malawian Kwacha every week for 7 weeks until they reach the grand total of 70MK (about 45 cents) per student which is about 28% leaving a 3% buffer for those who either can't pay, or fail to contribute their full amount. So that is that. As soon as I hear of the proposal approval in Washington, I will call the borehole contractors and set a date for sometime around Thanksgiving.

For those who are concerned or interested in donating, keep checking my blog and asking my family because as soon as I know that the link is up, they will, then you will know. As for now, I am hoping for sometime in the next 2 weeks but expecting it before the month is over.

Thank you for those who are interested. This borehole will affect thousands of people in my area who are in dire need of safe drinking water. This will be the most important thing I do with my entire service and I am grateful for those who have shown interest in helping both me and my community here.

Also, I had an AWESOME birthday hanging out in my village. I spent the afternoon, while my phone was charging, hanging out with a friend of mine who kept insisting on singing to me and have people give me presents....which I refused...except for the peanuts. It was great. Thanks to everyone who called or tried to call! Sorry my phone battery didn't last through the day (or even though out conversation mom). I'M 24!

Oh! The internet cafe just turned on the AC! Oh what a challenged life I lead! Its actually cooled off a bit this week, it was cool enough to bike to the boma (where I am now) this morning...I should head back though before it gets too hot.

Miss you all!

'Women don't feel heat'

Except for me...its HOT. I have never lived in a place where you can lay on the ground in the shade under a tree wearing a skirt and a tank top...not moving at all and still have sweat drip down you. My poor Northwest body is not used to this weather...maybe soon it will be. Its beautiful though. According to my thermometer its around 95+ but its humid. Oh well. I'll get used to it.

Last weekend I went to Liwonde national park to help with the game count. The first day, my site-mate, Bri, me, and two park gaurds (who only took a bottle of juice, a package of cookies, and a giant gun) walked from one end of the park to the other (about 14 km). We counted animals. We saw bush pigs, wart hogs, kudu, and tons of smaller animals that you only see on the discovery channel. Awesome. After we finished for the day we went back to the hostel we were staying at and watched the monkeys run around like the owned the place....it was a lot like that part of Jungle Book with the louis Armstrong monkey....awesome. They were really baboons, though. Anyway, the next day we got up early in the morning again, to finish before the hottest part of the day. We were dropped off by a water hole in the middle of a flood plane. We sat on a termite hill for 4 or 5 hours and counted more animals. We didn't see hippos or rhinos but we did see ELEPHANTS ELEPHANTS ELEPHANTS!! Also, we saw more bush pigs, wart hogs, water buffalo, ect ect. It was amazing. Yes, Dad, they were African elephants, not asian elephants.

After the game count was over, Bri, me, and Sara, another volunteer headed back to my place (we got a great hitch so we made it back before dark) where we hung out for a couple days. Sara made birthday cake for Bri and I's birthdays (Bri's is 2 days before mine). My cat stole a piece of birthday cake...then puked it up this morning on my porch. There was blue frosting. It was especially gross.

Work is the same. I met with my chief yesterday. Also, yesterday I taught a youth club how to write a proposal for a grant. Today I have a micro-lending/chicken-rearing womens group coming to my house for a meeting. Tomorrow I'm meeting with another women's group that does mushroom farming. This weekend I'm going to town to celebrate my birthday....that should be fun.

That's really all for now. Hope everyone's well.

Amy

I'm in Blantyre. I refused to pay for a bus and cars were not jumping at the chance to give me a ride so it looks like I'm crashing here for tonight (staying the night here is still cheaper than paying for bus fare all the way to Blantyre hence, the hitchhiking). I realize this means nothing to you, reader, but I just don't like to pay for things....ask my family for verification. Anyway, I left Lilongwe early this morning (but 2 hours after I normally leave....about 5:30) . I walked from Mufasa's where I slept to the bus depot. I sat and waiting on a minibus (because they don't leave until they're full) for a couple hours (I had a lot of luggage with me because I've been gone for the last couple of weeks, so I didn't want to walk out of town). Anyway, the bus finally headed out and dropped me right outside of town where I waiting for another couple hours until finally the police took me about 2 hours outside of Blantyre. I was tired and wanted to rest, and ditch the obligation to have a conversation, so I told them I didn't speak chichewa and spent the rest of the 4 hour car ride eaves dropping on a conversation the driver and other passenger didn't think I understood. That was exciting...and educational. That ride dropped me off a couple hours outside of Blantyre where I waited for another couple hours for a ride the rest of the way (still optimistic at this point about reaching Mulanje before dusk). A nice car driven by two Ethiopian men picked me up and took me all the way into town. By the time I was dropped off in Blantyre and thinking about my next move toward my house, I realized that I didn't have time to get home before dark, and didn't want the extra stress of traveling close to dusk by myself, so I headed to a hostel where I will spend the rest of the night before I finally head back to my house in the morning....for free, hopefully. I'm here tonight, at my house tomorrow night, Wednesday, hopefully, I have a contractor coming to my primary school in my village to give me a price for drilling a bore hole there, then Wednesday night at my house, Thursday I'm back in Blantyre meeting a friend, and Friday, off to Liwonde for the game count. I'll take pictures. After the game count is over I'm looking forward to getting some work done in my village, and not leaving until its time to come back to Lilongwe for thanksgiving at Peace Corps country director's house. For now, at least, I'm tired of wandering around...luckily its going to be awesome, but short lived and I'll have a couple months to get sick of being stagnant again. It's really a great life I'm living. I love it. I don't really have much of anything to say but I splurged and payed for an hour of internet (instead of my typical 30 minutes) and now have so much time. Birthday shout out (wow, I can't spell or speak anymore...Diana, you're right...is that right? It looks funny to me. Then again, I ALWAYS have trouble with the word garage) to Meredith and Kristen!! People are speaking german around me. So many people are switching off Mephloquine (my anti-malarial medication) because it has altered their personalities and made them crazy-ish that not I'm starting to be paranoid that I'm going crazy. Am I? Its all in my head. Projects: I need to do some grant writing (I finally learned how...mostly). I want to get an oil press for a group in my village to starting pressing oil as an income generation activity. I want them to tie it to some sort of micro-finance organization for start up capitol and longevity purposes but I haven't quite worked out all the kinks in my head. We'll see how that turns out. I also am in the process, as many of you know, of writing a grant for a bore hole, but before I can finalize all the details I need a price, for budgeting purposes, obviously. The problem, and hold up, with that is the contractor. I have the contact information for a few different contractors, so I can price around. The issue, however, is getting them to show up. Before they will commit, or even suggest a price, they suggest a site-visit to investigate things like the water table, and the surrounding area. Its hard to get them to actually show up. Anyway, as previously mentioned, I have a meeting with a contractor on Wednesday, we'll see if he actually shows up, I'm not holding my breath. Also, I want to do some work with perma-culture. During In service training, we had the opportunity to go to a couple's house who used to be peace corps volunteers and not live a bit outside of Lilongwe doing work with perma-culture, mostly as it relates to food security on the village level. Interesting. The point of all this rambling (and these are not even a nugget of all the ideas flying around me head, which is the entire point of IST) is that I have come back from IST engergized, revitalized, and excited to do some projects in my area. I need to remember to buy candles before I get into my village, I forgot that I ran out of them and didn't buy anymore (I had some minor budgeting issues at the end of the last pay period). Lastly, I have been hearing through the grapevine that some of you want to visit me (those of you who know me well, not those of you who just internet-stock, that's weird). I don't know what is stopping you. Send me an email: amymcross@gmail.com. I'd be happy to give you the low down on what awesome things there are to do in Malawi, why you should visit me, what you should bring, any logistical things, and how easily it would be to come here, even alone. Malawi is Africa for beginners. Also, I know my way around now....mostly. The point is, if you have a bit of money saved up (you know, for a plane ticket and stuff) and you've always, or even just recently, wanted to visit Africa, now is your chance. I have a guest room, and my door is always open to friends....especially friends who bring chocolate.

The hot season is here, however, its warm.

Ok, that's all for now (probably for a long while, that shouldn't surprise you). I'll try to think of something cooler to say next time other than just rambling about this and that....

Hey there! Woah, I just realized that its been over a year since I graduation. Way over a year. Its weird to think back to this time last year when I was just finishing up on staff at Holden and preparing to hit the road (fail) before I headed off to Malawi....in fact, tomorrow is the 1 year anniversary of the day I found out I was coming to Malawi (I'm not sure why I remember that date). Anyway, for those of you who have been faithfully (and probably bored) reading my blog since then, my how time flies.

I just came from In service training in Dedza at the college of forestry. A few weeks ago I got a free hitch all the way to Lilongwe in a matolla carrying cement. I got to Lilongwe, stayed one night, met my friend, Katy, and headed up to Mzuzu. We stayed a night in Mzuzu, had the best hamburger I've had since I've been in Malawi, hung out with some south african men and a dutch couple who were at the same hostil, and headed to Nkhata bay the next morning. The lake is amazing. It's endless like an ocean but freshwater like a lake. It's like the wave pool in wildwaves...withouth the floating bandaids....there aren't any bandaids here.

A bunch of Peace Corps Volunteers and I hung out on the lake for a couple days then headed down to Dedza for training. We were there for a week hanging out and enjoying each others company.

The next week, our counterparts came. We learned about soap-making, jam cooking, peanut butter making, tree budding and grafting, ect, ect. It was a lot of information and now I'm ready to get back to site.

This morning Peace Corps took us a bit outside of lilongwe to learn about permaculture, then we got a ride (non-peace Corps) into the city where I am right now. I'm sticking around until Tuesday morning so I can get some things done in the office and not have to make the trip up here for a long long time.

Oh, and I finally took giardia medication after 4 months of on and off illness. YEAH!

I'll have internet for the next couple of days so I will try to think of something to say....

In the mean time, Diana put ALL of my pictures up so look at those. Thanks Diana!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2075466&l=a089b1f246&id=44902613

Here are the first pictures from Amy in Malawi. They took hours to upload so I am sorry that they are out of order. All the pictues of the Liberty bell were taken when Amy was in Philly right before she left. This is only the first 200 of 534 pictures. Amy will provide the descriptions when she gets internet access again.

Diana.

Pictures 200-399 are at this link

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2075484&id=44902613&l=634748c277

Pictures 400-536 at this link

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2075508&id=44902613&l=b782faf452

I made it...I hurt, but I made it. The largest rock face in Africa. It was absolutely beautiful. A group of 6 of us made it up and down after spending three nights and 4 wonderful days up on the mountain, returning the day before last. Pictures to come in a few weeks. We climbed Sipitwa peak, the highest of all of them all in all totaling almost 10,000 feet in a few days (hence the soar muscles). It was wonderful and I definitely plan on doing it again...after I get paid. I came back to my village yesterday and spent the day walking around (slowely) making my normal rounds. today, I woke up early to head to the boma (back to work) where i have been waiting around for different meetings to happen. After all that, as soon as I sat down to check my e-mail, my flip-flop broke. Ugg. Oh well.

More details about the hike next week, for now, 30 minutes of internet doesn't leave much room for anything. Thanks everyone for the letters and packages. My Peace Corps service is really starting to pick up, I'm getting busier and busier every day. I can already see the time flying by.

Also, yes, the second turkey (the soap eater) has been slaughtered and eaten. Delicious. Now I can plant cantalope.

I couldn't prevent it. I'm worried. Today, in the internet cafe people are arguing about Manchester United vs. Liverpool. Very important. Very relevant to everything. I don't have anything to say really. I hear the rain has officially ended (late late late) so I'm a bit frightened since water was an issue in my area back when it rained every day. My Washintonian self is worrying. Oh well. Thanks for the letters. I should devote more time to blogging if for no other reason than because when I update my blog, people call me and offer to send me stuff (Kanagopants). Does this count as an update? Oh, need to publish before the internet is gone. Thanks for reading!

"Oh, you sleep in a pocket..."

I was describing to a little girl my sleeping bag (they don't exist here) when she told me that I sleep in a pocket. Upon reflection, I've decided she's right. Last night was the coldest it has been since I've been in Malawi...it dropped below 60F. So I zipped myself up in my 40+ mummy bag put another blanket on top, put on my wool socks and read until I could feel my toes again. I'd say I've adjusted to the climate. To all of you who write me letters complaining about the summer heat and assuring me that its nothing compared to what I'm enduring, I envy you. You are warm and I can't remember what it feels like to be exessively warm, even overheated. I've been assured, however, that the hot season is coming and I will be sorry in no less than 2 weeks that I ever wished for heat. I beleive them.

I other news, a lot of meetings have been canceled because of the rain and funerals (devistatingly connected here) so I have had time on my hands. What have I done with that time? Taught some little girls how to knit and fell in love with Kurt Vonegut books....and a lot of wandering around, which has become my usual (and recognized by my neihbors) routine.

In about two weeks I will have been in Malawi for 6 months. Half a year. As that monument comes closer and closer, I can't seem to wrap my head around it. It's been 6 months since I said goodbye to friends and family and headed for the wonderful (but cold) 'Warm Heart of Africa'. Time is picking up exponentially (still) and every day (mostly) I'm absolutely beyond thrilled to have the privilage to live here.

I decided to do some cosmetic things to my house. I am going to re-lime, maybe even spring for paint. If I ever get around to it, maybe pictures will follow. I should stop promising pictures. They'll come eventually but I don't know when. You'll just have to be suprised.

Yesterday were initiations in my village. Groups of people, after church ends, leave and slowly walk (in a dancy kind of way) down the road ( I didn't figure out where because there's only so long you can go on dancing). Dancing Dancing Dancing. When I got tired of dancing (we're not big saunter-down-the-street-while-dancing-people in the US) people kept on asking me why? I told them (because being tired isn't a viable excuse) that I have shame. "Osachita Manyazi". Don't have shame. Oh, ok. Thanks for those instructions. Malawi has, however, brought out my inner dancer. I can think of a few people who will be excited to hear that.

Sorry I hadn't had an update in forever, the world was working against me in the form of a series of blackouts.

"Amy, you're wearing a dress?"

http://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=resources.media.press.view&news_id=1599

Look at the first picture. On the right is President Bingu. In the back with the brown dress (that I sowed out of a sheet last week) is ME! The President promised us he would dance so I took my opportunity and boogied close to him. When I was close enough I shook his hand. Sneak-attach presidential greeting! Anyway, the luncheon was wonderful and the entire affair was a lot of fun. There was a band so of course there was dancing (which is pretty much what happens whenever peace corps -Malawi gets together). It was a really fun trip and I'll update more when I have more than 3 minutes left on my internet. So excited!

"Amy, because?" There isn't really anything interesting about this...I just hear it a bajillion times a day....so as you can see my life hasn't changed too much, Mom.

Ok, so I came upon and interesting discovery this week...mostly due to my ever-increasing chichewa skills:

I'm always, ALWAYS followed by a small (sometimes large) gaggle of children. What I didn't realize until a few weeks ago, however, is that they're not just playing in the same direction as I am going...whenever I go anywhere within my village. They're following me. I walked to the post office this week and noticed two of my little neighbour (I decided to give into the European spell check- hence the u) boys (who basically live at my house) following me closely and stopping whenever I stopped under the (false) pretence that they were playing (that's what they said when I asked them what they were doing). They were just pusing a tire around with a stick (that's what little kids do for fun...when they're not spying on me). I send some letters (yeah!) and headed back to my house only stopping a few times to talk to some friends and do this and that. Keep in mind that I walked over a mile there and back. When I got back to my house a group of maybe 15 little boys (about 8 year-olds) gathered together outside my fence and listened as the two who followed me gave a VERY detailed description of where I went, what I did, how long I was gone, who I stopped to talk to, where, what we talked about, ect. I would find it creepy or annoying if it wasn't so adorable. Since my discovery I've been more aware and I realized that of the group of 20 little kids who normally hang around, 2-5 are always sent to tale me. Weird. I don't think I'll ever get used to it. Oh well.

In other news, since there is such an issue with gender rolls here, I decided to start teaching little kids about "my culture" when they're at my house (I tell them that inside my fence, we're in America so they have to follow my culture). Whenever there are boys and girls at my house (every day) the little girls always get pushed to the ground while boys sit on my bench. I started telling them that in my culture if a woman wants to sit, out of respect, a man offers his seat and HE sits on the ground. Now I have little boys asking nicely for girls to sit on the bench and they sit on the ground or stand around. It's only funny because women aren't treated well here.

Oh yeah, and Wednesday I'm going to eat lunch at the President (of Malawi)'s house. I guess I'm headed to Lilongwe again next week. I won't promise pictures because I don't want to jinx it.

Until next time...my wrist is cramping (my typing muscles don't get a lot of use here). Also, I had another marriage proposal this morning for the driver of the car I got a hitch in, so I'm up to 20!

"We want to chat but we're scared of the turkey's!"-some little kids peeping inside my fence.

Hello! Lilongwe was a blast but I'm happy to return to beautiful Mulanje. The trip back was significantly less exciting than the trip there. We left the hostile we were staying in right as the sun was coming up and grabbed a minibus to the big bus depot. From there we hopped on a big bus which left quickly. 5 hours later, we were in Blantyre. We stopped at the bank and to grab some food, then were on the road again. Minibus to Limbe, then another minibus to the Mulanje boma where we had to switch buses twice. Made it back Mimosa and walked the 2km to my house. Walked in right as the sun was setting. Such is traveling to my house from long distances. Sun up to Sun down...but worth it. I have the most beautiful site in all of Malawi. I made it back to my house just before dark, with barely enough time to visit some people in my village, tell them I was back and have them jump up and down (which was a really nice reception after 13 hours of travel). I slept well that night. it was really nice to see people who told me they missed me while I was gone. It was also nice to hear that a few people noticed one of my turkey's was missing and were worried...until I told them I ate it. Then they laughed at me.

Yesterday was the Malawian Independence day (but the 46ths); I spent the day restocking my water supply, watching soccer, cleaning my house, and re-settling in after being gone for a couple days, and hanging out with my neighbor (spellcheck is angry that I don't want to put a 'u' in neihbor...stupid ex-brittish colony...sorry Kristen). Today, I rode my bike to the boma to check mail. THANKS AUNT SUZIE!! You're amazing. Also, halla to Abby C. for the letter. As for the rest of the letters being held hostage in Lilongwe, maybe in a couple weeks. I'm going to return sometime this month for a large event that I will explain better when I have more details...but you should be excited for me!

In other news, I saw about 20 monkey's today riding my back in the same place I saw the one last week on the way to Lilongwe! So that's awesome!

There isn't really anything else to report but its beautiful here, I still have diarrhea and my chichewa is getting better every day. This afternoon I'll go to a women's group meeting for people who make jam...or grow mushrooms, I can't remember. There's still hope for pictures, I know I keep promising. Be patient; they're coming.

Aside from the diarrhea that just won't quit, I'm doing really well here! Thinking of you!

P.S. Cross family: don't think for a second I'm unaware of the fact that our weekly conversation was about 2 minutes long. You owe me 58 more minutes! I have SO much to tell you!

I came with the intention of putting up pictures (sorry to taunt you) but the computer at the internet cafe isn't recognizing my thumb drive so you might have to wait longer. In the mean time, please forgive me for my rediculously horrible blogging. I know- fail. On the bright side, story:

So, yesterday morning I headed out of my house at about 6am when the sun was rising. I walked to the road and caught a hitch (two in a row, actually) to my boma. From the boma I took a minibus to Limbe, then another to Blantyre where I got on a big bus headed toward Lilongwe. After being assured that the bus was leaving in the next 10 minutes (so I expected to wait a long time) I sat on the bus and waiting for an hour and a half. Waiting. Waiting. Waiting. Because, naturally, the bus won't pull out until its full. Finally, we pulled out. Right when we pulled out a man stands up and stars praying for a safe journey and the top of his lungs. He finished, with a hoarse voice, then started reading passages (in Chechewa) from the bible and preaching to us walking up and down the isles. Meanwhile, I'm trying to help the women next to me defend her week and a half old baby from all the luggage that was trying to fall down on them. The preacher got off the bus and we were off and running. A half hour outiside of Blantyre, the bus breaks down. The conductor refused to refund so I could try to hitch or take other transportation so I waiting another hour and a half on the side of the road with a ton of angry Malawians for a new bus to come. It did, eventually and we were on out way again. We (my cite-mate and I) arrived in Blantyre, waiting for a friend who was 20 minutes behind us on a different bus, took a taxi to the hostile we are staying in and proceeded to see and hang out with all the people we haven't seen for 2 months. Also, pizza.

Today-bagels. also, we did things like headed to the office, walked around the city, charged electronics, blah blah blah. This afternoon we'll go to the embassadors house for hamburgers and good things that represent the 4th of July. I'm not sure how long I'm sticking around here but I find myself missing my site (which I'm taking as a good sign this early in the game (2 months). I've officially been in Malawi for over 4 months!! Chichewa is coming along quickly. My counterparts whife has started telling me that its a problem that I understand so much because I shouldn't be able to know what people are saying most of the time when I've only been here 4 months. I take it as a compliment.

In other news, I received a phone call from a really good friend, it made my week (which is big since I ate pizza yesterday). I'm recovering from about 2 solid weeks of diahrea (I know you want to know-especially the Ebenezer crue) so now I have to deal with my counterpart and his whife telling me (in a very conserned way) that I'm shrinking and I need to eat more...try Amy, try (they keep saying). ha. Anyway: Major family, I like anything chocolate and most candy. Reallly, anything you wouldn't pawn off on your younger sibling after trick or treating sounds great to me!

The letters have stated to ROLL IN so a big thanks to everyone who decides to make me happy. I promise to be a better blogger!!! PROMISE! Someday you'll see pictures. Worse case scenario, I deal with the postal system and have someone there post them. We'll see what happens. Aren't you excited?

OH. I SAW A MONKEY YESTERDAY! On the way out of Mulanje, I was in the back of a pick-up truck (very safely buckled in, Mom) and my cite-mate, Bri, pointed it out. So there. I'm in Africa and I saw a monkey.

Also, on top of learning chichewa, I've picked up basic greetings in another local tribal language, Chilomwe. People think its HILARIOUS.

2 weeks ago I fell off my bike because I was looking at a bird. I scraped up my leg but its healing nicely (no thanks to the honey my counterpart insisted on smearing on the cut...that just made my leg sticky like a child).

I killed a turkey. I feel liberated as an ex-vegitarian. I cut its head off then brought it to my counterparts house to share. It was just too creapy...pooping on my floor and looking me in the eye and all. You'd do the same thing. I feel more rugged now...Bear would be so proud!

Anyway, life is great here, its frustrating at times but then I realize how rediculous some situations are and I think its funny again. I miss you all and love you lots! I think about you all the time, send more chocolate!

Amy

Almost 3 months ago I landed in beautiful Malawi on a sunny tropical day. We were received by most (probably ) of the PCV's here at 6the airport, introduced to everyone and promptly rushed off to Dedza (an hour South of Lilongwe). We spent a week in Dedza as t a college of forestry learning everything from using a chim to the offensiveness of sniffing food (that one still gets me for those of you who know about the pickle test). After week 0, we were taken to two villages close to t6he college for 5 weeks of home-stay with a family. I was in Chikanda staying with a family of 4. The 2 parents were both 30. I also had 2 younger hose brothers, a 4 year old, Dalandila, who quickly warmed up to me and by the end of my stay refused to leave my side, and a 1 year old who was as scared of me as he was of chickens. I lived in a tiny 1 room mud, thatched-roof house facing my hose families house. Every day, we went to language, culture and/or technical sessions (except Sundays). Those were some of the most interesting 5 weeks ever. I fumbled my way through Chichewa, admired the beauty of Malawi, and danced with some teenage girls every night after sunset to some songs I didn't understand. Homestay, though while it was happening felt like the longest days of my life, went by in a blur in retrospect. T the end of the 5 weeks in Chikanda, there was a going away ceremony..complete with singing, dancing, speeches and the Guli Wankuli (you already know too much). The next morning we loaded up everything we collected from PC and were taken back to the college for a few days of administrative sessions and debriefing. We spent a few days enjoying each others company, then were dropped off at the Dedza bus stage with direct6ons to our sites and told to go....come back next week.

5.5 hour Minibus ride (bad Idea) one Rockin night in Blantyre, and another few buses later and we were in Mulanje (3 PCV's here) on ashadow visit. My site-mate and I spent a couple days at out other sit6e-mates house seeing the forestry office, boma, ect, then were on our way again to my cie , then Bris, then a Pastoral Center for a week of intensive Language classes. There ,we reconnected with the 7 people in the southern region, I had the greatest shower ever, and we ate like kings for the last time..probably. After a week of getting in trouble for not speaking in Chichewa for a week, we were taken back to the collage for a few more days. We were prepared for swearing in, cleaned up, and taken to Lilongwe where we took an oath to uncle sam and ate until it hurt. We also got to read some lovely letters from families telling (everyone else, at least) how proud they are....mine said that my room is now the sail locker (I love you too, Dad). Late night that night, then early the next morning, we packed up and were dropped at site...alone. I've now been at site 4 weeks..as of yesterday. I'm learning Chichewa, getting my house the w3 way I want it, learning to do basic lack of electricity and running water things, and figuring out whats needed most in my area. I've made friends in my village now and am beginning to settle in though some days are still really long an d frustrating, I live in a absolutely beautiful place with wonderful people (who are thoroughly confused by the fact that there is no Nsima in the US.). I'm learning to love the temperature,although Winter is coming and I find myself wearing long pants and a thermal when its 70F. I can bike to my site-mates house in 1 hour (door to door) which is about 15km (I also switched to SI) so that's comforting if things are frustrating (which happens when you're 7000 miles from your family, little kids think you have candy all the time and you don't speak chichewa. but I'm learning. I get about 10 hours of sleep a night and I get 12 hours of solid daylight. I have 2 turkeys whose main mission in life is to fun in my house and poop on my floor (all the time) and a cat who didn't take well to being given away...she returned. I think that's pretty much it.

Every call, letter, e-mail, facebook message, text, thought, totally makes my day.

P.S. I just tried to post pictures but it was unsucessful because of the speed of the internet...this internet situation, however, is temporary. I'll shrink them down when I'm not paying for internet and try again next week...or you can wait until I get faster internet. I'M TRYING MEGAN! haha. Miss you all!! In the mean time, you can e-mail me pictures if you shink them down a TON and e-mail them :0. Missing you!

I promise one day soon I'll actually sit down and try to upload some pictures....someday. In the mean time, go to peace corps journals and read the blogs of the recently inducted volunteers. Thats pretty much what happened to me :). Also, you could call my mom...or ME! Its free for me to receive calls! 265991950393. I would LOVE to talk to people. I think skype is 17 cents a minute or something. I also receive texts for free so if you want to spend 20 cents to make my day...you can :). Just saying. Things are great here, just feeling out the area to figure out what there is.

Missing you all! I talk to my family all the time so if you REALLY want to know want to know hat I"m doing ask my mom.

So Wednesday morning the group of 21 of us took an oath to Uncle Sam partied with the current volunteers that night and were shipped off to our sites the very next morning. This is going to be short post because I'm paying for internet at my market as I'm still working out contacts for the free internet I keep hearing rumours of. So I'm in Mulanje now, where I'll be living for the next 2 years. I'm slowly getting to know people in my village and fumbling through enough chichewa to have small spurts of conversation. Sorry, you won't be getting those pictures today that I promised last time I had internet. Someday, you will see pictures. In the mean time, call my parents if you want information on what I'm up to past what I have the capacity to type in the next 5 minutes....I talk to them more than they want to talk to me. To my friends and family, people I've met in random places, the US government (I know you read this), and the friends of family of the other Peace Corps Volunteers here in Malawi who do almost as much blog-stalking as my family, hello. You should visit Malawi, its beautiful!! That's all I really have time to say. I cleaned all the scorpians out of my house...my turkeys are creepy and my chichewa is coming along quickly. There are SO many letters in the mail. I have a new mailing address: Amy Cross, PO Box 119, Mulanje, Malawi, Southern Africa. Mail me letters!!! or better yet, CHOCOLATE.

Thinking of you!

Amy in Mulanje.

P.S. facebook doesn't like that I'm trying to log-on from Africa so there is no facebook contact until next time I'm in my boma. Sorry Sarah.

Swearing in on Wednesday. I'll post more when I get more of a chance but I'm here, its beautiful and you should visit! Send me chocolate! I'll post pictures within the next 2 weeks. That's a promise. I'm thinking of you all and love the letters and package (thanks jenni).

Amy

Hey everyone (Diana here again)

I just wanted to let everyone know that we got our first letter from Amy today!!! She wrote it on Monday March 1st, her 2nd day in Malawi. It sounds like she is having lots of fun, and is excited to really get started in the training. Here is a link to be blog of one of the people in Amy's group, and describes a lot of what is in Amy's letter.

http://intothewarmheart.blogspot.com/ We found it interesting and thought you might too. Hopefully the next update on here will be from Amy herself!

Close-up of the pole (the next picture). Layers of rust and paint. It looked like it used to be a streetlight before electricity but who knows. Anything that close to Franklin's grave has to be important and historically significant, right? That's the problem when you're in a city older than your state, to many things to be fascinated by.

This pole didn't have a sign but I was in the historical district and it looked old so I thought I would give it some attention.

Philadelphia is so patriotic, they like to put cement blocks with amendments carved in them around the city.

Me with the Liberty Bell!

The Liberty bell with its old home in the background.

Its cracked....in case you didn't know.

Me and Susan B. Anthony, we go way back. Thanks Susan you know, for the right to vote and the whole suffrage movement thing.

China town (a few blocks away from the hotel).

Warning:This will be my last post from the United States and my last post for 8+ weeks. Try not to cry...

I arrived yesterday in the evening. I took a cab (my first cab ride) to the hotel. My cab driver was REALLY excited that I was paying cash and leaving the country: he asked me to marry him. That kind of made my day. I spent the night unpacking and repacking anxiously. This morning on the today show, they were in Vancouver B.C. showing video of Mt. Baker...there was a slight shock of how much I am going to miss the beautiful Pacific Northwest but not enough to keep my from going (sorry Grandma). I skyped my family a bit then headed out to see the liberty bell. No, I don't know what freedom taste like due to a lot of security but I did get to see it. Oh well. I snapped a few pictures, hit the gift shop for some postcards, then headed back to the hotel where I was meeting some folks from my group for lunch. I finally got my Philly Cheese steak. I think it would have been better if I appreciated steak...but I don't. Oh well, now I can say I've had one, right?

After lunch we had just enough time to come back, change, and meet for staging. 6-7 hours later, I'm an official Peace Corps Trainee (my identity for the next 8 weeks). Exciting!!!

After staging, a big group of us meet for dinner, I had sushi for the first time (I've seen the light) and then headed back here to finalize some packing decisions for the last time. I also found out that people not from Washington think people from Washington live off of sushi. Maybe some people do?

Anyway, there is a group of 21 of us (almost all here) and everyone seems pretty great. I'm excited!! I'm hearing that JFK is closed down so we'll see if we actually get to fly out tomorrow but I'm excited. Once we land in Lilongwe we'll be whisked off to training so we're all going to hit the ground running, despite the jet lag. Ready or not, here we come!!!

P.S. Note on the previous post: PLEASE if you send me something, send ukulele songs...your favorite or something I've heard. As much as I love Bob, there's only so much Dylan a girl can play on a four-stringed instrument before people want to throw rocks at her head. Thanks!

Tomorrow morning I leave my house at 5:am to go to the Seatac airport. My flight leaves at 8:30am and from there I'm off to staging. By mid-day Sunday I will be in Malawi starting off on the adventure of a lifetime. To say that I'm excited/nervous doesn't quite cover it. I am feeling every emotion you might imagine wrapped up in an awe of disbelief. We'll see what this adventure holds but I can only imagine how wonderful of an experience it will be.

To all of my friends and family, I would not be doing this if not for your constant support. You all mean more to me than I could ever explain.

Next time you hear from me I will have completed eight weeks of intensive language and job training.

For once, I'm at a loss for what to say out of shear anticipated exhaustion. Please write me letters and keep me updated on what is happening in your life. If you are feeling generous, send me candy (gummy things and chocolate, the darker the better). Also, send me pictures of you or us. I want to know how you are because I miss you already.

Amy Cross PCT

Peace Corps

P.O. Box 208

Lilongwe, Malawi

Africa

I'm losing energy on the packing front. Last week, packing was the most calculated/planned escapade I had ever embarked on; that being said, it has turned into this...In other news, here is am mostly complete and deeply unorganized list of everything I am bringing:

Glasses (2)Ukulele strings (2)Floss (5)Toothbrush (5)Chapstick (2)Hair-cutting scissorsCombWind-up clockcapoSwiss armyknifeheadbands (2)CalendarInhalerHarmonicaork glovesbooks 3 Musketeers Hitchhikers Guide to the Galexy Pride and Prejudice The Bible Peter PanPostcards for gifts (4)Stationary (some)Titanium sporkNetbookExternal harddriveheadlampsleeping baggortex ponchoInflatable Pillowsolar chargeripodknitting needles (2)HIking bootschacosdressyshoessneakersukulele tunertape measurecards (2)solar charger accessoriesmugtentsheets (full)sewing kitjewelry (cheap)hair pinskitetoothpastefishing line (to teach kids how to make kites)deoderantColored pencils (presents)spices (Rosmar, Basil, Cumin, cayan pepper)Creole seasoningnutellachicken bullionunderwear (23)seeds (11)mouthwashShampoo/Conditioner (8 week supply of a 2 in1)plyersmulti-head screwdriverduct tapeukuleleinflatable globeJeans (1 maybe 2 depending on space/weight)dress pantsTank tops (5)T-shirts(7)Blouses (3)Long sleep T (1)Bat6hingsuitshorts (for sleeping-2)capris spandexlong underwearsocks (2)skirts (2)hanky(5)bras (8)french press8" cast-iron skilletmetal spatulaknifeconvertable pantstowels (2 thirsty ones)thermometerbunjee cords (3)razor/refillssweatshirtflannelslinkyand there you have it! Things I will add: short wave radio and bananagrams. I think I'm pretty much set.

Before I begin to ramble on again talking about myself and my preparations, here is a quick note to those of you who know me: My folks are throwing a going away party for me (they're a little excited to send me away) at my house. It's an open house this Saturday from noon-4, come hang out! There's no need to bring anything but an empty stomach (we all know how much my Mom loves to feed people). Hope to see you there!

Things I'm nervous/scared for:

Since I got my invitation in October, I've been looking through a lot of blogs and facebook photo albums of current PCV's in Malawi to get a better idea of what daily life will be like for me after I arrive. This has done nothing but excite me, except for one part...I can't even count how many 'toilets' or 'chimbudzis' I've seen which is something in and of itself; however, the part that scares me the most is the fact that will all of these pictures, from oh so many people, I have yet to see a single roll of toilet paper. Call me an American, but yuck! I refuse to accept the reality of what this means. I keep telling people, "maybe they're hiding them?" That's what I'm hoping. Hmm, we'll see!

I'm scared that I'm bringing the wrong stuff. I've been making some serious packing progress (that's new) so when I get everything together I'll put a list of everything I'm bringing (for those of you who are interested in that sort of thing).

More than anything, I'm scared that I'm going to get sick of the music I'm bringing with me...you would be too!

So, in the mean time, I've been spending as much time doing things I won't be able to do once I'm gone: hanging out with my family/friends, watching movies, talking to basically everyone I know on skype/cell phone, and packing (its kind of hard to pack when you're already gone to the place you were packing for).

Soon I'm going to post my little bloggy blog on the giant list of all peace corps volunteers' blogs (exciting). This.is.real.

So, since I've been getting a lot of the same questions, I decided to take this opportunity to answer some of them. For those of you who read this often, you probably know the answers to all of these and will, therefore, find this entire post redundant. For those of you who don't read this often, you probably don't care, and will find this post pointless.

Here, my friends, is a list of (complete with answers) my FAQ's:

1. Are you nervous?answer: Duh! Of course I'm nervous; I'm going to Africa! That being said, my excitement SERIOUSLY outweighs my nerves.

2. Can you get packages?answer: Yes. Here is the deal on mailing me stuff, at least from what I can gather (more information will be posted when I get it). It is expensive, there is no way around it. For letters, the required postage is $0.98 and it will take 2-3 weeks to arrive to me. Make sure to write on the letter or package "Air Mail" or "Por Avion" or it will take up to 6 months to reach me. Packages: Flat rate boxes are cheapest, but it is still going to be pricey (isn't my love in return worth it?). Packages will take 5-9 weeks to reach me via airmail and 6 months for ground mail. As a Peace Corps Volunteer, I get 6 months of duty-free shipping. After that, anything that is sent to me that is valued at over $20, I will have to pay duty taxes on. (Hint: ship used goods *wink*) What are good things to ship? From what I read, it sounds like juice mixes (crystal light type things), candy, pictures of you, spice packets, ect are great. Anything that I wouldn't be able to get there that would make me happy, and ship well really. I'll put up my shipping address soon where the "about me" blurb is right now.

3. Will you have internet?answer: Not for the first 8-10 weeks. After that, definitely every once in a while (monthly), possibly more. I will find out later in Spring.

4. Do you have a packing list?/ What are you bringing?answer: Here is a copy of my packing list.....its overwhelming.

General ClothingLightweight, all-weather jacketHooded sweatshirt or fleeceSleeveless dresses and shirts (note that Volunteer teachers cannot wear these in the classroom)Swimsuit (one piece)Bandannas or handkerchiefsSun hat (baseball cap)Good-quality raincoatSmall umbrella (On principle, I refuse)Durable, easy-to-wash pantsShorts and other clothes like drawstring pajama pants for lounging around (doctor’s scrubs are ideal)Women can and do wear trousers for traveling and in the citiesTeachers need lightweight dresses/skirts that go below the knee (no slits above the knee, and not tight-fitting)Cotton slips (waist to knee and waist to ankle)Very durable, practical clothes (not nice, dressy clothes)Some nicer clothes for in town (dancing, restaurants)Lots of underwear, bras, socksHeavy-duty sports braBeltMoney beltshorts (longer, knee-length shorts for women) for bikingSturdy work gloves (if you garden)Overall advice: do not bring a lot. Just three to four outfits for staging and beginning of training.You can find just about everything in the markets. Malawians dress very conservatively, and will espect the same from you!

ShoesDurable shoes are an essential investmentTeva or Chaco sandalsSneakers and/or hiking boots (Boots are handy for rainy season)Shoes (close-toed and good to stand in all day; for anyone who teaches)You can get flip-flops in Malawi (but according to current volunteers they're all crappy and wear out so you have to buy a new pair every month so bring a pair from home)Dress shoes

Personal Hygiene and Toiletry ItemsFavorite brand of tamponFace/hand/body lotionDeodorantShampoo (just a 2-in-1 to get through training)A few toothbrushesToothpaste (just one for training)Hand sanitizerMultivitaminsShort supply of razors and bladesTwo pair eyeglasses if neededHair-cutting scissorsTweezersLip balmPrescription drugs (three-month supply)

KitchenA sharp kitchen knifeRubber spatulaFrench press (if you appreciate good coffee)Kitchen towelsSend foodstuff to yourself before leaving: specialty/herbal teas; Kraft Mac & Cheese powder; Cliff,Luna or other energy bars.

Miscellaneous But Important Items For Serious Consideration!Sturdy water bottle (e.g., Nalgene)Lightweight, travel, waterproof tent w/ground clothLeatherman/Swiss Army knifeCompact sleeping bag for cold weatherLaptopBungee cords or backpack strapsFitted and flat twin sheets, or double if you needFlashlight or headlamp with extra bulbsShortwave radioSolar-powered rechargeable batteries with rechargerDuct tapeScissorsHeadlamp (very popular among PCVS!) and/or wind-up flash lightConverter and adaptors (220V here. Small multi converters/adapters work well.)Good dictionaryU.S. stamps (so you can send letters home with travelers)Flash drive!! We provide a 2 gig version, but you may want more of your own.Camera Field guide for flora and fauna of sub-Saharan AfricaSeeds for herbs and vegetablesBattery-powered alarm clock (I have a wind-up clock)A couple of thirsty towels (this one entertained me)English dictionary, ThesaurusSunglassesSome zip-lock baggiesWatch - think cheapJewelry - like the watchPersonal money (you can keep it in the safe at the Peace Corps office)Games (Scrabble, cards, chess, Frisbee, etc.)iPod/mp3 player (Please note that erratic energy, heat, humidity, sand and dust will do a number on all electronic devices) Musical instrument (harmonica, guitar, etc.)A few novels (to swap after reading) I'm brining The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galexy, The Three Musketeers, Pride and Prejudice, and Peter PanHobby materials like sketching pads and pencilsDay packLuggage (should be tough, lightweight, lockable, and easy to carry)Hiking backpackSharpiesCrayons, markers, colored paper, colored pencils and cheap paint setsChildren’s booksGRE prep materialsUnbreakable French PressMisc pictures from home and calendar showing scenes of the US

I'm not bringing everything on here, obviously. Also, I am bringing things not on here. This is just a general idea from PeaceCorps and previous/current volunteers to get an feel for what is needed. At least, because of the backpacking I've done, I already have a bunch of the basic things that would normally cost an arm and a leg (eg. Boots, backpack, sleeping bag, ect).

I guess that pretty much covers the questions I've been getting. I can't believe I have less than a month left. If you know me, and know where I live, or know me well enough to contact me and see where I live, I am having a going away party on February 6th. Stop by, eat food, hang out. I am going to try to cook some traditional Malawian dishes like nsima ....that might end badly but there will at least be an attempt.

I just made reservations with SATO travel to fly to Philadelphia on February the 25th. I'm going to be at my pre-training staging event one day early since it takes a 6 hour flight to get to Philadelphia from Seattle and I have to be there by 1:00pm on the 26th. That means one day less to say goodbye to family and friends but one day closer to my great African adventure! I think I'm starting the stage of my excitement where sleeping is going to be rare. If you all thought I talked about Africa a lot before, I'm at a whole new level now.

I guess this means that I am going to have a ton more little updates like this until I get in gear enough to be too busy with preparations.

There is no one in the house with me right now to listen so, WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO!

As you can see (maybe), I've done some tweaking with my layout. New picture, also, check out this disclaimer required if I am going to publicize my blog once I'm in Malawi ------------------>

So, as of now, I'm doing little things to get ready to leave. I'm picking up this or that at the store, staring at my suitcases trying to decide if I would rather bring more stuff or a guitar, getting student loan stuff together, avoiding packing. It sort of hit me last night that this is coming up very quickly.

Yesterday I received an e-mail from Peace Corps with my international flight and staging event information. Here is what I know:

Staging will be in Philidelphia, PA (not D.C.) and it will last for about 20 hours.

Here is my schedule:

1:00pm- check in/registration

2:00-4:25pm-Who we are and what's expected of you

break

4:45-7:00pm-What you expect, What's next, and closing

1:30am- check out of hotel

2:00am- bus arrives for loading and departure for JFK airport, NYC

10:30am- Flight departs for Malawi

As for flight information:

On United Airlines, we fly from JFK to Johannesburg, South Africa. 15 hour and 10 minute flight. We arrive in South Africa at 8:40am (Johannesburg is in the same time zone as Malawi so there is a 10 hour time difference). At 10:00am I flight from Johannesburg to Lilongwe for 2 hours and 25 minutes. I arrive in Malawi at 12:25 pm.

In short:

10:30 depart JFK, New York

8:40am arrive Johannesburg, South Africa

10:00am depart Johannesburg

12:25pm arrive in Malawi

I am finally starting to get nervous but that is only because this has been 9 months since I graduated, but really a year waiting. This time last year I has already interviewed and was waiting to hear. Exciting times.

In other news, I am going to play around with different templates and feedback would be appreciated (that doesn't seem to ever be a problem). So, let me know what you like and don't like, you're the ones who are actually looking at it.

Let me begin with a review of 2009, which proved to be a very exciting year (yes I know this is a couple weeks late). In 2009: I worked a lot of jobs (5) as usual, graduated for Pacific Lutheran University with my BA in Econ with a concentration in International Economic Analysis and a minor in Business, four days after graduation I left for Holden Village for four months, had the best summer of my life, came home, attempted a road trip, failed said roadtrip, spent time with my family, pierced my nose, and have been reconnecting with a lot of people from Holden and PLU...even a few from high school. As good as 2009 was, 2010 will be better.Late last year, Meredith, an old roommate somehow managed to scrape together a car to visit me!! It was great seeing her!

Since January 1st, I have been on 5 airplanes, 4 trains, 9 buses, and 8 different cars (none of which were my own). I have spent time in the Seatac, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Denver, and Salt Lake City airports. I am excited that my methods of transport from here on out are only going to get more interesting. That being said, my next 40 days at home are going to include a lot of home time because I have a lot to get ready here before I can leave for Malawi. Ok, that's enough, on to what I've been up to the last couple weeks, and pictures!

Just before the new year, a good friend from Holden came to stay with me for 6 days. We went sailing, hung out in Seattle, went to Ikea, soo exciting. I had a good time showing her the magic of the Pacific Northwest, and she had a grand time (being from Wisconsin) experiencing, what I would later in the week learn is, warm weather. Being that it is SO "warm" here, and actually not raining for a bit, Hannah, my Dad and I took the opportunity to go sailing! It was cold, but beautiful. Good job, January.

My father is a dignified man, as visible by the sun behind his head. It was a good day, overall. After sailing, we went down to Seattle, I'll spare you all of the pictures I foreced her to take being a tourist (with the space needle, with Pike's place, with Yoda, with Tom Hanks's picture, ect.)

The evening I took Hannah to the airport to go back home, our dryer broke so Jeff and Diana and I went to the laundromat so I could do some laundry because I was leaving for Minneapolis, MN the next morning. Somehow this happened.

Those details are a little fuzzy still. Either way, eventually, I finished my laundry, packed up and went to sleep for a few hours before I had to get up the next morning so my WONDERFUL sister could drive me to the airport at 3:00am.

The plainride went smoothly, I flew to Denver, then to Minneapolis. I got there, my friend Maren (I stayed with her) from Holden picked me up from the airport and thus my Mid-west adventure began. Everyone should note that it was 45 F when I left Seattle and I was already sleeping in long underwear. When I landed in Minneapolis it was 14 F and was emediatly informed that I was lucky it was so warm there for a change. It should also be noted that 14 was the coldest I had ever felt.

Maren: What do you want to do while you're here?

Amy: Stand on a frozen lake, drink Caribou coffee, and see the Mall of America.

Maren: No problem

Here are some things I learned right out of the gate: "You have to respect the ice."-Maren Evidently, "respecting the ice" means you have to waddle when you walk...and waddle I did. I also learned that when you first walk outside, rather than taking a deep breath to enjoy the fresh air like I am used to doing in wonderful, wonderful Washington, you have to hold your breath and then proceed to breath in slowly. Not following these simple directions will, absolutely, result in coughing and then having the locals make fun of you. This is a reflex not easily learned. I learned that if you are standing on a frozen lake and you wrap your scarf around your face for extra protection from the cold, that makes condensation on your glasses from breathing. Then, if you stand outside like that for more than a split second, your glasses freeze. Yes, I said freeze. They look like they were just foggy; take my word for it.

I also learned that Minnesotans have to put fake mountains on the walls of their Caribou Coffee's so they can pretend they have mountains. Oh Minnesota, you silly, silly folks.

Inside the Mall of America, there is a lego museam..I can't even make a lego helicopter.

There is a sculpture park, and in the middle is this 1,200 lb cherry on a spoon (famous?). I stood bye it because the pond surrounding it is frozen (frozen bodies of water stood on so far: 2). That was interesting. We didn't very thoroughly investigate the rest of the sculptures because it was soo cold that day. Even with 2 pairs of pants on, a t-shirt, long sleeve t-shirt, flannel, fleece, sweatshirt, jacket, hat, gloved, scarf, it was too cold to be out for more than 20 minutes.

I did learn that it is a bad idea, however, to try to climb the giant spoon because, that is not respecting the ice, and the ice gets angry and makes you fall on your face. I learned my lesson. Thanks for being on top of the camera, Maren.

Maren took me to a place where I got to throw peanut shells on the ground. This, really, has nothing to do with Minnesota, but I've always wanted to, so it's exciting in my book.

What's next in the random collection of things I did in Minnesota? A kite festival on a frozen lake (frozen body of water number 3). Fun fact, if you are at a kite festival, flying a kite on a frozen lake, at sun set, after the sun sets, what you once thought was unbarably cold, becomes, lets get to the car as fast as we can because I think I'm on Pluto-cold.

After the kite festival, Katy took us to a local coffee shop where she has a bunch of her FANTASTIC photos hanging from all of the places she's been. We had ice cream there because since it was -12F, there was a 25% discount to give incentive to eat it. That's right.

Another fun fact: the Mighty Ducks trilogy was filmed for the most part in Minneapolis, MN. We watched the movies, then drove past Mickey's diner (a few scenes from the movie) on our way home from the Minnesota Science Museum where we saw an exhibit on the Titanic (very interesting, go if it comes to a city near you).

That pretty much concludes my Minnesota adventure. Monday morning, Maren dropped me off at the airport on her way to work and I was on my way. I flew from Minneapolis/St. Paul to Denver, to Salt Lake City, and finally to Seatac. There I took the lightrale (train number 1) to Seattle and caught the bus to Everett where I was picked up and taken home.

The next morning I woke up early again, got a ride to the everett station, hopped on a bus to Seattle and got on a train (#2) to Vancouver to visit an old roommate, Kristen and her boyfriend Andrew (also a friend from PLU).

Seeing as I was only in the magical land of Camas for 23 hours, it was a sort of whirlwind of tours of the town, and catching up with each other. It was so good to see her, and everyone I've seen, especially keeping in mind that I won't see them for at least 2.5 years.

The next morning, Kristen and Andrew dropped me off at the train station (#3) where I took the train to Seattle. Once in Seattle I hopped on the sounder (train #4) instead of a bus because the Sounder honors Amtrak tickets (interesting). Jeff picked me up from good ol' Everett station and took me to church where I had some things to do, then someone from church took me home. I pretty much went straight to sleep, woke up this morning, and here I am. It's been an exciting couple of weeks.

Now, I am faced with all of the thousands of little things I have to do before I take off. I need to get rid of all of the things I won't want come June 2012, fill out paperwork, ect ect.

I hope this update will satisfy for a bit because I don't forsee anything exciting coming up for a bit.

40 days until I leave!

So far, my luck in finding a job has been bad. I have decided that I will not find gameful employment in the two months before I leave. At best, I can still make a profit running around and picking up the loose change that falls out of my older brother's pockets and on the floor of my sisters car. I'm slowly building my fortune. When I'm not hunting for change around the Cross house, I am....well, I'm never really sure how I fill my days but I always end up doing something. The only exception to that is the past week when I have taken over the brown couch as my little illness island. Bronchitis. After a visit to the un-sympathetic, drug-pushing doctor, I decided to tough it out and just try to cough all of the gunk out of my lungs to avoid pneumonia, normal for me (too much information? Sorry, you should be prepared for that). I feel better today than I have all week so I win in the game of Amy v. sickness. Does anyone else play that game when they're sick? I always win in the end, weird. I spent most of my couch-bound time knitting and staring off into space, reading, and watching made-for-tv movies. Grand. I'm glad that part of my life is over and feel better in thinking that the next time I'm sick, it will most likely be by some exotic tropical disease in Africa (erase that from your memory, Mom). I got a point in the previously mentioned Amy v. sickness game, by the way, for finding the ule log channel on demand. If I was never sick, then I never would watched all of the How I Met Your Mother episodes and I never would have explored further. Again, too much unnecessary information (its a habit, I blame my sister). So, as I am sure by now you have concluded, this post is pointless and is most definitely a waste of your life to read. Why are you still reading? Well, its interesting to read what is happening in another persons mind or in their life. As this is a completely unfiltered forum for the ramblings of my easily distracted little mind, it is vaguely interesting. Example a, you are reading this right now. If it is a waste or your life to read this then isn't it a waste of my life to write it, you ask? No. My dear, dear friend Meredith and my sister both have spent a lot of time bugging me about writing another update, even though there is (obviously) nothing exciting enough to update about. This is to satisfy them. I'm a people-pleaser.

My plans for the future (between now and leaving for Africa): Making my own flash paper out of toilet paper, a flare, boiling water, as spoon, and a match. PROJECT! I'm going to be my own supplier for flammable magic trick paraphernalia.

I apologize if this is all a bit pointless and scattered; I've been on cold medication all week.

So its Christmas time again! Lets all join hands together, sing a carol or two (though with this nasty cough, you won't want to listen to me sing) and then watch another cartoontastic twist of Dickens's most famous work. I'll bring the figgy pudding (is that really just pudding with figs in it?)!!!

Don't spend hours at the mall tomorrow, on Christmas eve, spend it with the people you love. After all, if you don't have a gift for them yet, obviously they're not important enough to get one from you. Maybe you should spend that time building your relationship instead of yelling at the slow person in the parking lot who just won't give up their awesome, should-be-a-persons with disabilities spot because its sooo close to the door-spot. If you do go somewhere tomorrow, park in back, enjoy being outside, you probably don't spend enough time outside.

That's enough, I warned you about the cold medication.

Merry Christmas!

So, 2 weeks is too long to go without posting anything? Noted.

So far I've been spending my time job hunting for a job that will only last for a few months and is within barrowing-a-car-from-family distance. Its not happening. We'll see. Maybe I'll sell my blood? No.

A couple of days ago Diana and I took the bus to the REI in Seattle so that I could give Diana a lesson in riding the bus. Evidently, I'm a bad teacher; she's still confused.

Yesterday I went to Olympia to visit both Grandma's an Aunt and an Uncle.

Right now I'm sitting next to Jeff, my brother (Woohoo for first blog shoutout to the Jeffinator!), watching muppet parodies of genius songs (eg, Bohemian Rhapsody).

That's really all that I'm up to. I'll post some pictures when I'm on a computer that can read my 8 G memory card because my camera cord was a victem in Floyd's death.

Satisfied Meredith?

These photos are in reverse order. Back at home, this is Lake Stevens.

Gloomy airport gate. I would much rather be on the road. Oh well.

Somewhere inbetween Santa Ana and San Fransisco.

My airplane.

The last picture I took of Floyd before the sketchy Russian man took him away.

Self-explanatory.

Diana and I in front of the castle.

Tea cups :).

Splash Mountain.

Haunted mansion.

Waiting to get into the park.

We were first in line :).

Since my exhaust system fell off of my car (you're read that later) I had to miss the walk of fame in Hollywood, so this makes up for that.

On Highway 101, you curve around a lot through the landscape. I would be driving through hills and rural areas, then the road would just open up to show the Pacific Ocean as far as you can see. Wonderful. This is the Californian Coast.

Before it opened up to the ocean.

The Redwood Forest. Those trees are pretty large and in charge.

Babe, the blue Oxe.

Paul Bunion himself

Me, Paul, and Blue.

Floyd, Paul, and Blue.

Flody and the californian Coast (its through that opening but it started to rain so you can't really see it).

Me and the Redwood forest.

Floyd and the Redwoods.

Me and a giant fyberglass T-Rex.

Floyd and the T-Rex.

I didn't post anything for the duration of my road trip because my computer started smoking and never turned on again.

Its just like Floyd to go down with flair. Aside from the general over heating, occasional smoking, and, every once in a while, refusing to move up hills (or at all)...and oh yeah, running really rich, I have no idea what was wrong with him. I will never know now. I sold him to a junk yard so I wouldn't have to be stranded in L.A. anymore. I'm pretty sure I got ripped off by the scuzziest junk yard man in the history of the world. Oh well, I'm home now.

I'm a little annoyed that my exciting road trip failed (mostly) and I'm back home, with an extra month and nothing to do (for now, 103 days until I leave for Africa, according to my Mom's count down. Is she excited? or sad? haha). on the other hand, I always sort of have trips and things planned for myself and they rarely work out. I'm just happy that this one sort worked out-I left. I was trying to figure out what I'm going to do with myself for the next 103 days. I thought about going back to Holden, but I'm trying really hard to resist the need that everyone feels to default back there when things don't necessarily move forward. Besides, I feel like I'm sort of saving my return for after Peace Corps.

Ok, so here is the story from when I posted last until Monday night:

Friday, November 6th, 2009 (Newport, Oregon, day 4):

That morning I packed up and left because I had just learned that I had to make it from Newport, OR to Santa Cruz, CA (which I knew), 14 hours of driving, about 642 miles (didn't know). I made it after being over-tired, extremely frustrated, slightly lost, and in aww over the Golden Gate Bridge (did anyone know that is a toll bridge??) That night I was staying with Carol from Holden. Carol lives up in the mountains above Santa Cruz, where there is no cell phone reception. So, I was in the woods, after dark, winding through the mountains at night, up steep roads. At this point Floyd was already having trouble rounning (because of the 642 mile drive that day). There came a spout where all of the forks in the road got so steep that I couldn't get the car to move forward any more up the hills. I had to get it off the road, so I pulled it inbetween two forks, as much off the road as I could (not very much). I picked up my pack, and started walking toward Carol's place. Eventually (after being barked at by a bunch of dogs and questioned by a bunch of owners and neihbors) a car pulled over to ask me if I was hitch hiking (I was looking pretty sketchy by this point). When I told the elderly couple in the car that I wasn't hitch hiking but that I was staying with Carol, and yes, she knew I was coming, they said, "well, oh. You're one of her Holden friends then! Get in the car, I'm her neihbor, Marsha, I can give you a lift to her driveway". After thanking her and telling her that yes, that was my car back there and I know its not that far off the road but it wouldn't move forward anymore and I was lucky it was out of the road at all, we made it to carols place (pretty far up the hill). I thanked them, a lot, and headed to Carols house, where she was waiting for me with open arms, asking me if I found it alright. Ugg. I went inside and we talked for a while about Holden and people we know, the trip I had getting there, ect. Eventually I expressed my need to go to sleep before passing out. I got to sleep in a bed for the first time in a while, that was exciting (sorry, I didn't get a picture of it).

Saturday, November 7th, 2009:

The next morning I was so anxious about my car that I couldn't sleep, so I was up before dwawn. We ate breakfast and as soon as it was light outside, I looked at the car a bit (determining that it was a faulty mass airflow sensor that I put in the car a couple weeks prior) and headed down the hill after saying goodbye to Carol and giving her the hat I knitted for her. I went to 2 different auto-parts stores and bought a new mass airflow sensor, and the cheapest socket set they had ($3) and put in the knew MAS in the parking lot with the help of a random man who saw my having trouble fitting all of the parts together (engines are pretty congested places, I've discovered). I put the knew part in and it didn't do anything. Annoyed that I just spent a bunch of money on nothing, I decided to hit the road anyway because I needed to pick up Diana from the Santa Ana airport by 9:30 at the lastest and it was already noon. 410 miles that day. The further I drove, the worse the car got. At times, I had to pull the car back to 2nd gear just so I wasn't loosing speed at a slight incline. By the time I made it to L.A. , I was sure I wouldn't make it much forther than Anaheim, I was just trying to push forward as much as I could so Diana wouldn't be stranded at the airport. L.A. traffic sucks. Stop and go traffic is especially aggrevating when every time you stop (especially on a hill) you're not confident that the car will actually move forward when you start again. So, on the freeway, I wound through Los Angeles until South L.A. when I had to pull off of the side of the road into a laundry matte parking lot because I heard a loud noise and then the sound of steel being dragged under my car. When I got under the car to look at it my exhaust pipe fell off of my car and was dragging because it was still attached to the muffler and hooked up over the rear axel. After spending a while on the phone with my Dad he told me that I had to free the exaust pipe so I could drive the car still. I grabbed the knife that I cut yarn with and my headlamp and layed down on the ground (in the world grosses parking lot) and hacked at the rubber holders that were keeping the muffler attached to the car because I had to get the (disconnected) muffler off so that I could get the exhaust pipe off the axel. After a while of messing with it it finally came off and after a further while of messing with the exhaust pipe and jacking up the car and putting it down ,ect, I finally got that out too. The exhaust pipe went in the dumpster (or close to it) and the muffler went in my trunk with my broken lap top. I hit the road again. By the time I got back onto the freeway, traffic had gotten better and I found the humor in the situation and started laughing a bit at it (probably in a crazy way). After I got lost a few times again (I have no sense in direction) I made it to the airport and found a parking lot. I was there 45 minutes before Diana's plane landed, those 45 mintues, I fully intended to sleep but bafter a few seconds of the car being off the airport/parking lot shuttle was behind me honking to see if I wanted to shuttle to the airport. I decided that 45 minutes of sleep wouldn't do much and got onto the shuttle. I got off and walked around in the airport appreciating my ability to walk around after so long in the car. I picked up Diana (who was astonished by the sounds Floyd was making without a muffler) and we headed back to the hotel we had reserved after, of course, getting lost a bit trying to find it. (Stupid McCarther Street in Santa Ana, we hate you!!!) We decided, back at the hotel, to trying to ignore the car and sleep...like that happened.

Sunday, November 8th, 2009:

Anaheim, California

DISNEYLAND!!!!

We got up early (what's a little less sleep?) and were t the park, first in line by 7:20am (opens at 8:00). We had checked out from the library at home "The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland" (highly recommended). We did Disneyland (open to close) in 16 hours, one day. We saw most of what there is to see and it wasw beautiful...Even though, most of the time I was falling in and out of being really sucked into the experience and being tripped out by the truman show affect of it all. Weird. It was a great day. The ngiht ended with a lazor light show projected onto a screen of shooting up water. The last song was "When You Wish Upon a Star", perfect Disney. We couldn't have asked for a better ending. We went back to the hotel extremely tired. While we were at the park, the family was looking for a flight home (cheap for me ASAP) because I decided to junk the car and fly home. check.

My favorite ride was Peter Pan. Disneyland was everything I hoped it could be.

Monday, November 9th, 2009:

Anaheim, and Santa Ana, California

Another early morning. Diana and I got up erally early (again) and called every junk yard in the phone book to see how to get rid of Floyd (sniffle). The problem was that I recently changed the title to be in my name (in case I had to get rid of it) but it was still in the mail. Since it was an out of state title that I dont' have yet, no one would take the car, let alone buy it from me. Finally, I found the sketchiest man alive and he took Floyd away. I dropped Diana off at the airport. The junk yard man offered free towing from wherever I was so I drove Floyd to a hotel parking lot across the street from the airport (Diana's idea) and meet him there. We filled out paperwork, I took pictures of Floyd, then he took him away and I picked up all of my stuff and walked across the street to the airport. When I got the the airport, the lady at the desk was having so much trouble checking me in (it took almost an hour) that her manager gave me priority seating to make up for the wait, so I got to board with the first class folks.

I waited in the airport for 5 hours until my flight left ( Diana's was early morning but mine was evening because it was a last minute ticket). Finally I got to board. Since I was a single person flying with a last minute, one-way ticket and a lot of random luggage (and looking pretty beat down by the world) I got pulled out of line twice and frisked. That's normal for me flying though. I had a 3 hour lay-over in San Fransisco. My second flight had my next to a woman holding her obnoxious toddler who had banana all over him and kept kicking me. She was also drinking. That was a pretty long flight (even though it was only 2 hours). I got to Seattle that night, where Diana had been waiting, and my Mom picked us up. We drove home and I went to bed and didn't wake up for a long time.

At least I have a story to tell now?

Good job if you read all of this.

Kaija and I with the lighthouse.

It was amazing! It looks like a postcard!

Me with the Oregon Coast!

Kaija with the Oregon Coast, her home.

Yesterday I woke up and spent a while dancing around to random traveling songs that I have on my ipond (this has become my morning ritual). I think yesterdays mix was the same as today's so it was: "Hard Road to Travel" by Jimmy Cliff , "We'll Meet Again" by Johnny Cash, "Gotta Travel On" by The Au Go-Go Singers, and "Postcards to Italy" by Beirut. Good mix!

So, yesterday, I spent most of the morning trying to figure out where I'm going to stay when I do Habitat for Humanity. There are a bunch of different options, I'm just trying to figure out which ones are still in operation. So, today, I'm not doing anything until I figure that out and reserve a spot for myself (which might prove to be difficult because, like yesterday, it is INSANELY windy here and it is messing with the internet connection. Oh well, at least I have it at all!

After messing with where I'm going to stay for a bit, I met up with a friend I met the night before and we walked over and met Kaija for lunch (Thai food). After hanging out there for a while I headed back here and Kaija and Robin headed to work. I talked on the phone with a few people, found a place ot stay in Central California, got free coffee from the front desk, and walked around the area for a while. After a while, Kaija got home (early) and we headed out to see the light house. There are two lighthouses in Newport, we went to Equina head light house. To save $7.00 we parked before the entrance and walked, maybe a mile and a half each way, to the lighthouse. I was a really great walk because you got to walk along the cliffs that sort of look over the ocean. It was beautiful. I was really windy so, naturally, we played around in the wind. By the time we turned the last corner to get to the lighthouse, it was sunset. Beautiful. We poked around the lighthoues for a while, then headed back.

We came back here, made dinner, skyped a friend from Holden and then played a game of Scrabble. Right when we finished the game of scrabble, some of Kaija's friends came over, they are doing a cleansing and wanted to go in the sauna. So we went. We sort of hopped between the jacuzzi, the pool, and the sauna. We got there 5 minutes before it closed so we had to have the night time cleaning guys let us in, they were happy to. We hung around there for a while then headed back to Kaija's place. We played another game of speed scrabble then they left and we hung out talking until we were both falling asleep.

This morning I've been doing my morning ritual of dancing around to the previously mentioned mix. I think today we might go to the other lighthouse. We'll see what happens.

Oh, and

Remember remember the Fifth of November, of GunPowder Treason and Plot. I see no reason, Why GunPowder treason, Should Ever Be Forgot.

Happy? Guy Fox Day.

Who knew, Keiko lived in Newport!!!??? I didn't. This mural on the wall informed us that he did. I think this is Kaija and her friend, Robin, re-inacting Free Willy.

Kaija and I with Keiko.

Kaija and I. Evidently in Newport, they have this thing called "Aloha Tuesdays". If you wear a Hawaiian shirt and go to the local brewery (Rogue) they give you a free pint. Note: the Hawaiian shirts.

Sunset, I can't help myself.

Ripleys Beleive it or Not is here on the bayfront! Woah! I don't want to pay to go in but they have creepy music playing there all the time.

I hung out and watched the Sea Lions for a while (you can tell it was for a long time because the there are a TON of pictures of them).

Oh Beach Towns.....

When I Was taking a picture of this sign when some creepy probably 80-year-old man and I had this conversation:

man: How about that?

Me: How about what?

man: Just...How about that?

me: What??

man: I don't know, anything! How are you?

me: um...fine? [exit stage right]

So, since Kaija works like a normal human, I have the day to dink around the town and see whatever I want. I spent the day yesterday exploring all the peirs and different beaches and different stores. I got some salt water taffy, I watched the Sea Lions. The day was pretty uneventful but it was a lot of fun! I ended up talking about Peace Corps with the owner of this one store that sells a bunch of wood carvings and things like that. Good times. I like Newport!

I got up yesterday morning in Mill Creek and got ready, around 8am Sarah and I headed out (I dropped her off at UW). I drove and drove and drove. Yesterday, I drove 337 miles. That was a great drive too! The only hang-up I had was when I finally had to stop for gas off of 99W in Oregon. I forgot that you can't pump your own gas there. I stopped off at the cheapest station I could find (duh) and the gas pump man was asking me for my keys (Floyd has a locking gas door). After a momentary brain-fart I realized why and handed them over. He gave me a ticket that I then had to go inside (to pay), give the man in the arco my ticket, have him color on it, then give it back to the man who pumped my gas before I could go. Ineffecient system. I talked to Kaija about it and she said that its not normal, normally you pay from your car because what's the point of having your gas pumped if you have to get out of the car. Oh well, it was an experience. I'm going to try to wait until I'm in California to fill up again :).

After a few stops along the way I was on the scenic highway 101. I'm really excited to take 101 down the coast, its a beautiful drive. I got to Newport a couple hours before Kaija got off of work so I parked at a beach and wandered around taking all of the pictures you see here. Great day. I really enjoyed my first full day of road tripping.

After Kaija got off of work, we came back to her place, hung out for a while, showed me how AMAZING her apartment is, then we headed out to get something to eat. We split fish and chips then headed to the library to check out a movie. We came back here, watched it (both fell asleep) then went to bed. I was tired from waking up early and driving across states, so I was happy to just get to hang out and then sleep. Now I'm here until Friday morning, exploring Newport. I'm going to be a temporary beach bum! I'll take pictures of any sand castles I make :). That's all for now, enjoy the pictures!!! Who knew it doesn't take as long to upload pictures when you're not at Holden :).

Newport at Sunset. NYE Beach.

Surfer.

This is Kaija's couch where I slept last night.

Kaija and I after we met up.

Floyd enjoying the sunset.

I have a lot of pictures of me trying to get one of myself with the ocean. I'll spare you most of them...here is a sampling.

Gigantic barnacles!! These are bigger than big barnacle (only Diana would understand).

I spent a good half hour freaking the seagulls out...you know, when I wasn't poking at sea creatures.

The Devils Punch Bowl. My family was telling me bout this before I left so when I drove by it, I had to stop. I guess at high tide it fills with water and swirls around (like a toilet?). Unfortunately I was there at low tide and wasn't about to wait around for it to come in. Oh well, it was a nice place to get out and walk around.

The first thing I saw after I passed over the Oregon/Washington border...a bridge going over the Columbia River (which is the natural border). Exciting! Way to start off with a bang Oregon. Haha. The jokes on me though because shortly after this I had to stop at a 7-11 for directions to get to 99W.

I got a little too ambitions with the water and a larger-than-the-rest-of-them-wave blindsided me and got my pants wet.

Obligatory beach photo.

That black dot is the surfer from the earlier picture.

Woohoo!! Roadtrip on!

I didn't head out until the afternoon because I was janging out at home, spendingt some time with the family. Around 2:00, I headed out. I only went ot Mill Creek today so by 2:30ish I was here. The couch is where I'm sleeping for tonight. Tomorrow, I head to Newport, OR.

Don't worry, the posts will be more excited when I drive more than half an hour.

First of all, let me say that if you have the ability, listen to "The Banjolin Song" by Mumford & Sons. Wonderful!

Now that that's finished.

Tomorrow I head out on a cross-country road trip! It hasn't really sunk in that it is happening since my first (and shortest) stop, tomorrow, is 40 minutes away. It counts nonetheless. Here is a copy of my tentative itinerary. I am, however, planning on cronicling my entire trip as I go (the frequency will be determined by my access to internet). I plan to take a picture of where I'm sleeping (bed, floor, car, hotel, ect), some sort of notation of how many miles (or maybe distance as expressed in time) I went that day and pictures or normal desciption of whatever I happen to think is interesting. Anyway, here is the itinerary (subject to change):

Tomorrow, I'll leave about 1pmish (I'm in no hurry to Mill Creek, it's close). Staying with my pal Sarah.

Monday: leave early morning and head to Newport, Oregon with my a friend from Holden this summer. I'll stay with Kaija until Friday morning.

Friday: Somewhere (I have yet to decide with whom I'm staying) in the greater Bay Area, CA (looooonnnnnnnngggggggggg drive, I'm aware).

sidenote: I'm taking highways 101 and 1 down the west coast, so I'll be taking the slightly longer, and much more scenic route. Once I cut east, I'll be on Route 66...again, longer and more scenic route.

Saturday: Head to LA, pick up Diana from the Anaheim airport, go to Hotel in Anaheim

Sunday: DISNEYLAND!!! That's right! Diana is flying down and we're going to do Disneyland in one day.....16 hours. It's going to happen.

Monday, Nov. 9th: Drop Diana off at the Anaheim airport and head toward Las Vegas maybe, definitly the Grand Canyon. If I stay in Las Vegas then I'll be there for the night with a friend from Holden. If I don't stay in Las Vegas (depends on the working status of fried there) then I'll stay in my car or in a hotel off Route 66 year the Grand Canyon. I'll be on the Historic Route 66 West, for a good chunk of this trip, of couse I'm planning on stopping at all of the roadside attractions.

Tuesday, Nov. 10th: Travel Day

Wednesday, Nov. 11th I will either be in Housten, or Tulsa, or somewhere inbetween (this is still depending on the people I would be staying with, I need to talk to both of them).

After both of those people are visited, I'll stay with aother person in Housten then head over to New Orleans for a week. I'll be there doing Habitat for Humanity the wek before Thanksgiving.

November 23rd or 24th: ATLANTA, GA with my pal Meredith(ex-roommate from PLU)! I'll be with Mere for Thanksgiving and most likely a trip to the East coast (so I can say it's truely a coast-to-coast roadtrip) until the 29th of November (ish) when I turn back and go back home.

I have yet to plan my trip back because it is going to depend on road conditions based on what I read and also what I experience on the way there.

4,104 miles there, 2,765 miles back. We'll see how this goes.

I am nervous, but excited! I have always wanted to do this.

Sidenote: For future reference, when I refer to Floyd, I am talking about my car. That is his name. He's named after the song "Pretty Boy Floyd" by Woody Guthrie (listen to it).

I'll try to start the cronicle of my trip tomorrow! Stay tuned!

Today is my lovely sister, Diana's, birthday!! Happy Birthday Diana, the world loves you!

Here is some more information for those of you who either a) Have yet to receive a shrieking phone call from me or b) failed to understand what I was saying during the shrieking phone call...I think that covers everyone I know.

For starters, I'm going to MALAWI. It's a small country in Southeastern Africa that is about the size of Pennsylvania. Here is a site with more information if you want it: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mi.html

Anyway, back to my assignment:

Program: Environment

Job Title: Community NRM/Forestry and Parks Extension Volunteer

Orientation Dates: February 24th, 2010

February 25th, 2010

Pre-Service Training: February 27th, 2010

The Primary Aspects of your job include:

A. Teamwork: Working, learning and planning with local Malawian residents to ensure project sustainability;

B. Community Forestry: Building the capacity of existing community groups to plan for and understand appropriate natural resource management.

C. Conservation Awareness: Learning and extending local technical information as a means of extending locally appropriate natural resources management technologies. Encouraging the use of sustainable building practices that discourage deforestation;

D. Government staff and local relationships: Contributing to the creation of positive relationships between local communities and parks,. forest reserves, NGO staff. Helping staff and community residents to understand policy changes.

E. Enterprise Development: Assisting rural Malawians to develop and implement strategies for improving their livelihoods. Small business start ups, community savings programs, basic marketing and sales education, as well as improving financial literacy, will help to achieve this goal.

I hope that fills you in! If you have any more questions, ask me!

I'M GOING TO MALAWI!!!

Here is information about the country

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mi.html

I am going to be doing resource conservation work. For tonight, however, I have been talking about it too much so I'll update more tomorrow with what specifically I'm doing.

I leave February 27th.

Woohoo!

Well, I have officially been home a week as of yesterday. Time isn't moving very quickly; I sort of expected it to pick up as soon as I left the village but so far that hasn't happened. That's ok, I'm not trying to rush time....in fact, I very much appreciate the slowing that it has done.

These are pictures of things I've done since I've been home:

The first picture is a show poster from the concert I went to last night (sorry I didn't rotate the picture). I've been to see this band 5 times before in the last 2 years, and I've been to a lot of concerts, but this was the single GREATEST concert I've ever been to!!! I can't even express how wonderful it was!

The second picture is of all the hats I've knitted since I've been home.

The third picture is one of the hats from the previous picture but close-up because it's the neatest thing I've ever knitted! I gave it to my Dad.

I mowed my name in the lawn.

The last picture is the SS Adventurous. This isn't our new boat (we wish) but it is a really cool boat that I've been on that we saw near the Everett Marina.

So, it hasn't been that exciting since I've been home but that's what I've been up to. I've also done a lot of trips to the Good Will, a lot of cleaning of my stuff and a lot of working on my car.

As we speak, Amy is on her way back to the "real world" from the magical land of Holden. What does this mean for you, gentle reader? That, unless you are currently at Holden, your chances of being friends with Amy just skyrocketed (trust me, I'm a statistician). In honor of this fact, I humbly present: The Top 10 Reasons to Be Friends With Amy! 10) Amy is thoughtful. Once, when our whole apartment was having a lousy day, Amy snuck off to the store and prepared our favorite treat--worms and dirt! And despite Amy's warnings to the contrary (fact: Amy is always right), we all finished out GIANT servings and regretted it later. Totally worth it. 9) Amy is very good at keeping secrets, even if they aren't or don't seem important. Any bank would be lucky to have a vault as secure as the one in Amy's brain! 8) Amy makes you feel like dancing! Ok, not exactly, but she is an excellent dancer (exhibit A). One time, when I was having a lousy day, Amy, without missing a beat, flipped on a Leo Sayer classic and performed an elaborate might-as-well-have-been-choreographed routine. I almost died laughing. Made my day.Exhibit A (sorry, Amy...the world had to know!)

7) Amy is extremely motherly. When anyone she loves gets sick, she will not let them leave her sight until they are sufficiently hydrated (according to her extremely high standards of hydration) 6) One word: brinner!

5) Amy is exceptionally cool. Enough said.

4) Amy is generous. One time, I stole/borrowed a shirt from Amy... now it lives in Georgia and she has not hunted me down (yet)! This photo was taken in Georgia yesterday...seriously.

3) Amy has great taste in friends. Friends who make gross flan :)

2) Amy never forgets to tell you how she feels about you...in giant letters!

1) Amy is sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo cute! (And knows it!)

Seriously! How could you NOT be friends with Amy???

Welcome Home, Amy!!! We missed you! :)

This will be my last post from the village; I leave tomorrow.

Judging by the number of layers I now wear just to walk outside, fall is here. All of the summer staff has left (I'm one of the last ones). Yesterday at the staff meeting, most of the discussions were about fall and winter schedules. It was sad to hear about all of the AMAZING things that are going to be happening when I'm gone. At the end of the staff meeting all the people who are leaving before the next meeting stand up and everyone prays the 'Holden Prayer' around them. There weren't very many of us standing up so there were a lot of people per leaving person. Lots of hands, lots of prayers.

Last night was my last night in the Snack Bar...I still have this afternoon. It was really quiet, sort of anti-climatic.

Today, other than work in the Snack Bar this afternoon and then the Pool Hall this evening, my day is, almost completely, consisting of packing and cleaning. For those of you who know me, I'm moving pretty slowly with the packing because I hate it. I'm sort of glad that I'm going to be living out of a suitcase for a while because then I won't have to pack up and stuff.

Well...here's to the beginning of a nomadic existence!

For those of you who have been at Holden this summer, thank you for the greatest summer of my life living in the most beautiful place I will ever live. I am tempted to extend but its time to rip the bandaid off and move on. People tend to linger around here forever. It's time to go. I have gotten to know people better this summer than I ever have before. To those people, thank you for being a part of my life, I love you and I miss you.

Also, if you have the capacity, listen to "Gotta Travel On" by Au Go-Go Singers.

When I'm home, with faster than freakishly slow internet, I'll post some of the pictures for yesterday. I documented the entire day.

Amy

It's supposed to snow tonight.

A big thanks to Esme for the AMAZING guest post!

Mavericking is still tons of fun! Less fun, however, are the bruises all over my arms and legs and sternum and palms and feet from chucking and catching firewood. I'm excited to have bruises though; if you know me, you know that I don't bruise unless I'm seriously injured so this is exciting and new to me.

This morning, we met in the dining hall again at 6:00am and headed to the woodlot. We split wood. Then we stacked wood in the basement of chalet 14. We stacked an entire dump truck load so that took pretty much all morning. Before I had dishteam I took a load of stuff to the burnpile on the second level. I got to drive the truck because I'm one of the only mavericks who knows how to drive a manual. I dumped the load just fine but when I went to turn around (near the 2nd hold of the frisbee golf coarse for those of you who know Holden) I got stuck. It took me 40 minutes to dig out the tires and get un-stuck. By that time I was a half hour late to dishteam. I was the only one on clean and it lasted 2 and a half hours because we had 133 6th graders from Chelan come in today.

I went straight to work from dishteam because the Snack Bar had already been open for half an hour. I was so tired that Karen told me to go home and take a nap. Since I"m incapable of napping, I showered and cleaned a little and started doing Laundry. I'm finding comfort in the fact that these are all neccesary prepatory tasks to beging packing (sometime I will, I swear).

Anyway, I have 3 days left in the village. A lot of people I'vebeen friends with ALL SUMMER left today which is a little sad but that's me in a few days. I'm sad to go but I'm really anxious for things to come.

Oh, Sarah came to visit! She wasn't here very long and her time here basically consisted of walking around the village and near by it talking. It was GREAT to see her!

Today I woke up at the butt crack of dawn in order to do maverick work. It probably doesn't come as a surprise to those of you who know me well to find out that I am a maverick now, since as a child I was beastly strong. At three I was pulling trees out of the ground with one hand.

My maverick pals and I started the morning by eating four bowls of oatmeal and a gallon of coffee each. We then went and chopped wood. It was at this point that we heard the fire alarm ringing through the trees. We ran back into the village. People were crowding around Koininia. Smoke was billowing around the building; fire crackled behind the windows.

"Oh thank God you're here!" Tom said to us mavericks. "We can't turn the hose on!"

I ran to the fire hose and pushed the villagers trying to turn it on out of the way. With one mighty tug I turned the hose on. My fellow mavericks grabbed the hose and began spraying it at the building, but--oh no!--there through the top window I saw Joe screaming for help!

"Fear not, little Joseph!" I bellowed, and without further ado I ran into the fiery maw of Koininia.

The smoke was too thick to see through, and burning pieces of wood were falling from the ceiling, but I quickly manuevered my way to the stairway. The stairs suddenly dropped from under my feet in a burst of sparks, but I leaped and grabbed onto the edge of the second floor. I hauled myself up and ran through the upper hallway.

"Amy!" Joe said when I found him, and then had a fit of coughs, the toxic black smoke penetrating his lungs.

"Don't worry, little Joseph, I will save you. But do you promise to no longer bum ice cream money off of the good citizens of Holden Village?"

"I promise!"

I grabbed Joe and jumped out the window, glass cascading around me. I somersaulted onto the ground, shielding Joe with my body.

The mavericks and the village fire brigade put out the fire, barely saving the building.

"Good job, Amy," Tom said. "You are the treasure of the village."

"No prob, Tom. Just another day's work for a maverick."

And then the bell for coffee break rang. Monkey rolls...mmm...

After coffee break, we mavericks did our favorite pasttime: log rolling. That's me, with the afro and red shorts:

At lunch I realized I have only a week left at Holden, and I must admit I got a bit teary.

But then one of my dear friends made me a special lunch to cheer me up.

After lunch I had to take up my role as Queen Ice Cream Scooper. And after dinner I performed at the Lift. I did a special dance routine I'd been preparing all summer.

I whipped out my scarf and wowed the villagers with my stunning tricks.

And for the grand finale I turned on the snow machine. Ta da!

Now I shall sit on the porch until the wee hours of the morning.

(This day in the life of Amy brought to you by Esme Dutcher)

That's right, I am not part-time Maverick. I decided to do 2-3 mostly full days (still have to do Snack Bar/Pool Hall) a week instead of a few hours every day. Here is what my day consisted of:

5:40am: Very confused by alarm clock, I rolled out of bed and got ready.

6:00am: in Dining hall with coffee waiting for the rest of the mavericks to show up. Paul Hinderlie was there doing a baking shift. He was making cinnamon rolls for coffee break. He gave me some fresh cinnamon rolls that I shared when the rest of the mavericks came. Amazing. After the cinnamon rolls, we headed out the door up to the woodlot. We spent until 7:30 splitting wood with 2 hydrolic wood splitters. That's way more exciting than it sounds.

7:30am: Head down from the second level to go to the operations meeting. Went to meeting. Awesome. We just hung out on the arc and talked about important villageish things.

7:45:Breakfast

8:30:Headed to chalet 5 to do more work. I started on this yesterday finishing sanding the floors and stuff. Today we cleaned the floors really well, rubbed them down with paint thinner, then stained them all. Extremely thereputic.

10:00: Went to loading dock and loaded the luggage truck.

10:15: Coffee break (mavericks do a lot of eating, I did a lot of drinking coffee because we were up before the sun and I work nights).

10:30: back to Chalet 5 to finish up and clean up all the tools we had around. We ran around the village with the golf cart disposing of all the things we had collected there.

12:00: Lunch.

After lunch we headed over to Dante (the furnase behind chalet 1) and chucked wood toward the GIANT stack for a while.

1:15: I went to start picking up dishes and ice for the Snack Bar. We had a busy night so I actually filled up a cart with dishes.

1:45: bus departure

2:00:Snack Bar. I had my first customers at 2:45. Sheesh. I only had 2 more customers the rest of the shift. I got a lot of knitting done on this green hat I'm making.

4:00: off work. Shower (I couldn't remember the last time I Showered).

4:30ish: went to the school vs. Village baseball game. Awesome.

5:00: dinner. There was a birthday (Pastor Nancy's grandson) including birthday cake with gummy worms. Mmmmmmm.

Now I'm here.

Only the pool hall is open tonight so I have the night off! What to do? Hmm.

Sarah comes tomorrow!! I'm so excited!

6:00am is going to come really early...again.

Signing the Snack Bar cupboard! Amy Cross Summer 2009! It's tradition for all the Snack Bar Area heads to sign. Exciting! Thanks, Diana, for documenting.

If I write you a letter, chances are good that I'm looking at this (when I'm not looking at the paper).

I biked down to the lake. This is me with the road sign. Wanda told me it was tradition for new bikers in the village to document the trip near this sign.

Wanda and the view a couple miles before the switch backs start.

Bored in the snack bar....these are my new glasses (one of the two pairs). The other pair looks like my old ones sort of but purple.

Woah.

I finally got my computer back so hello!

I can't believe I leave in 10 days. I know i promised to stop blogging about how shocked I am that I don't have much time left here but I lied. I can't get over it.

Things are business as usual here.

A few nights ago, there was a massive mid-western themed engagement party for Sybil, who lives above me. There were bars and hot dishes and jello molds. Good times. Even Carol, one of the directors dropped by.

Yesterday, during Vespers, was the instillation of Nancy, the new pastor. General Holden Hilarity ensued.

Since there has been a decrease in the Snack Bar hours (and business in general) I am going to be part-time Maverick (general physical labor). I'm excited! I think that starts the day after tomorrow because tomorrow I'm being a painter.

I suppose I should start packing if I leave in 10 days. I'm sure you can imagine how settled in I am after 4 months.

Thank you so much for all the mail and letters! I am the envy of everyone who has a box near me :).

Here are some pictures! I've been really good about documenting my life....or giving my camera to people who are good at documenting my life. Maybe I'll post them after Vespers...if I don't get distracted. I'm not sure if Vespers is at 7pm or 7:30...hmm. I guess I"ll just hang around until I hear the bell. I wonder where it is?