Hide and Seek in Myanmar

Just a short ditty and an fyi - I can't view my blog from Myanmar, only work on it through the edit option, and also therefore can't read anyone's comments or follow anyone else's blog. Boo-hoo!

Home Sweet, Sweet Home - Burma Style

Here it is - the newest and latest home away from home.

My kitchen is huge, which was one of my needs when looking at the apartments and a huge part of the nerves when pulling numbers and choosing with a bunch of other teachers. I wanted a big space to have people over and cook with, much like my China days when we all cut, mashed, and drank wine together while tearing up over onions, laughing at life's jokes that day, or sharing deep stuff that can only be shared over the bonding of cooking.

I have a lot of utensils and a newly added microwave and electric teapot, but am excited about my water container that should be arriving any day now (no plastic bottles = great for the environment) and even more stoked for the eventual purchase of an oven. I have to get my bike first!

I love having so much storage space!

My favorite part about the kitchen is this little window with dark, wood shutters that opens up into the living room, a wonderful peek-a-boo from one room to the other.

My place come sans dining room, so this past weekend I called for another writing desk and two chairs. The table is perfect for one or four and provides two extra drawers to boot!

The living room (dining area on the side you enter in on) is just wonderful. It took me awhile, a week actually, to get this room together. It's a big space and I wasn't sure about the layout. It only came with the small love seat, a chair and the tables, but over the week I saw and snagged unused furniture and then asked for a few other pieces over the weekend. It took a bit to get there, but when I finally came up with this, it just felt right.

On the other side of the room, my computer and desk (where I'm at now putting this post all together).

My apartment is the only thing that is big - my bed is HUGE! A king! At first, to be honest, I was annoyed as I thought, "What do I need all that space for? I'm gonna be lonely." A few nights later, probably needless to say, I changed my mind.

The mirror, lamp, and that whole set up is a new another new addition from over the weekend. There used to be a tele on the top, but it is now in the cabinet.

The curved drawers is new too. Talk about how nice it is to have places to put things!

And then some!

My bathroom is pretty nice. I just love having a bathtub again after years. Wait! I forget that. I love having a toilet and shower that aren't within double duty of each other! And did you notice the mirror? Seriously, not an once of these simple things are being taken for granted.

My favorite part of my apartment, besides the hella cool parquet, runnin' and slidin', great to dance in your socks floor, is my balcony.

As you can see, the trees are still at tilt from the cyclone, only one small example of strong winds that tortured and tore trees, the land, and homes for both animals and people.

The plant boxes were here, but the others were my addition, all of the flowers bringing the outdoors to my outstretched and relaxed feet. The chairs, table, plants, not to mention the sounds and sights throughout the day, combine to make the most peaceful little spot in Yangon that I feel lucky enough to call my own.

Home in Yangon and Already In Love

It happened - as soon as I arrived in Yangon, stepped outside into the muggy air, I was finally excited. The streets were empty and dark as we made our way to the hotel, shops, cafes, and signs illuminating everything within distance of the glow, reminding me of a mix of Ho Chi Minh City, Nairobi, and a little bit of Panzhihua (minus the constant throng of people that can be found at what seemed to be most hours of the night, unless it was past two in the morning).

While checking in and getting my temporary room, I was given a welcome sign in Burmese from Richard, a new teacher and the only person I've kept in touch with from the school, of whom has shared hopes, nervousness, and lists of what to bring with me.

After having strewn things about in search for small and needed items, fresh fruit of the tropical yummyliciousness kind being delivered as a welcome from the hotel, I crawled into bed and fell fast and deep into unconsciousness.

There was a point or two in the middle of the night that I wondered where I was, but it was vague and let go of quick enough to go back to sleep with in seconds of pondering.

When I finally did wake up I scurried to the windows lining the end of my temporary room and threw open the curtains, unveiling my new home and life. I feel in love instantly, my heart beating, excitedness waking me faster than any alarm ever has. I looked out the windows, unable to peal myself or my fascinated eyes away.

Later, Kelli, another new teacher and my new found friend, ventured downstairs for breakfast. Windows housed us as we sat and ate, sharing who we were, sipping coffee and tea while pretending that this was all common and normal. Our smiles gave away everything.

Breakfast finished, Kelli and I headed into town, where every turn provided wow's, pinch me moments, both of us taking turns saying, "I can't believe this!" We walked for hours, till we suddenly tuckered out, and came back to our new home, both to the shaking of our heads in disbelief.

Half-Way There

After what seems like hours of traveling, being so tired that I nodded
off at take-off from San Fran, I am now sitting in one of many
terminals in Taipei airport. I've been here for a few hours and have
two more till I take off for Bangkok, then finally make it to my
destination - Burma.

I'm alone and in limbo, exhausted both from the travel and emotionally
from the goodbyes and my want to make all last moments with loved ones
special. Excitement for the journey ahead is out of reach, but I know
before too long it will have me in its firm grasp.

Thanks to everyone for their love, laughs, sentiments, and care.

30 Days

One month till departure and the range of emotions is immense, encapsulating everything from extreme excitement to the despairing sadness of missing. Mostly it is still all rather surreal. It was just a week ago that I started having reminder attacks, similar to the panic kind in on slot, but that of the realization of yet another life change. It will hit out of nowhere and suddenly feel real, like a dream you wake from, knew you had lived another life between hitting the pillow and waking up, then moments later to be left with only feelings, the memory of the dream completely gone.

I mean, I still have moments of "I haven't done this since China," the phrase I used for the umpteenth time yesterday, one of only a handful from the weekend.

I've started preparing despite the disbelief, the purchasing of food items that can't be bought in Burma (Annie's salad dressing, dried refried beans, etc), clothes that are respectful of culture yet allow for me to be cool despite the sweat that I know will roll down my body, and finally sending my visa application only to be called back by the Embassy and told that they don't except personal checks. I knew I had missed something!

And now I will have moments of another kind, "This will be the last time I...," last hugs and laughs, secret jokes and shared smiling eyes of knowing being the most precious.

Babies of Peace - P.C. Friends and Their Little Ones

I would like to introduce to everyone two babies born of people I love, volunteer friendships that started and grew while in China, relationships that I treasure and hold dear, and know that I'll have for the rest of my life. Congratulations, Louisa and John! Congratulations, Anna and Jacob!

Owen Wood, born to John and Louisa Wood, on May 2nd in Shanghai, China.





Isabel Ramirez, born to Anna and Jacob Ramirez, on June 2nd in California, U.S.A.





To little Own and Isabel - you are so lucky and blessed to have the parents that you do.

Voices from Sichuan - Former Students Share News and Thoughts on Their Tragedy

photos sent to me by my former students


The number of people that were killed by the earthquake in Sichuan province has now reached 68,000.

As soon as I heard about the earthquake, faces of all of my family, friends, and all of the students that I had in my two years at Panzhihua, flashed through my head. I sent this e-mail out, wanting to share my thoughts for and of them to let them know that at the very least they were thought of with much care and concern.


Dear students and friends,

Hearing about the earthquake has made me think of all of you and your
families non-stop. I hope that all of you and your loved ones are
alright and have made it through this tragedy. I wish that there was
something I could do...

Please know that I am thinking of you.

Love,
Amanda


The following are just some of the e-mails I recieved from students following my note to them, their names taken out for their privacy. Most of the e-mails left me feeling such relief; a few others, wishing I could hug across Internet lines and do something for them.

-------------

I will never forget these days. No one has ever thought that an earthquake could attack Sichuan, my hometown. When I first heard this news, I could hardly believe. I just take it as a joke. However, after a while, such similar news came to me. I finally realized the seriousness of this event. Immediately, I phoned my family.At the very begining, because too many people were dialing cellphones, the system of phone calling was too busy to be connected. Fortunately, at night I got to know that my family are all ok, and my hometown, Dazhou is in a safe place. Thank Godness.

I hope that more people could be saved, and this disaster can be passed as soon as possible.


Thank you a lot for your letter!
We are quite safe in Panzhihua.Don't worry!
In order to give a hand to those who were attacked by earthquake, we're making every possible effort liking denoting blood, money and nessesary living goods.
From the report, I got a news that a group of American doctors went voluntarily to striken region to offer aid. I feel grateful for American people, thank you!
We believe firmly that we'll get through it!

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How are you? A sever earthquake took place in Wenchuan County， Sichuan Province, where only 92 kilometers away from Chengdu. You know, I am living in Chengdu now, so I witness this sever earthquake. It was reported that this earthquake is of 7.8 magnitudes. So the Chendu City feels strong shocking when the earthquake took place. We live in one seven floor of a building. When the earthquake happened, we were in the apartment and can not escape. We hid under a wooden table, but the house shakes too much. So I found I made a huge mistake that we should run out of the house instead of staying in the apartment. Due to the strong shaking of the building, the walls also almost collapse. At that moment, I was hidden under the table with three other girls. But soon, I realized we should escape from the house, but the apartment is too high, I was afraid of something would fell on us. I decided to let them hidden under the table and waited for the finishing of the earthquake. We were all scared; the earthquake lasted for almost four to five minutes. Fortunately, the walls were not collapsed, and we survived. I am still hope that I would have led them left the apartment. Finally the good news, we are every good.
Thank you for you concern!!!

-------------

Dear Amanda,
There was a big earthquake several days ago,and many people died in this disaster. Over 14,000 people died in seconds and more than 2,000,000 people lost their houses .We did not meet such a big earthquake ,actually this is the biggest one sine the PRC founded. Till now,there are still lots of people did not find their family members,and there are still many students under the ruins. Our government and PLA are saving them .but....
Thank you and thank all people caring us.

-------------

thank you for your caring. we are all right. please do not worry.
Are you ok?


We all miss you very much!

We are safe here, thanks for you consideration! And all of our family members are alright, exept some classmates' houses are destroyed. The earthquake really makes me(us) very sad. I'm sorry for that.I tried my best to help those people.I believe they can come throuth it. And we will. Our China will!!!

Thank you again for staying with us together during this hard time!You are so kind!

Please take care of yourself

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Thank you for your thinking of us, I am alright ,my family are all alright.and my classmates are alright.
But this disaster is terribly horrible, we are all frighten. We feel that we were so close to death for the first time. We can't help to think of the dead people and the people still in and suffered from the tragedy.
We do what we could do and try our best to help them.
I prey for us ,for them, for Sichuang, for China...

Thank you !

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My Dear Teacher and Friend,

I am so glad and moved to hear from you at this special time for your care and kindness. I am really shok this time, as many lives of people who have been living around me passed away. Almost all people are tearing when watching at the pictures on TV. there was a big lost, and it needs much braveness and efforts to recover to bring all the happiness that has been here in our lovely hometown back. But I am confident that we chinese will do our best to reduce the loss to the least with much help gaven by people in other places in china and all friends from international conutries. And here , on be half of all the Sichuan people, I would like to say one world to all the people who are caring and helping us,that is "Thank you, our friends." we believe that everything will be ok!

Best wishes to you,my dear friend and teacher, and also your families!

-------------

Thanks for your warm e-mail。

We are safe in Panzhihua City!!!But we do worried about the people in Chengdu,Mianyang,and many cities in Sichuan.My roomate Linda's home was totally destroid.She can't contact with her mother in Mianyang.The earthquate was really a big disaster in this Olympic year!!!!

Let's pray for the people who were suffered!!

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Thanks for your concern of us .It's lucky that none of us were injured,we were fine .The epicentrum was about 550 km far from Panzhihua city,so the earthquake caused little loss here.But Wenchuan, the epicenter was nearly ruined.I saw on the TV that all the buildings and houses collapsed,people were covered under the ruins,several schools collapsed and a lot of students died,their parents cried to death for loss of their children.Up to14o' clock yesterday afternoon the death toll reached 14,886. Everytime I saw the scene I could not help crying.I feel pity for them.In our school students made a collection for people in disaster area,hoping that they can overcome the disaster.We believed that with the help of soldiers ,doctors and all the kind people in China and over the world ,disaster victims would pull though.

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Thank you for your consideration.It is really a disaster.Thousands of people have been killed. My hometown is near to the core of earthquack so it has been destroied badly. Luckily, my family are all safe but our house has been destroied badly. ______'s home is all right.

All the TV and radio are talking about the disaster area.We can't help crying when we watching the TV.The whole county is fighting with the disaster.We believe that we will conquer this.Thank you again.

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Thanks for your e-mail. My class and I are allright,but I am so sorry to tell you that my family goes into bankruptcy because of the earthquake.My father's factory collapse.So I feel sad these days.

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We were all shocked when the earthquake happened, and we felt our building shaking a little. After a few hours latter,we knew it was a terrible earthquake in our sichuan province.the earthquake did not make heavy damage to our panzhihua, so we are all right now,and we have connected with our family and friends, they are also good. Thank you, and we really miss you!

The Call Is Louder

Burma, today, is now only two months away for me. As my days dwindle and I try to stay on top of news from around the world (I could spend all day, every day reading), nervousness sets in at the realization of what Burma is and of what my new life will be like, especially after the cyclone. Sure, there is a part of me, the Peace Corps hardcore part, that is stoked that I'm going, the adventurist wanting to cut grooves into an imaginary walking stick to show my unwavering hands and spirit as I face another challenging life chapter.

But, admittedly and ever so fearful of how much so, I'm nervous, maybe even daunted to the extent of being just a little scared. Not scared for my life or anything so extreme, but for my ideas and for things I'm used to doing without giving it any thought. It's hard to talk about, this fear, with those I love, as not wanting to make them nervous or worried for me is now one of my main concerns. I know, my being and self, has faith and feels throughout my core that I will be alright, but the reading of the Times and other such resources make it difficult to put on the shelf, difficult to hide from those concerned voices.

And then there is the frustration at the knowledge of the fact that as soon as I apply for my visa I'll get it, a teacher, whereas so many that are needed, the aid workers and such, are only now, but ever so slowly, being allowed in. This fact is not lost on me, not in the slightest. With the death toll anywhere from 68,8333 to 127,990, numbers found by compiling information from twenty different organizations including the Red Cross, it makes me wish I were more, causing me to rethink my idea of getting a second degree in nursing, something I've fantasized about for years off and on.

Now, with yet another article read, there is a pride for a people I do not yet know, as the monks are becoming the heroes of the tragic story, causing citizens to reach out to them instead of the controlling hand that wants to be called the mother to all, yet is unwilling to go to any and all lengths for it's children.

I can barely imagine this life I'll be sharing all so soon with so many over crackling lines and e-mails that leave me nervous after hitting send.

It's Still All About the Thumb

I think the picture tells it all. Hospital gown, half-out-of-it expression. Yup, on the 20th I met with my doctor to go over my MRI results. My thumb, the same digit I had been taking fifteen Advil a day for (apparently of which is a lot) was not jammed as I had thought, but had a torn ligiment inside it. F-ab-u-lous! Ugh.

Mom was there at my side the whole time, even nodded and said okay to my request of pizza for dinner and at the idea that I said I'd be running just a few days later, neither of which ended up happening. It took me three days of lying on the couch and drug induced sleeping just to get over the surgery, the whole thing being more rough on my body than I thought was possible.

In just a week I'll be getting a cast for a month and then I'll be back to my splint for a bit. It's nice to be getting the show on the road!

Devastation In China - Tragedy in Asia Continues

As if what the continent of Asia has been facing with the deaths of the people of Burma (Myanmar) and the continued suffering there due to Cyclone Nargis, now the Aba region and so much of the Sichuan region in Western China is also experiencing their own disaster.

Unable to get through yesterday when news broke of the earthquake, this morning I was finally able to reach LanJie, my older sister in Chengdu. Thankfully, her and her family are safe and unharmed, although completely shaken. Even though the earthquake took place 58 miles north, damage has found it's way into Chengdu. This morning, LanJie told me of how she left yesterday to get something from her office only to come back to her classroom to crying students and cracks running up and down the walls. She told me that she felt nine aftershocks yesterday that has left people waiting for news of the dead, the rescued, and when they can continue on. Work has stopped and no one is allowed indoors, leaving people to sleep in their cars or outdoors if a car is not owned.

The toll is now close to 12,000.

I'm thankful that my family is safe, but there are many students that I have had over my two years in China that have family in the region and might even be there themselves.

Disaster In My Future Homeland

With a busy weekend, I woke up shocked to find Burma (Myanmar) hit by a cyclone and stunned at the reported 350 dead Monday morning. My head could barely wrap itself around that number, the toll seeming so big. I thought that number would hold. I immediately thought of the people there that will soon make up the newest chapter in my life - the staff, future students and their families, and new friends. My first thoughts were of all of them and if they were all okay. I sent people that I had been in touch with e-mails, wishing, hoping that they and their loved ones had made it through.

It was only later on that night when out sharing in spirits with Guy that he told me that the death toll was 15,000. My head reeled at the enormity of the number, staggered at the thought, and then left me numb.

And now the number is at 22,000 and will sadly keep rising. The television speaking out into my background as I type, Charles Gibson stating that the numbers could reach 100,000. He says it is staggering and I can barely comprehend it all. How does one even think of such a number of people whose lives have suddenly been taken?

I look at pictures of the capitol that in only two and a half months I will be calling home and I find myself in the most befuddled of ways.



photos: Jay Saxon

One person asked me last night how I felt about it, if I was panicked. Others have asked if I would still go or if there would be a job there for me in Yangon. My immediate thoughts were of the students and staff and how they would need a teacher possibly more than before. I thought of the volunteer opportunities, of more children being orphaned, of wanting to help in anyway that I can once I get there regardless of starting a new teaching position and adjusting to yet another new life.

I was settled and left in quiet awe when I received this e-mail just this morning from the man that asked me to join the YIEC team. (FYI - I will be living at Inya Lake Hotel, Yangon.)


Dear New YIEC Faculty,

Thank you all for your emails and offers to help etc. Our faculty is
fine. There is much damage to Yangon and areas outside of Yangon.
Many deaths, mostly outside of Yangon we hear. But there are workers
out in force repairing the damage. Our school building is intact. We
went back to school today but may be closing early due to fuel
shortages and other issues....there is a board meeting today to decide
this. There was considerable damage to the grounds at Inya Lake Hotel
with many trees blown over.....so sad as it has become our home and
the trees were beautiful. But the building did not receive significant
damage fortunately and once everything is cleaned up the grounds will
still be attractive. But by the time you guys arrive all will be
cleaned up and we will be ready to start a new school year.

I have to say that with all of the situations that we have had here
this year our faculty has been amazingly resilient and positive. We
just had a faculty meeting and their biggest question was what we
could do to help our assistants and support staff who lost homes etc.
I think you will find that this group of teachers you will be joining
are very special as I think you all will be.

There is no change as far as next year and the start dates. Internet
is back!!! And things will get back to normal little by little.
Already in a few days all of the main streets have been cleared so
that cars can pass and vendors are out selling etc.

Anyway I thought I should let everyone know that we were lucky in that
we had no teacher or student injuries and that the schools really came
through it all with very minor damage.


This e-mail created for me an instant bond with complete strangers of the like that I have never felt before. More than anything else in months, that note from across the world made me realize that I am destined for Burma. I don't know what life will hold for me there or how long it will keep me, but I do know that I'll be able to give till I can't and make the type of difference that I have only been able to dream of.

If you want to help, donate, the links included below are two organizations that are there and doing everything they can.

World Food Programme - https://secure.my-websites.org/supporter/donatenow.do?n=gbss&dfdbid=1060435

Unicef - http://www.supportunicef.org/site/pp.asp?c=9fLEJSOALpE&b=1023561

Beating the Energizer Bunny - Grandma Meyer's 90th Birthday

The week of Gran's birthday came with non-stop celebrations for her, whether it be friends from church, her dear friend (and also my great aunt) of about seventy years, and calls from near and far.

The celebrations I was witness to were delightful, the first of the two being at brunch with our church family, people that have seen me grow up, that I can't imagine not knowing, and that have (since moving here) taken Gran into the fold.

As it was brunch, after breakfast a candle was tucked into a cinnamon bun and brought out and place before Gran.

One always needs a candle to wish upon.

I watched her look at that candle with the eyes of twinkling child, feeling the love of all whom surrounded her, a woman who had seen so much, as people sung in honor of all of her years. That was my favorite moment of her birthday.

Later, on Gran Meyer's birthday, our family (minus the much missed brother), headed to a fancy place that is required for such a once in a life time occasion.

Me and my gran.

We sat overlooking a lake and the setting sun as we ate by the waning light and a candle on the table. The beauty and food matched in deliciousness, making the night even more memorable.

I thought of life during these celebrations, how lucky I was to be there to share my gran's special day with, and how I hoped I would one day have the same experience.

Happy Birthday, Gran!

Peace Corps Love - The Binzer and Bri Wedding

One week after the hen party, and as soon as work ended that Friday, I was in my car again going north for a union of friendship and love.

The trip, one I had driven and loved, after hours became one of frustration, nerves, and tiredness, brought on by being pulled over for speeding (of which I got out of as #1 - I was the 3rd Amanda to have been pulled over, #2 - I was going to a wedding, and #3 - let's face it, the cute factor had to be part of it), then missed my exit for the next highway, adding miles onto the drive, and then ending with tricky roads (there were NO markers or reflectors anywhere) and a down-pouring rain that threatened to get the best of and pull me over.

When I finally and oh-so-thankfully made it to the lodge, the rain still pouring down, I ran in, the long drive immediately washed away as I thought of what I was there for. Everyone asleep except for some stragglers, I made my way to my room, wished the fireplace was as easy as flicking a switch, and tucked myself into bed.

The next morning I awoke to Naniboujou Lodge, each rounded corner unfolding one of the most unique places I had ever seen.

That morning family and friends trickled into the lounge area, introductions made or familiar laughter shared over cups of coffee, then breakfast. I hugged and talked with Lindsey, Brian, and the other Peace Corps people that had traveled far and wide for the event, not to mention family members and friends that I was finally meeting after countless stories shared while in China.

With the day already rolling, a group of us dressed for the outdoors, and joined Brian and Lindsey on their pre-wedding hike.



The views were wonderful, the scent of pine relaxing, the laughter of friends, heart-lifting. Everyone talked and caught-up with each other, most of us not having seen each other for a year or two, then meeting and getting to know Lindsey and Brian's friends for the first time. For me, the best part of the hike was watching my two friends, my Panzhihua family, just hours before their wedding as they shared jokes and looks of love.

Back at the Lodge, the trio, as picked by the couple, got together to rehearse for the first time a song to be sung during the wedding. I think it is fair to say that nerves were high, as the performance at that point lay only hours ahead, but we went at the practice with gusto. We laughed nervously at mistakes and asked to go back time and time again, Cimino (Bri's friend from home) on guitar and singing with Emily and I. In no time we even seemed to have surprised ourselves with how good we sounded and I was relieved by Bri's "That sounds good!"



With practice deemed over for the time being, I talked with Lindsey's mom and soon jumped in on the preparations for the reception. Lindsey grew up loving rock candy and so after being shown by her mom, I put the sticks into arrangements of sugary crystals of color which would later be put on all of the tables. I had never seen or heard of decorations so personal and fitting.

With time running even faster now, I headed upstairs and readied myself for the event. While getting ready, I wished that there had been more time, as I had wanted to be there with Lindsey like I had been for their wedding in China. All too soon people were filing downstairs, the music group climbing into my car to make its way to the event that we all came for.



The church, traditional and old, was the idealic setting to house such a love and union.

Upon entering the church, the trio being a few of the first there, practiced our song once more then sat down. Soon all of the guests, the witnesses to Lindsey and Brian's lives, came into the church one by one. The small church, each pew soon packed, seemed to be brimming with a feeling that at the moment I couldn't put a finger on.

A friend of theirs rang the steeple bell, its toll ringing out to announce the couple's big day and the beginning of the new life they would soon forever share. The processional music of violin and guitar then started, and sisters, then Lindsey were walking down the isle, causing tears to well in countless eyes.


The ceremony started and before long the trio was up at the front of the church, Cimino introducing the song with each strum. I sang 'Oh Happy Day', starting out low and quiet, as I tried to steady my nerves. I looked at Lindsey and Brian as I sang to them, the best gift I could give - a piece of myself coming from every part of my heart. As Emily sang, and then Cimino and I joined in followed by the rest of the people in the church, it was then, through the clapping, Lindsey's tears and her and Brian's smiles as they watched us, lights seeming to beam from inside each and every person as I looked out at them, that I understood what that feeling was. Love - all encompassing, the kind of which lifts people up. I could feel it as I watched everyone, the love that radiated from everyone's smiles, that was worn on everyone's sleeves, for Brian and Lindsey. It was intense, awe-inspiring, and could make anyone a believer. Feeling that much love in one place for two people and SEEING it was the most spectacular thing.


Listening to Lindsey's, then Brian's vows, brought about tears and laughter from everyone, their thoughts and love shared with each other, promises for what their life would be together, witnessed by all that loved them.


I loved watching the mothers', having pitchers of water from both the couples' homes, combine the water into one, representing the union of not only their children, but their families.


Ta-da! Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin!


Back at the lodge, we all sat down to pictures of Brian and Lindsey from their lives together as we ate, drank, and celebrated the marriage of two extraordinary people.


The Peace Corps ladies.


Brian and Lindsey's Peace Corps family.


Lindsey and Brian twirled, spun, and danced together for their first dance and all through the night.


They weren't the only ones dancing! As Linds likes to say, 'Mandski's out!' I danced non-stop, at one point even clearing the floor with A.Z., as we stomped and jumped our way through 500 Miles.

Everyone, from the parents, grandparents, siblings, to the friends, danced, the happiness tangible.


The night kept going with dances to Thriller and O.A.R. and didn't stop till 4am!


I couldn't be happier - me between my Panzhihua family.

Lindsey's parents and a few other people said how great they thought it was that I was there, had made the journey several times up to see them. I said thanks, knowing in my head it had never been an option. Having been lucky enough to have seen their love from the start, I wouldn't have missed.

Burma's Calling

In three months from today, on July 29th, I'll be flying out of O'Hare yet again, heading back to Asia and my new home in Yangon, Burma.

It seems like I was just counting down to come back to the States. Not months or even weeks ago. Yesterday. The feeling is like someone's breath on my neck that then sends nervous and excited chills through every nerve, making the endings jump and twitch in anticipation. It is there in such utter completeness, showing total disregard for of all of the life I've lived since then; the love I've shared, and lost.

Anytime I've left and arrived, I've picked up where I left off or started anew, leaving the last life to seem to be a dream. And so my life continues to be as such, the ebb and flow of lives finding a middle ground where there is continuous motion, but so fast and slow all at once that I'm left floating.

To be starting another one so soon, to be making lists of times to share with people and life to experience, seems completely surreal. But I will. Moments and memories are already booked and planned, knowing that if I don't, I'll leave rushing laughs and not hugging long enough to feel embraces long after I'm gone.

Yet I plan knowing full well that it will be all of those moments in between that I'll live and love for and, as always, not want to let go of.