Public Service Announcement (without guitar)*
Hey Loved Ones and Random Blog Readers (i.e. Stalkers)-
I've posted a few random postings over the past couple months, ranging from ridiculous ramblings, atypical anecdotes, and images of indiscriminate infections. And I'd like to take the opportunity to send a shout-out to all of you for continuing to show your support (in ways that are seen and some that are not so visible). I appreciate it, and it means so much knowing how many of my 'home people' continue to cheer me on... You have been contacting me via cyberspace to let me know that you're reading my blog or checking out the pics. Thank you.
However, I must admit, the past few months, have been a bit bleak in terms of 'real' communication and snail mail. I know I'm in my second year now, with only a mere 6 months to wrap up this life in this strange, exciting, befuddling planet of West Africa, and the novelty of my being in this brave, new world has probably worn off by now to many of you (and I don't blame you because sometimes it has the same effect on me). But I can't stress enough how much an occasional letter or magazine or even a small little package filled with goodies from home means to me. I'm adjusted to this life, but you never can escape the memories of the one you left behind.
Now, I know that I've been a slacker on my end with sending out letters in the past few months, but I have been near the Internet more frequently this past year due to my training work in the capital. Maybe the instantaneous connection that I've been able to share with you via Facebook, GoogleChat, email, and blog posts have conjured the sensation of my being that much closer to you. And in fact, I have been, but in a virtual reality. When I'm in my hut, I reread all those handwritten or typed letters that were sent during my days in training village, 3-month challenge, birthdays, holidays, etc. Having something tangible really makes quite a difference when I'm having a bad day and questioning my role and purpose here, or when I really just miss going out for drinks with friends, watching a movie in the theater or just plain being home. I've got a great support network of friends and staff here, but nothing ever compares to those of you that knew me before I arrived here in February 2007. And for me, an old letter is a way I can give you a hug or even talk to you when the humid, dust haze prevents calls from getting through to my cell phone...
To all of you that have been loyal pen pals (you know who you are), I thank you. And for those of you who have tried to send out that package, but life just gets complicated (trust me, I understand), this is a public service announcement letting you know that you have only 6 months left. (Actually, it's more like 4 as come February, you run the risk of my not getting a package before I leave, and the Peace Corps mail room gods bequeathing it to some other PCV who still has yet to finish his or her service, but that you respect for what he or she is doing here, but don't know and probably never will.) And just think, when I open that envelope or box, I'll immediately think 'Hmm, what souvenir can I bring home for you?'
Anyways, in all seriousness, I can't ever thank you all enough for the support you have given me. It means so much and has really helped to make my experience here an enjoyable one.
I look forward to hearing from you...in whatever forms, means, lines, you may choose.
Miss and love you all.
Stephanie
Steph
Sticky
Stephers
Jalika
*Please note that this post was to be read as a funny little musing and had no intention to maliciously attack or hurt anyone's feelings.*
I've posted a few random postings over the past couple months, ranging from ridiculous ramblings, atypical anecdotes, and images of indiscriminate infections. And I'd like to take the opportunity to send a shout-out to all of you for continuing to show your support (in ways that are seen and some that are not so visible). I appreciate it, and it means so much knowing how many of my 'home people' continue to cheer me on... You have been contacting me via cyberspace to let me know that you're reading my blog or checking out the pics. Thank you.
However, I must admit, the past few months, have been a bit bleak in terms of 'real' communication and snail mail. I know I'm in my second year now, with only a mere 6 months to wrap up this life in this strange, exciting, befuddling planet of West Africa, and the novelty of my being in this brave, new world has probably worn off by now to many of you (and I don't blame you because sometimes it has the same effect on me). But I can't stress enough how much an occasional letter or magazine or even a small little package filled with goodies from home means to me. I'm adjusted to this life, but you never can escape the memories of the one you left behind.
Now, I know that I've been a slacker on my end with sending out letters in the past few months, but I have been near the Internet more frequently this past year due to my training work in the capital. Maybe the instantaneous connection that I've been able to share with you via Facebook, GoogleChat, email, and blog posts have conjured the sensation of my being that much closer to you. And in fact, I have been, but in a virtual reality. When I'm in my hut, I reread all those handwritten or typed letters that were sent during my days in training village, 3-month challenge, birthdays, holidays, etc. Having something tangible really makes quite a difference when I'm having a bad day and questioning my role and purpose here, or when I really just miss going out for drinks with friends, watching a movie in the theater or just plain being home. I've got a great support network of friends and staff here, but nothing ever compares to those of you that knew me before I arrived here in February 2007. And for me, an old letter is a way I can give you a hug or even talk to you when the humid, dust haze prevents calls from getting through to my cell phone...
To all of you that have been loyal pen pals (you know who you are), I thank you. And for those of you who have tried to send out that package, but life just gets complicated (trust me, I understand), this is a public service announcement letting you know that you have only 6 months left. (Actually, it's more like 4 as come February, you run the risk of my not getting a package before I leave, and the Peace Corps mail room gods bequeathing it to some other PCV who still has yet to finish his or her service, but that you respect for what he or she is doing here, but don't know and probably never will.) And just think, when I open that envelope or box, I'll immediately think 'Hmm, what souvenir can I bring home for you?'
Anyways, in all seriousness, I can't ever thank you all enough for the support you have given me. It means so much and has really helped to make my experience here an enjoyable one.
I look forward to hearing from you...in whatever forms, means, lines, you may choose.
Miss and love you all.
Stephanie
Steph
Sticky
Stephers
Jalika
*Please note that this post was to be read as a funny little musing and had no intention to maliciously attack or hurt anyone's feelings.*
posted by Stephanie at 10:29 AM
1 Comments:
Stephanie Ballantyne, was part of the National Park team, and my aim for the expedition was to produce an in-depth ornithological inventory for the park, because currently there had been no proper scientific research into the bird biodiversity within the park.
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geovani
Internet Marketing
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