Holiday Inn Willmar, Mn

... into it, we had five times more bites than we had received in the first three days combined.  We must have been quite a sight, dancing and flailing around, trying to keep the mosquitos off us and then giggling uncontrollably because we looked so ridiculous; it's a wonder we got the tent up at all!  If it hadn't been so dark, it would have made for a hilarious video.  The night was capped-off with alternating fierce winds, pouring rains, and rolling thunder and lightning.

Well the time has flown by and it's finally time to go! I fly out for orientation on Sunday then on Tuesday we fly out for TZ! I hope that I have everything packed, but I based packing off of another girl who was in TZ not long ago. Definitely helpful! I've been progressing in my Swahili lessons, however, it's going to take quite a bit of time really be functional at this language. I hope that everyone is well~! I'll miss you all! Peace (salaam)

... Philadelphia for orientation September 14th and from there we head out to TZ on the 16th. Now I'm in the planning and packing phase and I have some and no idea what to bring all at the same time. Any suggestions in this arena would be most welcome!

... tube) This felt like a serious week of holiday and catching up with friends. We are excited to have the chance that they will all come to Auckland soon to visit with us. It wasn't until about 3 or 4 in the afternoon that we managed to drag them away. We had a great nights sleep in the city, they live in a beautiful leafy suburb in Minneapolis, it was a great way to start our next big drive the following morning for Chicago.

... ago, but I kind of remember there being red Kool-Aid in some of the pistols. I think that might have been Tim and I. I'm not sure any more. Around 7:30 we headed over to the Carl's farm for the Independence Day celebration. There was fabulous roasted hot dogs, baked beans, lots of dips, beer bread, and wonderful watermelon. Other goodies too. Once dusk set in, the real fun began. It started out with some ...

Today was a relaxing day on the farm. A group had gone off to the casino, and the those who were at the farm enjoyed a day of sunshine and quiet fellowship. While I lost at a game of Hearts, Isaiah got to ride on Brett's pony Bubba. He helped groom him as well. The group that went to the ...

... Others by observing. And some just need to pee on the electric fence." Carol Anne had an addendum: "And some need to do it more than once." Later in the evening, we had a DJ come. Let me tell you, those first generation can still dance. But it is in the genes. Their mother, my grandmother, was still dancing at her 95th birthday. I did also find out that it is some family defect since I am not the only who ...

... mine, we shared the cake cutting time. My mom had bought it from a local store called 'Cash Wise". It was chocolate with raspberry filling and white icing. Two thunderstorms passed quickly through. And after each storm a beautiful rainbow appeared. Except for the storms, the weather was pretty perfect. I love how it stays light so late at night.

... au Prince, Haiti. It really aggrevates me when they don't listen to me. This has been going on since I was 5. I remember my family, just going in circles trying to get to this one hotel. I kept telling them to turn down this service road, but no one would listen. So we kept circling, maybe for 30 minutes. I understand them not listening back then since I was only 5, but I'm a lot older now and I'm the one who travels ...

... showed us around the old ‘hood and we actually stopped by our old house. Must’ve been the oddest thing for the woman watching from her front porch, who lives there now, as we showed up and proceeded to take pictures of her house. Odd enough at least, for her to get up and walk inside. So all in all, Minnesota was great and at the same time completely surreal to be back after so long.