A Lot of Hugs

I can't believe I leave for Africa in two days. It seems so incredibly surreal. I finally feel like I am getting all that needs to be done done. The hardest part has been finding time to see everybody I want to see. The frustration of the time crunch has been made up for by all of the great hugs and send offs though. This week has also made me realize just how great my community is. Everyone has been so supportive and loving- I'll miss you guys.

By the way- if you are curious about the image check out http://www.freehugscampaign.org/, it's really quite neat.

If you are a member of Discovery, stop reading here if it is before Sunday, June 22!!!

I wrote this letter to be read to Discovery on Sunday, (so Discovery members no peaking- it will ruin the tear jerking capabilities of my letter on Sunday morning) but I really feel that is applies to all of you-

Dear Family,

While Tyler is reading this to you, I will be on a plane with my 5 fellow American Global Justice Volunteers somewhere between London and Freetown, Sierra Leone. Wow.

I want to extend my most heartfelt gratitude to you all. You have proven that with God everything is possible. You have made my life long dream to work in Africa a reality. There is no way I could have done this without you guys. Thank you for all of the financial support, the prayers, the advice, the stories, and all of the great hugs.

Each and every one of you is so important to me- I will miss you. Discovery and its members have truly been a family to me, walking with me not only in this adventure, but in all of my adventures in everyday life. Thank you. I don't know what I would do without you guys.

I'll leave you with words from "The Lion King,"

"As you go through life you'll see
There is so much that we
Don't understand

And the only thing we know
Is things don't always go
The way we planned

But you'll see every day
That we'll never turn away
When it seems all your dreams come undone

We will stand by your side
Filled with hope and filled with pride
We are more than we are
We are one"

I love all of you very dearly and can't wait to see you when I return.

Shalom,
Annie Mae