Incredible Jess,
So proud of you. What an amazing experience. I always thought I was the adventurous one but you take the cake for sure!! Congratulations on a job well done. You are very special and I can't wait to see you over the holidays.
Love, Jeff
well done! Hi Jess!
Well, I am sure you can't believe how fast the year flew by. You have accomplished more in one year, than some people do in a lifetime. Be proud...we sure are! Hope to see you at mom and dad's over the holidays! Happy Chanukah...you are the gift of light! Travel home safely.
Love, Michelle
Homeward bound But not yet! I can relate to your mixed emotions about leaving, but I think that once you get back into your own house, your own bed and sleep for a week, that's the time you'll begin true reminiscing. And from a more objective viewpoint.
So enjoy the evening of your adventure, remember that there are lots who love you and can't wait to see you, and whether you choose to return or not, nobody can take away the memories of this adventure of a lifetime. So enjoy the adulation and know that it was a job well done in a place where it needed doing. [Almost] welcome home.
time flies! wow! i can't believe you are done in a week!!!!! i'm going to miss your blogs and amazing pictures... but i can't wait to get together when you get home!!!! xoxo
You've done it again! Loved this one, and impressed at your 10k, even if it's not a marathon. You're really getting entrenched -- I hope leaving won't be tough for you. Keep on keeping on! L, J
Wow! Hi Jess! You have done so much more recently. Wow! I love the costume pictures. You are such a good sport. I am sure the children love that you participate in everything. You are such a positive role model for them, they are lucky to have you. I can't believe you've been there almost a year. Incredible! You are definitely leaving your mark! Can't wait to talk to you. xoxo Lisa
ha ha! You ARE a great sport, and this is hilarious! I'll have to shop the "sheets on the butt" beauty trick to the salons around here and see if it can catch on! Keep the blogs comin' Jess. We're thinking of you!
SO Funny the picture of you between all those other women dressed up really made me laugh! between the library, computers, and gymnastics... looks like you're a teacher who has MANY titles in that town. HAVE FUN!
Good Yom Tov! Fascinating about the synagogue and Chabad and upstairs and all that. Scrub tech with whom I work, Kim Simon [nice Jewish name, right?] is black, converted to Judaism a few years ago, had a Bat Mitvah and went to Israel in the spring. I've never been [but am going in 2 weeks]. So they're out there -- just not among the urban and suburbanites. Keep on keeping on. L, J
dad's trip Hey Jesse!
We had dinner with mom, dad, Aunt Jo and Uncle Dick last weekend. Your dad told us of his visit with you. He had the best time. This dinner was only about 2 days after he returned home, and he was well rested, or so it seemed. He just loved the experience, and of course spending time with you!
This is certainly a dream come true for you. Wow! Happy, healthy, sweet New year. Looking forward to more of your blog and pics. Great shots!!
Love, Michelle R
Super blog & Shana Tova! Again, another great blog ... thanks for taking such good care of your Dad, he had a terrific time! Our warmest wishes for a sweet, happy, healthy and hopefully PEACEFUL New Year. L, Mom
happy new year i am in awe every time i read your blogs. wanted to wish you a happy new year and can't wait to hear about your rosh hashana experience. went to psu for the notre dame game this weekend and was thinking of you! we'll have to make a trip up there when you get back! xo
Pix are awesome! Wow - these pictures make me want to visit Namibia! I'm sure Vanessa can handle a 24 hr. plane ride ;) Btw, you make you're driving record sound squeaky clean... I forget, how many traffic tickets did you have in CA?!?
WOW! J, these were the most beautiful pictures of your whole trip [so far]. They could be entered into a competition. Of course I particularly liked the ones of your Dad schlepping up hills, etc. Good for him -- builds character!!! It sounds like life is moving along smoothly and you're still having the adventure of a lifetime. I hope you'll be at Seder to tell us all about it. And btw, Happy New Year! Love, Judy
time goes by so fast i love hearing your stories! you say you only have 4 months left... thats soooo crazy! i remember meeting with you at ben and irvs not so long ago (obviously over a year ago though) and you telling me about your upcoming african adventures. wow... how time flies! miss you and can't wait to see you and catch up when you get home. also... you wrote about writing people back... is there an email address i can send you fun stuff to? let us know in your next blog. miss you lots! love, nikki
inspirational Hi Jess-
I can't believe you have only four months left. It seems like it went by quickly to me but your experiences will be with you forever. I just finished watching the Oprah Leadership School for Girls that she established in South Africa and I was brought to tears by these amazing children with huge dreams. The whole time I was thinking about you and the work you are doing. You are changing lives and an inspiration to everyone. I can't wait to hear all of your most memorable stories firsthand. Enjoy your remaining time and keep making a difference!
xoxo,
Lisa
Thanks! Hey Jess! First off, thanks a lot for getting in touch with Lauren and offering her your help with her possible trip to Africa next summer. I really appreciate your taking the time to touch base with her. Secondly, I am now hooked on following your travel blog entries. I've put your blog site into my "favorites" list and look forward to reading your up-dates. I saw your Dad the other day and he's really psyched about his up-coming visit. Perhaps, when he gets there, you'll be able to take yet another hiking trip up that mountain! Best regards.
terrific job! Wow! You will undoubtably make your deadline. With your drive and energy, and these great kids, it will be a fabulous library. Literacy is so important and this is just so wonderful!
I hear your dad is coming to visit soon. I guess you will take him hiking with all of those 13 year olds, too! It will be a blast!
Love, Michelle R
Jess- I think it says a lot that you have won so much trust that people are coming to you with such important family issues. I think it is amazing that you are making such a mark on that town. Mazel tov. Miss you lots, Sara
I am about to begin my year in Namibia through WorldTeach...I am getting VERY excited and VERY nervous!
I am going to try to keep this updated throughout the year so hopefully I can keep in touch with everyone :)... full info
Cuz Jeff
non-member comment
Incredible
Jess, So proud of you. What an amazing experience. I always thought I was the adventurous one but you take the cake for sure!! Congratulations on a job well done. You are very special and I can't wait to see you over the holidays. Love, Jeff