Flexibility!

---

Hello from Bangkok….again. As it has been a couple of weeks since my last update, I thought I would quickly write up something.

I figure I always have to at least add a couple of pictures so I have included some from my final weekend in the UK. My last week there was a bit crazy due to lots of work changes, but I still enjoyed my long weekend alone and explored some areas of London I have always wanted to see (i.e. Notting Hill - no Hugh Grant or Julia Roberts…but it was still cool). I also went to see the performance of Chicago (very good), and took a little road trip back to Oxford. It was fun to go back to the college that I had my little study abroad program at and roam around the town again, but boy did I feel old. It is amazing that it has been 8 years since I was there. The city is completely different now. Times change, I guess.

My last night in London was great. I was very disappointed to miss my friend Stacie and Kirk’s wedding back in VA, but lucky for me they had a few days in London to start off their honeymoon…so I met them in the city for a pint and some dinner!! It was SO great to see friends from home…and of course even better to see the happy newlyweds.  Lucky for them, I am so bad about taking pictures…otherwise I would definitely include a pic!

OK…so for the logistical update. Flexibility: a virtue that I always thought that I had, but have been tested on more than ever over the last couple of weeks. As you are well aware from my other entries, my plans keep changing as far as where I am going to be and what I am going to be doing. Well, that did not end with my last entry as expected. It ends up that I am not going to be based out of Bangkok after all. Mainly because it is difficult to get work visas and one of the key people that I need to work with doesn’t actually live there. Therefore, current plan is that I am going to be in Manila in the Philippines. This is an option that I never expected; however I am trying to remain open and am going with it. I bought a guidebook at the airport the other day and I think that it will be an interesting experience, and some place new! (It is the land of 7,000 islands…that doesn’t sound too bad!!) Now barring any unforeseen circumstances this should be official. However, things have already changed a bit again in the past 24 hours, as I have now found out that I am going to be in Senegal for a month beginning next week. Meaning I will not be in the Philippines until June 19th at the earliest. All of this changing has really made it difficult to try and plan for visitors….I am sorry!! I will be sure to keep you posted.

As I may or may not have expressed to some of you, it has also been quite a bit of a challenge dealing with the ever changing scope of my project and the work we are doing, but I think we actually have a true focus now and can really start doing some value added work!! Which is of course why I am here!

I am currently in Bangkok attending some training on Development and working in developing communities. It really is interesting to be reminded of past historical events and how they have affected the progress, as well as how to adjust and handle life in these situations. Very interesting training…and a nice break before getting back to the grindstone next week in Dakar!

My internet connection is minimal right now, so sorry for the lack of interesting stories and just sticking to the logistics…I will try to send a more interesting update soon. Please keep sending me emails/pictures…I want to know how YOU are!

Oh one other note....I just heard from my mom that she had to put Shadow to sleep yesterday. I know many of you hated him...but it is still sad. He was over 18 years old though...so something is said for evil cats living long lives!

---