an update

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Well, this one is simply to let everyone know that I'm alright. I couldnt do anything about the fact that I ended up pulling an all-nighter. I just couldnt sleep I guess. I'll just load up on the caff. gum if I end up getting tired, but I dont think I will. I just cant stop thinking about stuff from yesterday long enough for me to try and even begin to get tired.

I guess I know now why alot of people in my family didnt want me to do this. I know that I am going to have to talk about yesterday at least once when I get back home, and I dont want to think about what that is going to be like. In retrospect, I think I wouldve rather stayed at home and remained blissfully ignorant of some of the events and sights here, especially those of yesterday. I guess even though I have read about the goings on here in Western Darfur for quite some time, but that is no kind of preparation for seeing the actual thing. I guess I can do my best to try to compartmentalize things, but despite the recency of it, I seem to be unable to do so with this, unlike I have previously been able to. For lack of any better phrase, its just some "other shit" (forgive my only instance of coloquial profanity).
I guess I can just endeavor to try to keep yesterday a closed chapter, so to speak.

I have done some really amazing and valuable things here, but after this past day, I know that journalism like this is not for me, and I'll happily take my fat check when I get back home and do my best to forget.

Just wanted to let everyone know that we are all alright here, and that I look forward to returning soon.

Until next time,
David

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Comments

[Bellarmino]

stay up cuz
Dave, I was the first one to read this in the house. I figured I'd leave somethin here as opposed to your email b/c maybe youre still on this. I talked to the parents-who have been callin others in the fam nonstop, when we come down after you are back in the land of ladies and such other good things...you dont gotta worry about us talkin to you about your trip unless you wanna man. I aint gonna ask what happened, I just trust you if you ofall ppl said its some other shit. Stay up smart gringo cuzn. With Love from all, Bellarmino

[mom]

hey david
My Dearest David, We all just recently read your new entry. We are sorry for whatever happened, David. Just know that we are wholeheartedly glad that you are safe, and that we eagerly await you coming back to us. We promise to not make the greeting party big at all if you dont want it to be that way. I'll give your uncle a call, and let him know that he should let you start working at FinCEN a little bit later after you get back. I think you need some time for rest and peace and quiet here. We all love you David, and we will see you soon, fill us in on all the specifics of your return soon, as we still have your old itinerary. Love, Mom and the family

[George y Rosie]

Ominous
That update has such dark and mysterious overtones that it gives chills. I think it would be nice if we could solve the world's problems. Of course we can't, but if we see something we can do.... The other side of that is that we'd have to identify them first and in some cases that's not so easy to do - due to cultural differences etc. What we define as right and wrong may be different for others. Nonetheless, if for some things we could only get them to "see the light".... God please help us to change the things we can, to accept those we cannot change, and to recognise the difference! And help the lost to know You and seek out Your ways. Accentuate the positive - and take care.