I do enjoy your travelblogs. What amazing experiences you are having.
Still pass them on to Darrell and Jodi. When you and Steve come back, you'll have to write a book. You both are in my prayers and wishes that each day brings more of God's Pageantry. Keep in touch and you both are missed.
Love, Fran
Pageantry Bliss Sounds like you had tons a fun, Much like our Miss America over here!!Duh. But way better, right!
I MISS you way wicked lots!!!! I'm gonna start lookin for flights over there. Will I have to get a bunch of shots and stuff? Oh well, you're worth 'em!! I MISS MY SIS!!
I love you, your alien sis
Love following you! You guys are so inspirational to me. Love what you are doing...It is a lifetime of
desires and personal expansion...I have always wanted to do this,,,but have had
fears and blockages...thank you for sharing your travels and experiences...
love you,
Marilyn
expanded My darn...what a great story and what experiences you are having. I just caught up with you and so glad I have. I can
barely conceive of the depth of your joy with each interaction and sharing with this new extended family...Oh how I love to see and hear about it...Thank you Thank you...you and Steve look great and very happy...miss you..
love,marilyn
In Awe! Shannon, It's about time I read this beautifully, yet profoundly sad, confused and truth about how much we can do to help in some places or for some peoples that may or may not see the need for changing! And the stark reality of the rich living next to and watching little children hunger or anyone for that matter, and not seem to care or notice. It hits me every day here in the states too. You hear on the news about this billion dollar state of the art stadium built for football in Texas, and you wonder how can someone have that kind of money and know how many people are homeless and hungry and not give to them instead!!! Like I keep telling you, I must be an alien, because I just don't and never will understand the people of this world. I know w/my whole heart if I had that kind of money, yes I'ld pay all my debts off, which aren't many but then the most fun about having that kind of money, for me, would be to see how and where I could help others as much as possible. I'ld most want to help people that were trying to help themselves first, then help the ones that couldn't but needed help. Anyway, I'll put that on my list. I love your pictures and found this writing to be more like poetry. I love and miss you way way bad my dear sweet sister. All my love, yer A.sis
Tough Questions Tough questions, Shannon. Hard for those who think about them in this country; harder, I would imagine, for you as you directly and daily face the very different reality of life in Africa. You will come up with good answers.
Had a great rehearsal with the Intergenerational Choir on Wednesday. How Vashti and Will kept a packed room together and having fun while moving forward I don't know; but they did.
Wow Hi Shannon,
Now I really know that you are the perfect person for this type of life--I am so glad that you have the opportunity to be there. I know that just by your being there, you are making a positive difference. You are so wise. I just got back from Spain, visiting my daughter and grandkids and son-in-law. I hope to see you when you return to the states.
LOve and hugs,
Phyllis
Shannon, as usual, your writing/descriptive ability brings your experiences alive for the rest of us. It's interesting to me as well that you articulate the feelings - concerns and doubts - that many of us have in whatever corner of the world we are laying our heads down at night. I so often wonder if I am being useful in this world, am I offering as much as I could/should physically, mentally, spiritually? I guess I had the misperception that someone actually out "doing" whether in the Peace Corps or some other "official" capacity would feel that just by signing up and doing the job these concerns would be erased or at least minimized. How refreshing to know that you are still humble Shannon. :-) I am sure that the people of your village will miss you when you are gone as much as your friends and family here miss you. As always, I enjoy your blog entries and look forward to more!
comments on contrast Shannon, Wow what a beautiful piece of reflection! As a social worker I related from your perspective in Botswana to the plight of the poor right here in Idaho and the attitude of the rich toward the poor.For example undocumented persons in Idaoh are blamed by the wealthy of taking up too much of our medical resources. Reality is that they only account for a small percentage of "indigent" care. It's easier for people to identify the "Mexicans" as the problem when in fact there are 236,000 Idahoans uninsured who drain the system much more comparitvely! Racism is something rarely mentioned here in the Treasure Valley yet always looming. No matter how you feel regarding your effectiveness or ineffectivenss, continue to be greatful for the journey! I've been working as a social worker for for 7 years now. I experience constant ups and downs regarding outcomes.Unfortunately outcomes are not always successfull. Friday I discharged a young man who badly needs treatment and counseling and his dad is completely unwilling to obtain either. I had to walk away from him standing on crutches and knowing he was alone at home for several more hours unitl dad returned. I worked very hard with dad to recognize the dangers of leaving his son untreated.Refusal was all I was able to obtain. So I like you I remind myself whatever I did in the span of this kid's life, I hope he will find his path to peace and good health.
Please keep us in your prayers, Victor is returning home soon and I need to be fit and strong in all areas of my life as we love him and support his recovery. Love you and miss you my dear friend!
I would be there!! I love this article. I would so be there with you in the frustration of not having the internet access. We have become so addicted to our computers. I have so many friends in my computer and would have such serious withdrawls as well. I love your writing. You need to write a book. You definitely have a way with the words!!
On another note...I love your updates in the blog. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with everyone!
Cindy
Job description I love it! I can relate to much of what you described except I was not immersed in the culture! Great to hear from you! Stay well.By the way, I recently had a request for an up the stair chair lift. I wondered if you sold the one used for your mom? Can you let me know sometime if it's sold or available for sale? It may be too late for the latest inquiry, but if I know if you have it or not ,it will be helpful.
Thx and lots of love and prayers,
Karen
Glad to hear from you I admire your sense of humor and patience, at times it must be hard. Think it just great that you two so willing to take on something like this. Don't think I would be able to.
Things are going about the same at Horizon, Brooke went to work for the state, finally found why Mtn Home info would
not show up, I wasn't authorized. Am now though.
Good people are still leaving, and still have no one in charge of Hospice side.
We are doing great, went to Montana last weekend to visit family, had a good time. Hoping to go to the coast next month.
Still giving copies of your blogs to Jodi and Darrell.
Take care and my thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Love, Fran
Surfaced! So good to see another blog from you!!! I have missed reading of your adventures. Again, I must say, you are the PERFECT person for this kind of adventure! I am so happy for you because I know you are getting so much out of it and the people you are with are blessed to have you there! Keep em coming! Hugs!!!
I just love your updates. I print them for my hospice people so they too can keep updated. Sounds like you are have such great experiences. Just know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Amy
Great pics Dear Shannon and Steve, Thanks for the update on your doings. The pictures are great and we appreciate your blog. Reminds me of my sister's pics from Tanzania.
Love,
Rita
Thank you and Hello Thank you for your wonderful pictures and for taking the time to let us back home know about your tremendous adventure. I am getting ready to retire and have applied to the Peace Corps. I have been nominated to Africa (my first choice). All my forms are submitted, and I'm now playing the waiting game. It is very exciting to read about someone who is already there. My work has been in healthcare, and I hope to work in that area while if I am invited. I would love to hear about your work.I just found out about your blog through my friend Jill Jasper who is a friend of June here in Boise, and I haven't had time yet to read all the entries. I am anxious to read more about your spiritual journey.
Thank you again for sharing,
Karen
Glad to hear from you Love your interesting tales of your journeys. You have really been truly blessed with the people you have been able to meet and spend time with. I admire you both so much.
Love, Fran
Beautiful Loved the guided tour! Thank you for letting us tag along! Beautiful! But, still miss you way way way lots. Can't wait to come and visit!! Love ya, yer sis
Family! Shannon, I miss you way way much, but am glad to hear you've met such a wonderful family and introduced them to use. It never ceases to amaze me how much we can say to one another without ever opening our mouths! A friendly smile, Love, kindness, and compassion speak voumes!! I love you way lots my sweet sis.
My husband and I have now completed our Peace Corps service in Botswana, and are living in Boise, Idaho. I'm still learning that no matter where I travel, there I am with my perceptions in tow, but with each experience, I'm learning to let go and the burden becomes lighter.... full info
Fran Miller
non-member comment
I do enjoy your travelblogs. What amazing experiences you are having. Still pass them on to Darrell and Jodi. When you and Steve come back, you'll have to write a book. You both are in my prayers and wishes that each day brings more of God's Pageantry. Keep in touch and you both are missed. Love, Fran