Enjoy United Kingdom Hi Monica,
It was wonderful hearing your voice earlier today. So glad to see your blog posting. Your couchsurfer host so far sound very nice - it makes me feel much better about it. Sounds like you're seeing some amazing places. I'm impressed you tried the smoked haddock & salmon pie. I remember not liking a meat pie I had once in England. I know you're not a big beer fan (& I'm not either), but if you get a chance, try a lime 'n lager while in Great Britain...I thought it tasted pretty good. Say "hi" to Jason and Emily for me this weekend.
I know you are going to have an incredible journey - even though somtimes it might get frustrating finding things, enjoy the whole journey and be proud of yourself...you are so adventurous and capable. If you start getting exhausted from sleeping on too many floors, splurge once in awhile and find a bed & breakfast to pamper yourself! (I'll treat!)
Thanks for keeping us updated daily! Looking forward to more blog entries about your exciting travels!
Love, Mom
1 year later what about telling u that i love you? that i miss you? that i'm glad you made it back home safe? i know this was exactly one year ago...and you know i really do remember it... so now, 1 year later i'll tell you: I LOVE YOU MONICA LYNN!!!
un besote grandote mi cielo!
Welcome Home! Welcome home Monica. An experience of a lifetime. You will definately appreciate all of the simple things in life now that we all take for granted! Can't wait to hear stories and visit with you at the family reunion.
So glad you're home Your blog has helped me tremendously in preparation for my trip to Uganda this coming Monday. Thank you! I'm just glad you got home safe and sound and I hope we can get together to share some experiences after I'm back.
Yay I'm glad you're doing better, Monica. Living with a host family is difficult, but you definitely discover important things about yourself when you're there. I hope you can still make the most out of the rest of your time in Ghana.
It didn't work! Hey, Kiddo, we were plenty worried anyway as you know by now if you received our emails and/or private messages! So very glad you are feeling better, enjoy the pizza place and we will see you soon. Love, Grandma
Feel better Monica, I really hope you feel better soon. I am frankly surprised you didn't get sick sooner. I know you'll get better from whatever sickness you have. Just get some sleep and good food and you'll be fine in no time. You're in my prayers! You can do it!!
Hang in there What a great experience you are having. We can "see" what you are doing thanks to your interesting stories. Have your goals/plans for your future changed during this trip? Can't wait to reaqd the next entry. Peace.
You should write a book! Hi Monica What fascinating stories you have to tell! Am looking forward to seeing you soon and hearing more, as well as seeing all your pictures. Love you, Grandma
perspective No offense taken, Monica, and keep up the great blogging! We enjoy reading your narratives, whether joys or frustrations, and appreciate your honesty. Reading about Ugandans or Ethiopians or whomever helps put other concerns in perspective...I find after I read your blog I complain alittle less about such insignificant things as mosquitos, household odors, gas prices, etc. etc. and I pray alittle more. Thanks for sharing!
Monica, no one should take anything you have said personally. You are experiencing something that the rest of us can not even fathom. There is no disputing the people you are helping have it a LOT harder and worse than most of us here. I am really enjoying your blogs! Did not realize you were so expressive. Take care.
Just read the whole thing Hi Monica. I just read the whole website (I hadn't been keeping up). Very interesting. It sounds like a great experience, although a little bittersweet because of all the people that need help. Looking forward to hearing more details when you get back.
You are Special Dear Monica, I'm glad you haven't accepted any offers of marriage yet, but I do think you're a really COOL young woman. You may not be able to carry a couple jerry cans of water while walking a bike, but your kind and caring heart and strong work ethic more than make up for it. Don't underestimate your special abilities. I'm so proud of you. Looking forward to hearing what you're doing in Ghana and what the bus ride from Accra to Tamale was like. Miss you. Love, Mom
Leaving? Hey Monica,
It sounds like you've left Uganda already. Well, I can't wait to hear all about it. I hope Ghana is a good experience. Be safe and serve God!
Hang in there Monica. Guess you are finding out that most men are alike. Well, not all, your father, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, cousins, cousins-in-law excluded! Sounds like you are having the experience of a lifetime! Remember, when Africa hands you lemons, make lemonade. Of course, you would share it and not get any. Make the most of this trip. Will be anxious to visit with you at the next family reunion and see lots of pictures.
eltit tnemmoc You are saying that you danced with everyone in a public party, and you didnt even wanted to dance with me in front of just 3 cc friends or some band people at ur place... :( I though... well, i didnt though in anything, but now that you have learned the origins of dancing, the basic movements from the pro's of Africa, U HAVE to teach me!!! I will tell Amanda and MAria to set up aboriginal dancing lessons for next semester!
Monica- Tom and I are at your parent's house getting ready to head up to Grandma Read's memorial and I was just reading your blogs. You are an amazing young woman and an inspiration to everyone. I am so proud of you and the work you are doing in such a depressed area. Keep up the good work - and enjoy! Love, Rhonda
Amazing experience! Hi Monica, What an extraordinary summer you are having and to judge from the pics you are enjoying it, even tho some of it is so heartbreaking. We are so proud of the good work you are doing and pray for you and "your" kiddies every day. Love, Grandma and Grandpa
Monica-Sounds like you are having a great experience. Sounds like something I would have enjoyed. Your mission is having a great impact on lots of lives. Glad you were able to be a part of something that is so worthwhile. Glad to hear each update.
The sunset picture is really pretty!!
Picture Posted Monica,
I hope you don't mind, I posted the picure of you visiting St. Gonzaga on the Catholic Center bulletin board.
I promise to keep you and the children in my prayers.
Blessings,
Anthony
Summer 2008 - Uganda and Ghana
Fall 2009 - Europe, India, Pakistan, Central America
Jan-August 2010 - Tijuana, Mexico
July-Sept 2012 - Lima, Peru... full info
Kim Dykas
non-member comment
Enjoy United Kingdom
Hi Monica, It was wonderful hearing your voice earlier today. So glad to see your blog posting. Your couchsurfer host so far sound very nice - it makes me feel much better about it. Sounds like you're seeing some amazing places. I'm impressed you tried the smoked haddock & salmon pie. I remember not liking a meat pie I had once in England. I know you're not a big beer fan (& I'm not either), but if you get a chance, try a lime 'n lager while in Great Britain...I thought it tasted pretty good. Say "hi" to Jason and Emily for me this weekend. I know you are going to have an incredible journey - even though somtimes it might get frustrating finding things, enjoy the whole journey and be proud of yourself...you are so adventurous and capable. If you start getting exhausted from sleeping on too many floors, splurge once in awhile and find a bed & breakfast to pamper yourself! (I'll treat!) Thanks for keeping us updated daily! Looking forward to more blog entries about your exciting travels! Love, Mom