Earthquakes and Volcanoes

---

I made the horrible mistake of reading the children's bios before bed the other night...some of these kids have been through tragedies far beyond what any child should witness or experience. Many of them, after there own parents died of AIDS related causes were living with relatives who abused them severely. I laid awake for hours, my heart aching, and then all of a sudden I felt tremors from a nearby earthquake shaking my bed. And then the next day the volcano on the horizon erupted! (Sulfur, not lava) Supposedly there is still more to come too. It last erupted a couple of years ago and the village was covered in ash. I don't think we are in any sort of danger or anything,...my curiosity is more powerful than my fear anyway. So life goes on and I continue to take the kids out on walks, exploring the countryside. I try to go further and further everyday, but the little ones get tired, so I've begun to bribe them with lolipops (pipi) which they always go for. I learned my lesson yesterday though... when I ended up carrying three kids (rotating two at a time, one on my shoulders, one on my hip) back after their new rain boots gave them blisters. (it hasn't rained yet, but they got new boots and insisted on wearing them). Anyway, I'm adjusting to life here and it is both draining and gratifying in so many ways! I hope all is well in America!

---

Comments

[Jill]

I know you've heard this a million times, I'm gonna say it anyway--I'm so proud of you! We're all proud of you! The world needs more people like you-love you!! ;)

[bea]

add'l note on why obama was awarded, which is a big surprise thoughout the world
(from bbc news) Asked why the prize had been awarded to Mr Obama less than a year after he took office, Nobel Committee head Thorbjoern Jagland said: "It was because we would like to support what he is trying to achieve". "It is a clear signal that we want to advocate the same as he has done," he said. But critics say he has failed to make breakthroughs. Domestically, Mr Obama has been working to tackle an economic crisis and win support for healthcare reform. Some said they saw the prize as a way of encouraging the US leader early in his presidency. "It is an award that speaks to the promise of President Obama's message of hope," said Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, a former winner. The statement from the Nobel Committee said Mr Obama had "created a new climate in international politics"

[Randa]

all the LOVE SO BIG!
My love Amy, I think of you everyday and everyday my love grows more and more for you. What you are doing over there is a blessing in a so many ways. Not only for the children and people in the village but for me and the people who will here you stories learn and become inspired. I am over flowing with gratitude and love for you and your GIGANTIC heart. All is well over here in NY. I am playing my first show on Wednesday wish you were going ot be here..but I know you will be in spirit. Keep loving, living and writing. Missing you so so much. ra

[Bibi Amy]

randa! where is your show? I'm so excited for you! have someone video it and post it on face or somthin. I miss you soo much! I'm so proud of you for seizing your moment...hope it's all that I know you are capable of! I'm sure you will be awesome! "You so pretty!" rock it!

[jake]

africa
keep up the good work! americans have no idea how lucky they are... even the ones (like me) who are somewhat aware of how lucky we are still cant understand just how truly charmed our lives are. i hope u are doing well. i am sure u are missed by everyone... dont get sunburned and be safe!! it will snow here soon... take care! luv, jkae