Koyan's chief: Falen Diarra
Our chief: DJ Hurley
What a great time I had yesterday. For all of you who were able to make it out to the Hurley house for the picnic, thank you for the smile you put on my face that is still here. I realize the mix of people was very eclectic- family, people from my childhood, college and high school friends, more recent friends of my parents, neighbors... but if you even had half as good of a time as I did, it was worthwhile. I couldn't believe some of the people that showed up- friends coming in from Buffalo, Syracuse, even as far as New York City and Boston. And also some faces that I didn't realize kept up with how I was doing so closely, who have indirectly supported me through my family. Each person that came, though you have all supported me throughout these two years, just by showing up expressed that time and distance cannot break wonderful relationships. That blog I wrote from the airport, I felt so alone. Well now look at all of these people I got after two years. "Oh my gosh I have friends!" I exclaimed when the Geneseo girls showed up. They presented me with a homemade storybook- a recount of everyday life at college written in a mock-blog style.
The only thing that bothered me was it was like everyone that showed up I wanted to sit down with and talk for hours. I have so much catching up to do, and I'm truly interested in where life has taken you all. I guess it gives me something to look forward to. I've got some time now to get reconnect with people, which I'm starting tomorrow morning when I head down to the NY/NJ area to see my godmother, my Peace Corps sitemate Lauren (on her vacation!), my fellow RPCV Sally, cousin Jenny, and friend Andi (the one who married a Malian... I'll venture out to "Little Mali" in NYC, speak some Bambara and have a traditional Ramadan feast!)
This isn't the last blog. I still haven't had time to do the whole "reflection thing". But I swear, it's coming. Give me a week. One week from today check it out. I'm going to try to go back and read some of the old entries, and then I'll have to let this go, finally!
Loyally yours and you have been mine,
Emily
