So Blessed

I have never felt so loved as I did yesterday. For all of you that came to wish me well, and even for those who did not make it but kept me in your thoughts- thank you.I am so excited, so excited for Mali, but I couldn't help but question why I would want to leave the most amazing people in the world- as so many of them were right there at 1880 Hickory Lane yesterday.

Thank you as well for the gifts. They were all very thoughtful and useful as well. Thank you especially for your kind words in your cards. I will bring them with me so I can always reflect on the love and support I have from all of you. You inspire me- all of you. And I decided that those of you that put a little money inside the cards- I am taking all of what was given to me yesterday and starting a little project fund. Once I get settled in my village and start to see what needs to be done, I'll come up with something special- a good use for all that money, and let you know what I ended up using it for.

You are all incredible, amazing friends and family. I hope one day I can show you the kind of love you all showed me yesterday. I am so, so blessed.

3 weeks

Mali is only three weeks away!

I'm more excited, anxious, and nervous than I've ever been in my life! I feel like I'll never feel completely prepared, but I've been starting to pull my stuff together, work on my language skills, and stay as fit and healthy as I can.

If you haven't heard, my going-away party is June 29 from 12-4.

Also, I just got skype. My screenname is em-mali. Who knows if it'll work over there, but maybe every once in awhile. If you can't come to my party- drop me a note if you have a new address so I can put it in my address book.

God Bless,
Emily

What I Really Want

MUSIC AND PICTURES

I am trying to compile some music and pictures that remind me of home, but I'm gonna need your help. I would love, love, love it if any of you felt inclined to put together some of the memories we've had, in a burned CD or a couple of pictures so that I can remember you, and home, throughout my time in Mali.

Just over 2 months

It's coming up so soon I can hardly believe it. Graduation in three weeks, Mali in less than three months. I decided that now would be a good time to start giving people an address to my blog so that you can keep updated whenever I may have a chance to post something. I also want to give you all my email address: emilyahurley@gmail.com
I will not have regular access to the internet- so write to me lots by snail mail! This also might mean that blogs will only be occasional (a couple times a month). This postal address is at my training site, which I will be at July 7-Sept 10. After that, I get assigned to a village and will get a new address and let you all know