Long Overdue

Alright, I'm officially failing at my New Year's resolution to update more regularly. Sigh. I apologize....

But in exciting news, internet has finally come to my humble abode in Nioro!! While not being connected to the outside world on a daily basis actually had its perks, I definitely wouldn't go back. Finally having the ability to skype with all my friends and family back home on a regular basis is AMAZING. So all of you out there...get skype and CALL ME! I believe my skype contact info is listed on the side, but if not, just search my name. I feel pretty confident in saying I'm the only Elizabeth Corkery living in Senegal.

Another perk of having internet is that I now have no excuse not to post all the blogs that I've stored up over the past few months. I'm working on getting them all put together and ready for posting soon because there's a lot to catch everyone up on.

In the mean time, life in Senegal is going well. Work is starting to pick up which is exciting. Unfortunately, temperatures are creeping up as well...highs around 115°F on a daily basis and this isn't even close to the hottest month of the year. JOY!
Now, before I get to all of the stories from the past few months, I wanted to take a minute to send some long overdue thank you's to everyone who has sent me packages and/or letters since I arrived. Actual hand written notes are on their way to you soon, but in the meantime I wanted to acknowledge everyone here.

SHOUT OUTS:

Sister Rita and Rose - the very first package I received in Senegal and I can't tell you how excited I was. Thank you for all of the amazing goodies that were my first taste of America in 2.5 months!! Also, thank you for all of your letters Sister Rita...its really great to get news from home via snail mail from time to time.

Grandma - thank you for all of your wonderful cards!! Your news from home and words of support/encouragement always brighten my day :)

Aunt Margaret - thank you for the birthday card and the pictures of you and the girls!

Amy and Mark - thank you for the amazing package! A fun gossip mag and mini bags of chips...you know me so well.

Alex - unfortunately the mice got to this package before I did, but it was still awesome. Chocolate and an entire bag of Cool Ranch Doritos...enough said. Thanks!

Elizabeth D. - still keeping my fingers crossed that your package will show up sometime soon and I'm sure it will be fabulous. Regardless of when/if it arrives...thank you!!

Aunt Kristi and Uncle David - thank you for the books and the other treats! New reading material is always exciting :)

The lovely German tourists - we ran into them while they were stranded in Dakar by a snow storm at their next destination ;) Thanks for hanging out with the girls and I! Your company was amazing and so was all of that delicious food!

Mrs. Brignadello, Mrs. Bowen, Mrs. Campion, Mrs. Donnelly, Mrs. Blakesly, Mrs. Comfort, Mrs. Glawe, Mrs. Sparrow and Mrs. McGee - thank you all so much for everything!! Your packages were such an amazing hodge podge...I can't tell you how nice its been to have some new shirts or to use body wash instead of bar soap for the first time in months. And all the food was, of course, delicious and devoured right away.

Mr. Funkhouser - awesome package. Animal house, a toga party mix, beef jerky and cereal. YAY, thank you!

Mrs. Schwass - this package was the perfect mix of delicious goodies and fun luxuries. The candles have especially come in handy since the power has been going out every night for the past 3 weeks. Thank you!

Kate - your package was such a surprise and brought a huge smile to my face :) The picture you sent is now proudly on display in my room and omg, including that DVD from Greece almost made me tear up. See you very, very soon!!!

And last, but most certainly not least...my amazing parents!! Thank you for all of the package you have sent Mom and Dad. Mom, you're absolutely the best at finding things to send that I never realized I was missing but am so excited to receive :) And thank you for fulfilling all of my random requests for things from the states. You guys are the best and I can't wait to see you soon!!!!

I think that just about covers it. Its so nice to have a taste of home and I can't tell you how much I appreciate you all for putting these packages and letters together! Not to mention now that starving season is here...those snacks from America are lifesavers on days when the only things in a bowl meant to feed 8 people are white rice, two tiny fish and a small carrot. So one more time...a huge THANK YOU to everyone!!!

Ba beneen :)