I am here.  I love it.  the people are nice the food is good, and I have everything I need for the most part.  not perfect, but definitely where I feel I am supposed to be for the next two years.  I have gotten some belly aches (just nerves and getting used to the food) and was in a small fender bender riding in a taxi, drivers are crazy here i now know why we are forbidden to drive or ride a motorcycle... I think that I want to live someplace smaller than bamako, but that may mean very little email, but it is crazy busy here with all the people........but there is nothing to worry about here, its a lot like america in some ways and different than others, and cleaner than Haiti........however clean is relevant.........I mean that things are still dirty but not so terrible.  I like it here, its pretty comfortable and a nice change of pace.  I have heard of some local churches, and my peace corps roomie is a christian. today i visited the AIDS clinic which was neat.  I have even started learning bambara the local language.  class makes for long days, and doing simple tasks take forever here.  please write soon.  my address is Peace corps trainee Pattie murray B.P. 85 Bamako, Mali West Africa  Also to Estela, what is the name of your friend?  can your write and tell me I need it written down as to make sure I pronounce it right.

love,

Pattie