I mailed a letter today but I want to make sure that everyone I know is ok. My deepest sympathy goes out to everyone in the states and you all or in my thoughts and prayers. Many of the people in my training group had immediate family working in the world trade centers whom are now waiting to find out if their families are alive and if anyone had been injured. I have some people that I have been questioning whether or not they are ok. Mainly Reuben, his grandmother, aunt, uncle, cousins, and mother all currently living in or near New York City some of which live directly in Manhatten. I am also worried about Reuben himself being that he has been doing so much of his work in Manhatten. So this is my request, for any of the friends that live in DC or New York, or if there is anyone I know that has family involved or hurt in the events of yesterday please let me know. Although I am far away I want you all to know I am supporting you and that you are all in my prayers, any specific prayer request or needs please let me know. Currently, if you are wondering about my safety I am probably a lot safer than you are and I am probably in one of the safest places in the world right now. The biggest issues is the emotional well being of those at home and the other trainees who may have lots mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers in the events yesterday and there are over five trainees with this very issue all of which may have lost more than one person in the events yesterday. I cannot tell you the affect this will have on our group but I can tell you that we are all hanging in there and our families and co-workers are all being incredibly supportive right now. Here is my contact information in the event that an urgen message needs to be brought to me this includes news aqbout the health and safety of friends at church, college, or my family....no news is good news but do not think because something seems small that you do not need to keep me informed. I want and need to know that you are all ok and I want to hear from everyone as soon as possible. If you want you can call my family with any pressing news leave your numbers and information with them and then they will call Peace Corps in Mali. Or if it is an emergency you can call the office directly and they will get a message to me. This number is for urgent news or to relay that everyone is ok, and cannot be used for a conversation about anything else but the immediate events and how everyone is doing. Ok here are the numbers you can try to get in touch with me:
011 223 213 553
011 223 214 479
011 223 219 148
As I said please contact the office and send a message or email that everything is ok and if there is anything at all that I need to be aware of please call the office ASAP. Please forward this to everyone you think should know and keep me posted. to avoid overuse of the mali telephone access you can call my house as soon as possible and then let my parents know of the news or reply all and then you will get in touch with them, myself, and my family. My home phone number is 804 977 7046 Thanks everyone, and I love you. Please write soon.
love,
Pattie