Hey Anna,
I am so glad that you have decided to take that extra year off and go back to Africa. I think it will only make you that much more of a better person (not like your not the best person in the world already!) You deserve to take the time for yourself and do a little soul seeking. School can wait! why give up such a great mind expanding opportunity?! I understand that your family wants you to come home and start your schooling, it must be scary for them having you so far away and uncertain of what is going to happen, but you know what, you need to do what you need to do. It's your life and your time. You will never again be in such a free time in your life when you can just do what you want and take the time to truly find out what you want to do. Hey, and guess what, it's not the end of the world if you don't want to go back to school eiher (even though i'm sure you probably will). Take your time, have fun, and enjoy the ride!! I'm with you 100%! I'm so happy that you are getting to experience all the wonderful things you are doing and I can't wait to hear all about it! YOU ROCK!
Love,
Robin

Hi Anna,
when I read your stories it is so cool and I really want to travel again!!! But now I am back in the Netherlands, Bianca ans I just graduated last thursday, so now it is time to start and make some plans for what to do. I read you are going back to Africa as a volunteer. That is totally great, you will love to work with the people there, I know I really did love it. Those people give you such a warm experience, and give you really a place like home away from home. Well let me know were you go to and I am sure you will enjoy.

Evelien

Congratulations Anna! The world is yours.

hi, anna, have not heard from you about your final decision yet. honestly, i truly admire your compassionate heart for thinking about going back to africa to do volunteer teaching. however, i, like the rest of the family members, hope you would consider starting your gruduate school first and go back to africa next summer during your break. this way, you not only please most of the family members but will also get to do what you want without paying for it. isn't it nice=)

Hey Anna!
As usual it sounds like you are having a great time! Zach says hi. we have just finished moving to our new place and i thought i would give you our new address...
154 Verona Ave.
Goleta, Ca
93117
Keep having a great time and I can't wait to haer all about it in person and see all your amazing pictures! have fun!!
love ya!
~Robin

Anna!! HIIIII!! I got your email!! So happy to hear from you!! And even more happier to hear about your "luyou"!! (you better know that word!) haha So are you traveling freely or through some kinda of program? I'm too chicken to do anything by myself..you know that haha. Man!! You must be in Thailand right now. I'm heading to Thailand in two weeks. I only have a week left in Shenzhen. My Chinese haven't improved..probably gotten worse since Guangdong people speak Cantonese mostly. My tones are ALL jacked up.
Yeah we should hang out when we both get back to cali! I am looking for jobs in washington dc and most likely that I will move there early august or late august.
I'll check your website time to time!!
love, Helen

Hey Anna
How are you crazy, silly girl??!? I am back in Denmark now, working and looking for a place to live. I am enjoying reading about your trip (especially that you went to Namibia and all that just like my trip). I hope you enjoy it all! I think about you and hope that you experience a lot!

Kind Regards and much love from
Dorthe

Thinking of and missing you.

ANNA! you've got the travel bug! My mom says you are now an honorary New Zealander and is so excited that you are having such a great time. I'm here in SB having almost as good a time as you (yeah right) trying not to drop out in the last 3 weeks of school! Too bad you wont be able to shoot down to SB to hang out but i guess i can forgive you ;) I'm so happy for you and it sounds like you are having the time of your life! Keep up the good work!! I miss you!!

Dear Anna:
We got your package! I put the chocolate away, so we can enjoy together when you and baba are back. This is Jay's final week. we'll be free in couple days. Miss you, keep exploring and enyoy the advantures.
-Love, Mom

Dear Anna:
I miss you very much and felt so bad not write to you any word until now. I enjoy read your journals but hesitate to write you back because of my poor English.I wish you could forgive me.Is Africa really that fun? To me that's the place totally different from here.I'm having a hard time to picturing the image about how there life is and what kind of food they eat...etc.Hope you could take lots of shots and bring it back to share to us.I'm so proud of you to considering go back to do the volunteering teacher. It needs not only the kind heart but also the wisdom. Take care and hope see you soon!!
Love ,
Aunt #7