amy you are a b**** i hate you ok hahah iam in mr.sanchez class in ps75

Welcome Back!

love, love!

Dear Maggie,

Thank you so much for sharing your incredible and life changing experiences with me. It means so much to me, to know where you are, what you are doing, and how you are feeling about your situations. You have done a beautiful job describing what life is really like wherever you are, so I feel like I am there with you. Most of all, it is great to know that you are doing ok. I know you have worked hard and have accomplished many things, even when things didn't always go as planned. You are such a lovable person, always opening your heart and mind to those around you. I know it is a relief to have completed your papers, etc.. How exciting to hear about your traveling adventures, each one so life changing. I am so glad you are careful of your decisions, to be safe. I know you have many more fascinating adventures ahead. I love your sense of humor and your ability to hang in there when things are challenging. You are extremely precious to me and you continue to always be in my thoughts and prayers. I miss you and love you so very much! XOXO

Hi Maggie. WOW, so many "Hellos", so many "Goodbys". Sounds like a lot of emotional ups and downs, but I can tell you are handling them well indeed and growing stronger in yourself with each one. I am so excited that Davis is now officially a part of this great love that you have for the people of Africa. The kids here at Davis are happily depositing their pennies, nickles and dimes and each little coin sure adds up. I had to laugh at your Mom the other day as she did her best to lug her bag with all those coins in it. I truly believe the bag of coins weighed more than she does...Tee Hee. So glad your papers are complete and hopefully you can just let yourself enjoy your time left and soak up so much more. Trust me, I believe it will carry you forever. Your fear of returning sounds so normal to me, but you are strong and you will continue to spread your goodwill in wherever you find yourself. How fortunate for all that you can spend this time and come back and make this country a better place, just one step at a time. I know you must be getting anxious to see your family as they are to see you. What fun it will be for you all. I look forward in the fall to seeing pictures that your Mom brings back. Stay strong, you are truly an incredible person and making a BIG difference in ways you will never know. I have truly enjoyed all the notes and it has made it clear to these eyes that will never physically see, but I feel I have seen. Thanks for that. God Bless you. Mrs. Nations

Maggie, you are an amazing young woman! Be safe on your travels. Continue to make wise decisions. Stay healthy. And really, it is okay to be clean!! See you soon!!

love,

Mom (and Dad)

Mombasa Mzungu--

I love the honesty in your writing.

And I love you too. S.

Maggie! It sounds like you are having such a life altering experience. I am so jealous that you took the time to do this. I definately miss you back at Elon and am so excited for you to come home. I will be in Chicago this summer so when you return, we will have to catch up! Keep your head up and keep on doing all the good you are doing! XOXO

Hi Maggie -

We're thanking our lucky stars we're not pregnant, needing shots in Kenya! Have a great weekend at the beach!

Dearest Maggie,

Aunt Ruthie just called and read your March 31st blog to us. It was encouraging. When you have down times, it's good you can express how you are feeling and not carry so much inside. You are doing nobly, and we are so proud of the way you are handling your challenges. It is hard for us to truly understand what it is like to be in your shoes. Keep on keeping on, honey. Many prayers are being said for you.

We are so glad you now have running water and a room to yourself, along with a nice family.

Wish we could send some of our cold weather your way, or that you could send some of your hot weather our way. Whatever, we have to live with it and have joy in our hearts!

Grandpa and I send our special love to you. Take care.

P.S. Tomorrow I see Dr. Baginski. My new crown fell out, but, thank goodness I didn't swallow it! Hope it will be more permanent this time.

Maggie, your message of a few days ago was a good tug for me to send up extra prayers for your renewed strength. Now your message of today shows me that you definitely have the renewed strength. I believe it takes a very strong and very mature person to say those words that are true in your heart, even if just saying them gives grief on yourself. It would be so easy for someone to paint a beautiful picture withi words, but is that why you went there? I believe not. I believe you went there not looking for the rainbow, but maybe to see through the tough stuff and grow from it. What a life-changing experience. You will never look at the world, your country, your state, your city, your street, your friends, your home, your family the same way. I am so proud of you that you see a need, and you fill it. So many of us see the big problem and realize we can't solve the real problem, so we do nothing. You are showing me, don't look at the whole problem, just handle what you can, what is in front of you. If we all did that just on a small scale, imagine what good could come from that. What a blessing you were to that family and I am sure your gentle and tender spirit shown through. Keep your head up and don't forget when the "stuff" is awful, tell it like it is. The truth never weakens the person that tells it and upholds it. I appreciate so much getting to see Africa through your eyes. I look forward to updates as you can post them. Plus, I get a more personal update from your Mom, who, as if you didn't know, is making a wonderful difference in so many of our Davis students, by just being available. Mom and daughter are on different continents, but each have their own "Africa". Take care and God Bless You as you travel on. Mrs. Nations

Maggie,

Florence, Barcelona, London, Paris....any of those would have been SO boring. You are doing amazing things, and don't you think for a moment that you aren't contributing.

I believe you offer respite, and smiles to people every day. And not just the ones that are ripping you off!

Take care. Be safe. Enjoy every day. And keep those messages coming!

Love you,

Gwen

Hang in there Maggie. You are learning some amazing lessons about life and people- and about yourself. Be strong. Stand tall. We miss you tons but we're so proud of you.

love you,

Mom