"Long Long Long"

I know, it's been too long. But I have had a lot going on over the last few months (including Thanksgiving in Sikasso, Christmas in Bamako with a real American Xmas dinner!, New Year's in Paris, and a project application in the works) and little time for blog posting and email writing. (However, I did somehow find the time for Facebook posting and email reading...) It is 7:37 AM Bamako time as I write this, and my parents are hopefully asleep under their mosquito net in the hotel down the street (aka dirt road). That or they're lying awake under their mosquito net wondering, "What in the world have I gotten myself into?" For they are here in Mali - that filthy, bustling place I have called my home for the last 18 months. We have a jam-packed 8 days in country followed by a 5 day rest in Morocco. Dad has already gotten the camera out, so I'm sure the trip will be well-documented for your viewing pleasure. Wish us luck. We'll need it.