I have only a few minutes to spend online so I will only be able to share a short note with you for now, one that I have sent to other friends and followers.
The internet has been a much bigger challenge than I had hoped. I have hopes that I have a less than good but better than now solution (a somewhat circular sentence but . . .). I will check that out today and maybe will be able to send emails if not join you by skype/oovoo/google. I have been writing a lot and have taken thousands of pictures, which I will share once I figure out how to convince my ipad to attach photos to my blog . . . one more challenge.
I can say that you all have helped me, with Voiceflame, touch the lives of quite a few deserving people. Last week I was in Namitembo, which is a poor rustic rural area that has one car – the priest’s (more about him later). I was able to introduce the method to teachers and students alike. There I met a woman who after being orphaned, had to drop out of school because she couldn’t afford the fees. She then married the first man who came along promising to take care of her, then left when she became pregnant. When I saw her, she was struggling for her and her babies (who now has malaria) survival. These are the types of women and children for whom I had hoped to be able to make a difference. I won’t be able to help her but I met a man there, a budding politician whose platform includes keeping girls in school and providing positive role models of professional women for young girls in hopes they are motivated to stay in school.
This week, I have been at Jacaranda School, an orphanage, where I have been teaching teachers and students to write according to the AWA method. Next week will be spent training teachers while supporting the newly formed Writer’s Clubs for the teachers and learners.
You are all in my thoughts and I am bolstered by your support.
The Gift Of Voice 
I am old fashioned and can wait for all the pictures and stories till you get back. Keep spreading the word and healing hearts in that special Crandall way.
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Dear John, We all miss you terribly. To show our appreciation of you we would like to celebrate your homecoming. To do that we’ll need some details, such as when you’re coming back! (I’ll be sure to put in a word about world travelers needing rest after arrival, too…) I’m doing my small part with this message to establish communication. Please do let me know if you’ve gotten it.
In anticipation of hearing all the stories that you have to tell,
Linne
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Finally got some internet but now no time. I hope to have both this weekend and will put some posts up on the blog. I am still looking forward to arriving in the States on or around the 7th of October but may not be taking the anniversary trip I was planning on so. . . . As soon as I know for sure I will let you know. Don’t give up on me, because TIA covers a lot This Is Africa and things just aren’t the same here. I miss everyone terribly and hope to keep the communication going better now.
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Don’t feel guilty about anything. We know that you’re doing as much as anyone possibly can. We will appreciate a firm date of arrival when you know it—but we can put the party off until you feel fully rested.
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