PHONE CALL FROM ABBY

A surprise phone call from our daughter a few minutes ago. Though she said I sounded loud and clear, her voice sounded faint and far away. She was in a nearby village and using something they have down there called a "pay phone." Hmmm....I think I recall those---haven't seen them around here for a few years. We had about 5 good minutes before she got cut off. So I asked a lot of questions and here is the gist of what I can remember.

She is living with a family that has 2 daughters (age 11 and 15). She shares a room with the girls and is the 4th Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) they have hosted. The family likes fried food and thinks a fried hot dog is a special treat. I'm wondering if this will put a few pounds on my ultra trim daughter. There is an elementary school in the village, but the older girl must go to another town for upper school.

Abby's days are busy. Four hours in the morning for language study. Four hours in the afternoon for technological (?) training. She likes the other PCVs. They will go to Panama City on Sunday where she hopes to e-mail or post on her blog. I asked for pictures...especially one of her and her machete. She said, that alas, her digital camera was the victim of a shampoo mishap in her suitcase, so she has no pictures.

Jim & I had been reading blogs belonging to other PCVs and learned some tips on how to send packages that might not get stolen, opened or taxed. Abby said she had heard some of the same tips. Here they go. Mail stuff in padded envelopes and cover them with religious stickers. Especially a sticker of the Virgin Mary over the seal will prevent them from cutting the envelope open. Also, labeling a package Feminine Hygiene Products might keep out the Post Office. One PCV has his family address him as "Hermano" so that the P.O. might think he is a priest and not bother his packages. I guess it works for him.

The phone disconnected about then. What a special treat to hear her voice---even though faintly.