africa at the biagio

had lunch the other day with a co-workers daughter who was stationed in africa - what an experience...! i could barely eat, i wanted to pour through her photo albums and rack her brain for wisdom. the corps has not yet decided on my assignment location, so much of her advice - as she admits and i reluctantly realize - might be relevant only in the most general of terms. regardless, it was wonderfully overwhelming (or overwhelmingly wonderful?) to see her photos, dozens upon dozens, records of a happy and exciting and challenging time in her life. note to self: bring a camera somehow.

she recently sent me a batch of useful slash fun links, including a place to apply for UN and dept of state positions as well as a site that streams the latest african music. a perfect mix of work and play...

i get by with a little help from my friends

so this holiday season: not so hot. in fact, the entirety of autumn and winter this year could have withstood some revising. thankfully, i managed to surround myself with thoroughly supportive and inspirational people. recent solaces include:

response to my resignation announcement - "no offense or anything, but i just didnt see you.. fitting in here. from the minute i met you, i saw it, and i wondered how your spark was going to stay lit. ... youve got to lead, follow, or get the hell out of the way. you go ahead and lead."

heart to heart talk with o silent escort, who offered this new insight: a time of great upheaval and extreme discomfort always precedes a personal revolution of growth or improvement. for now, i must have faith that the "other side" exists, and i will indeed emerge out on it.

and finally, this gem, from a fellow 9-to-5-er:

when you come to the end of all the light you know,
and its time to step into the darkness of the unknown,
faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen:
either you will be given something solid to stand on
or you will be taught to fly.
-- edward teller