September 15, 2001

Thanks for the email responses from many of you on my list. It is very sobering to receive emails from friends in times of crisis.

I just wanted to tell how the crisis has affected the volunteers here. Last week, we all met every night to watch CNN, and we even had a support group. I was really surprised when the entire group of volunteers said that they were sleeping badly with nightmares. They described waking up and feeling like they had barely slept at all. I, personally, had dreams of being in NYC, as if our training were there. Everyone spoke Kriolu and Portuguese, and I had the worst anxiety about getting home. It was a very symbolic dream, and they have since continued.

The most touching part last week was hearing Cape Verdeans give their condolences. Each time, it brought me to tears because, although I do not know anyone who lost their life, I feel like there was a death in my family... a very close one. Cape Verdeans never leave relatives alone when a family member has died, and many friends asked if they could sit with me, if I was lonely or sad. They gave these heart-felt speeches that moved me, and everyone else. When I accompanied some of the TEFL volunteers to their 'Model School' where they are teaching for the week, practicing, the 12th graders had written a letter on the board for one volunteer. I was sitting in on her class, and it brought tears to my eyes when they read this broken English letter, "Dear Julie, We are very sad about what happen in your country. We want give our solidarity and compassion. We know the world has change forever, and we want to support you in time of crisis. Sincerely, the Class." We discussed the tragedy, and they all said the government should track down and find the people responsible.

When I got home on the 11th, my host mom came into my room and said she had heard what had happened. She was very upset because Cape Verde will ultimately suffer. The majority of food received for international development assistance is grain from the USA. She said the government would not get as much, and people would lose jobs here. During our visit to the Ministry of Education, the Director met with us and also gave a speech on how Cape Verde supports us in times of crisis. Everyone has been in a very somber mood.

I am glad to know that everyone is safe, and I hope that this event is the catalyst for positive change and more peace in the world. On a lighter note, I was voted by our volunteer group to give the Portuguese speech at the 'Swearing In' Ceremony next Sunday. It's a big honor, and I will have to get writing. Humerous or serious? We'll see.