My dear friend Elena is travelling.  Peru, Ecuador, Columbia….  She’s so little I can’t help worrying about her!  But much like Nkole, Elena has a practical boldness that always seems to carry her through.  And she’s so friendly and so little that people, I think, can’t help but help her.  (I’ve always had the challenging mix of largeness and shyness.) 

Now Elena’s a sweetie.  And she knows I’m not well.  Soooo… she’s sent me a package.  I’ve been anticipating it for weeks… well, months, really, long before it was mailed!  And now, here it is!  Yesterday it came - a mid-sized box just plastered with stamps.  I love stamps… and presents… and parcels in the mail… and the scent of exotic faraway places! 

- Next time: What’s inside?