July 2003

Martin

I WAS SURPRISED THAT CAITLIN and Anne hadn’t responded to my e-mail right away. I assumed they were very busy. I was, too. It was peak tourist season and the bed-and-breakfast was booked solid every single day. It was hard to take time off, but I had to go fill out a few more forms at the embassy, so I’d be ready to go when we found the scholarship money. Rebecca was helping me figure out a visa without a benefactor. It was very difficult.

There was an Internet cafe not far from Alois and Sekai’s house. I checked in my first morning there on my way to the US embassy to see if there was any news. There was an e-mail from Villanova dated July 15, 2003.

I was trembling as I clicked it open.