[7/18/2009]

Mother,

It has been a while, hasn't it? I suppose I should apologize for first leaving without telling you, as well as how long it took me to reply to you. I am sorry, Mother.

I did love the birthday gift you sent me. It brought back warm memories, and made me miss home more than you know. I carried it with me for a while. It felt like you were here, as well as god... but I think it is too dangerous now days to have it around me all the time. I would hate myself if I lost something so precious. My stay here has been, well, eventful. I have met a lot of wonderful people! I have made a few friends, and there is a school here that looks after us all. It was more than I had expected, to be honest. They seem to understand what is wrong with me here, as there are others like me. I have learned a few things... but have mostly kept to myself.

How are you and father? I know that things were very stressful before I left, so I can only hope that I have given the two of you a break while I figure everything out. I know it might sound childish, but I cannot help but hope that one of these days I will hear word of some sort of cure. It is silly, and I should not wish on such selfish things... but I find myself just so tired these days. I have been considering going to see the Doctor here at the school about my headaches, but have not been able to build up the courage.

Ah, well. Things will get better. I have faith. I have made sure to remain steady in my prayer, and you and father are never far from my thoughts! I love you mother, send my love to Father as well.

-Andrea

[8/4/2009]

Andrea,

My, it has been a long time! It is lovely to hear from you... though, more than a little unexpected. I am glad that you are doing well. The Lord has been watching over you, I am sure. Be sure to keep that bible somewhere safe! It was your grandmothers, before it was passed down to me. You're father is doing well. He got a promotion last month, so work has kept him very busy.

Keep yourself safe.

Love, Your Mother.

[8/6/2009]

Mother,

I did not expect a reply so soon! It made my day, hearing from you. I forgot to fill you in on something the last time I wrote to you... I have a job now! I work a little flower shop, with the most gracious woman. She is an immigrant as well, so she understands me more than most and has devoted a good deal of time to helping me adjust to the city.

It has been an amazing journey, and one that I am very thankful for.I have learned so much in such a short time... and yet I feel as if it is just the very tip of an iceberg.

My headaches have gotten worse of the late, as well as my appetite. I feel as if I am constantly hungry now days, and I cannot figure out why. Would you pray for me mother? It would lift a great weight from my shoulders, knowing that you were thinking of me.

So, Father has been promoted? Will you pass along my happiness for him? I know his birthday is approaching, and I have been thinking about what to buy him... if he would like anything, that is. I know he can be picky sometimes.

I love you both,

-Andrea

[8/27/2009]

Andrea,

That sounds like a wonderful job, dear. I am happy that you found someone to relate to. You should really get those headaches of yours looked into, or maybe you are just dehydrated. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water!

Last week we moved your things from your old room into the guest room down the hall. We painted it blue. I know you never liked the pink walls. Your father is in a cheerier mood these days, though he is not that excited about turning another year older. I wouldn't be either!

You are always in my prayers, dear. You must remember that god works in mysterious ways sometimes. Perhaps you should sit down and think about the past few weeks, maybe you did something worthy of a few headaches? You should see if there are any nice chapels around your area. God is always willing to listen, and is merciful to those who seek his guidance.

Always remember that, Andrea.

-Your mother.

[9/5/2009]

Mother,

Thank you. It is nice to chat with you again, like when I was little. I have withdrawn in the past few weeks to take a step back and review my time here as you suggested. I also took some time to go out and see if there is anywhere around here to worship. There is! There is a nice little chapel down a few blocks from my work. An elderly couple owns it, and I got to have a chat with them. I have not gone to pray there yet, life has taken an unexpected turn in the busy direction.. but I will make time soon. I am rather excited too! It will be my first time in a real chapel, praying.

I feel that I must tell you about the darker side to this city as well. There had been things that I have witnessed that have made me lose sleep at night. Horrible things... any the people that did them scare me beyond measure. Still, I try to remain positive. We are all God's children, even those that have strayed from the path. I will pray for them whenever I can, and I can only hope that one day the find the light again.

I must go, another day of work is starting!

Love, Andrea

[9/28/2009]

Andrea,

Make sure you keep yourself away from people of bad influence. They don't care about what they have become, and they won't care about dragging you down with them. Trust me Andrea. Listen to your mother.

When I was your age I made a habit of visiting the local church on a regular basis. I had the Lord to listen to me, and it helped me immensely while I was sorting through all of the silly wiles of younger years. There is a lot of temptation. Spending your time in a modest, productive way will keep you out of harms way.

Keep safe,
Your mother.

[10/11/2009]

Mother,

I fear that I am losing myself as of late. The world is a darker place than I had ever imagined... I understand now more than ever why you kept me away from it. People are confusing, and I find it hard to fully grasp their intentions sometimes. The people that smile at you are the same that will stab you in the back...

I must admit, though it shames me greatly, that my faith is wavering. People around me, those that I have met at least, do not devote their lives to prayer as we do. But they are happy... They are not afflicted with horrible curses. Mother, what is wrong with me? Why was I born a monster, when I have seen murderer's walking around without a thing wrong with them?

I do not know what to think anymore. Everything seemed so solid when I was home, but now... I just do not know.

[10/23/2009]

Andrea, you must be stronger than the world around you. If you lose your faith, you lose yourself. The lord works in ways you and I may never be able to understand, but you must trust him. You would not have been given such a burden if you could not carry it. Be strong, have faith, and you will see. God will not turn his eyes from you.

Who are these people you surround yourself with that cause you to question your faith? Those kinds of people won't help you out, Andrea. They won't keep you in the light.

[11/10/2010]

Mother,

You were right... you are always right. I don't know what I was thinking, going on like that. I hope I did not worry you too much, but I am doing better now. I have gone to see the doctor... but he did not give me a definite answer to what is happening to me. It is okay though, because I think I know what is going on.

I feel as though I am being punished. Not undeservedly so, but because I have wronged some and I must be held accountable for it. I still do not know what to make of all of this, life and such, but I will try my hardest to make up for what I have done wrong.

I love you Mother, Pass along my love to Father.
-Andrea

11/28/2010

Andrea, καρδιά μου*, you must not talk about yourself so. Why would you think you did anything to deserve such a fate? Speak to a priest, love. Read you bible, or spend some time with the lord. The truth, and the meaning behind it, will be clear to you one day.

Love always, your mother.

1/4/2011

Mother,

I don't know... but never mind. I should not have dropped all that on you. It's just been so long since I left, and I find myself rather stricken with homesickness.

How is Chester? I miss him, though I am sure he does not miss me all that much. I have another pet at the moment. She is rather unconventional, and the story of how I acquired her is rather unique.

I was thinking about coming home soon. Things here are just not turning out right. It seems like every action I take backfires, and I end up worse off than before. However, I do not fully know how I would go about getting back, as it was probably pure luck that got me in the first time.

-Andrea

2/17/2011

Andrea, unfortunately I do not have much time to give today. Your father is driving me to the doctor. All I can say is this: Do not give up. There is always hope. There is always a silver lining. The people you may meet, or the places you may travel, may not always be the best, but if you give up you will never have the answers you seek.

Be strong, Andrea.

3/25/2011

You are right, Mother. I will be strong, like you. I have found a little church to attend that is not far from where I live. The priest there is kind, and has invited me to attend on more than one occasion. Tomorrow I think I will. Perhaps he will be able to answer some of my questions?

Love, Andrea.


3/18/2011

Mother,

It has been a few weeks and I cannot help but worry. Are you well? Why did you need to go to the doctors? I do hope you are well, or that you would tell me is you are not. I am sure I could arrange some way of getting back home if you are ill.

Please, write back soon.

Love, Andrea.

*My heart

5/22/2011

Mother,

It has been a few months... I hope everything is alright at home. Things over here are... complicated. I am well, but lately I have felt more alone than ever. I have a few acquaintances that I keep company with sometimes, but mostly I am by myself. I have found that quietly reading helps to calm me.

.... I need you more than ever, mom. Please be alright, and write back?

I love you.



6/17/2011

Mom, please write me back... Something terrible has happened, and I do not know what to do.. or think... Please.. I miss you both greatly, and all I want right now is to know you are safe.

I'm so frightened... I wish I could come home.



9/4/2011

Mother,

I am doing much better now. Though I still have not heard from you, I hold out hope that both you and father are well. The last time I wrote to you I know that I may have been a little confusing... I apologize if I was.

I was attacked; that's what I had meant to say. I am out of the hospital now, and they have me on a a few different pain killers. Do not worry, though... I am being well taken care of. Hopefully I will be able to put this behind me, you know, like everyone always says they do? I know it will take a lot of time, though... Hearing from you would help a lot, I think.

Love, Andrea.

3/26/2012

Mother,

Well, things have managed to catch me off guard once more. I was just starting to settle into my new home, when I was scooped up and ended back up in the School. Maybe I am simply meant to be here? I do not know... the explanation I received for my sudden relocation was confusing at best.

Still.. it is not all bad. I may have left some people behind who I had grown close to, but I have been re-united with another.

Mom... I think I am in love. I cannot explain it, but when I look at him I feel... happy. Just happy... and warm. I wish you could be here to explain things to me, because on my own I'm floundering.

Love always, Andrea.



4/15/2012

Mom! You will never guess what has happened! I am a grilfriend now! He took me on a date, a picnic, and when it was over he asked me if I would go out with him!

It was odd at first.. I had to remind myself of what to say, and then all of the sudden I was overcome with emotion! I flung myself at him so hard that we both fell over and I ended up squishing the rest of our lunch.

Was this what it was like when you met dad? Oh, I am so nervous... I do not know what to do, or what to say... Do I hold his hand all of the time now? Am I supposed to call him a pet name now?

I feel like I've walked into a story book. Every time I am with him all of the pain inside just melts away. He chases off the nightmares, and I am left warm and unfairly happy! I hope he feels the same way I do, too.

You know, in some ways I am reminded of you and father, when I am with him. I remember things from when I was little, and it makes me happy. Someday, momma, I will come home. I will bring him with to meet you, both of you, and we can be a happy family again.

Love always, your daughter.