Julie,

Thank you very much for taking the time to share your memories of Australia and for answering my questions.

Firstly, allow me to say, you did not offend me in the least with your comparisons between Australia and America, because babe, you were spot on. It's true, for the most part, the educational system in this country SUX! Any American reading your message would be nodding their heads because they would be recognizing the truth, however ugly it may be.

I sit down to talk with young people all the time and it's apparent most of them did not learn much in school and this is really not their faults. I'll ask questions about this or that and they'll not know what I am talking about and I'll ask, "Well didn't you learn this in school?" And the answer is usually NO. This is either because the kid wasn't listening or the school didn't teach it. At first I thought it was the kid, but now I am thinking it's the school system. Sad, isn't it? One of the most powerful countries in the world is full of illiteracy.

The pictures you drew in my mind as I read your descriptions of Australia are gorgeous. I can only imagine how much you miss the raw beauty of your home. I'd love to visit Australia. Do you have any plans at all to visit soon or even go back home eventually?

My heart goes out to your father-in-law and his stubborness. I'll keep him in my prayers. And I'll keep you and your husband in my prayers as well, as I am sure you two are worried sick. Especially since you can't BE THERE with him.

Well, I am going to write But God again. I am thinking I misunderstood her letter, after reading yours. I thought she was quitting because of the trip to N.O.

*hugs*
~ Dazzle