Monday, July 16, 2007

Welcome to Barto, Pennsylvania!

Hey everybody! If you've stumbled upon this web-log, chances are that you know me, Matt Graber. So I probably don't need to tell you that this August I'll be leaving to serve in the Peace Corps for two years in Kazakhstan teaching English in a primary or a secondary school. That's a relief!

These days I'm trying to assemble something that resembles a packing list. I can pack two bags that each weigh no more than 50 pounds. I'm trying to figure out how to fit two years worth of needs into these two bags. But come to think of it, I don't really need to. Everything that one needs to survive is readily available to the people of Kazakhstan, and in turn, will be available to me.

This past weekend I had a sendoff/graduation party/family reunion back at the farm on which my dad grew up. Here's some pictures!

Above: My cousin Chris and his wife Angela. She's an amazing baker/chef


L to R: Cousin Kelly, Cheryl, her husband and my cousin Jeff, their daughter Megan, Kelly's hubby Randy


My Aunt Joan, Aunt Barbara, Great Aunt Millie


My cousin-once-removed Justin - he's 8 now and can bat leftie and rightie. Plus he has a great arm in the outfield. Look for him in the big leagues


My sis Katie on the right and her friend Karalee


Aunt Cindy, Cousin Mike, and his friend Jess


Myself, Michele, Schneck and joe (freebird). Check out Joe's band at www.myspace.com/nobodyyet


My mom with Chris & Angela



Cousin Chris, Aunt Barb and Uncle Bill with their friends Diane and Gary celebrating Bill's 60th!



Everybody!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Matt:

This is really a "cool" site you have created and a neat way to stay in touch. I'm sure not too many people have heard of "Barto, PA. Good luck to you on your "adveture", and we'll be checking back periodically as you add updates. Take care.

Love,
Uncle Bill & Aunt Barb

Mr. Svenska said...

way to keep on top of your blog ;-)

Merry Christmas, if you even check this. I'm guessing you'll see this message in... May, 08