We'll start with the second letter.

Jessica's very first letter from Niger was sent during the second week of January, but sadly it never arrived. Then we received a classic Peace Corps letter telling us of her first bout of illness, of which she concludes:

(1/24/08)
...WOW! And you know, not all of it was awful. Lots of people visited me and made me laugh & laughed at me & put cold wet towels on my head. Plus I got to watch some "tv" on Jennifer's iPod which she left with me overnight, and I ended up sleeping for SIX straight hours, which is approximately 3x longer than I have slept since I got here. The infirmary had a blessed absence of donkeys, radios, & howling dogs, thus I had peace & quiet. Anyway, I am on FIVE medications now, & I think I'm on the mend. Needless to say, your letters helped a lot!
Last night I dreamed Eddy and Reuben (the family dogs) were kissing my face! It was so sweet. I've had several dreams in which I am preparing to leave for Niger--you two are usually in them helping me get ready. Then I wake up & I'm here, and its all a bit disorienting. Sometimes I get confused in the middle of the night--like "How did I get here so fast, and when did I decide to do this, and why?" It's that last question that gets confusing, especially when I am exhausted from being in class all day and around people nearly constantly. I've found time for myself occasionally alone, but not enough-mostly just on runs (which are a mere 20 minutes because it's hot/dry/windy/dusty), and at night after dinner, which is when I write to you.