I posted this on my front page Sunday, April 15th 2007:
As I’m sure some of you have heard on the news, a fellow Bicol PCV and friend of mine is missing. We don’t know much right now except that she was traveling in the area of Banaue, where my mom and I were last month. The last time anyone saw her was Sunday, April 8th and Peace Corps and the US Embassy have been conducting a wide search of the area. So far, we don’t know much. We’re hoping for the best, but preparing ourselves for the worst. Please keep Julia and us in your thoughts during this difficult time.
I wish at this moment Vanessa that I could hug you, that I could see your sweet face and tell you how sorry I am for the loss of your friend, for the loss of an innocence that no one should have to suffer. I didn’t know Julia personally but I know how much you enjoyed your Thanksgiving with her. Words fail at a moment like this, eloquence counts for very little. The most important thing I can think to tell you at this moment is that I am so deeply sorry that your friend Julia is gone from this world. The other thing would be to tell you that I love you. And that I’m proud of you, in all things, in all ways.