To: Mike Topczewski

From: Colleen Mason

Hi Michael,

In case you don't remember me I am the girl that your mom and dad sponsored when
I became catholic when they were still going to St. Daniel.

I had lost touch with your parents for a while. I e-mailed your mother about a
week ago and she gave me your youth group's website. I've been following your
trip. I REALLY wish I was there with all of you. I can't believe you actually
went to my favorite Saint's church (St. Catherine)and actually saw her. I saw
the short clip of you on day eight. Your father sent me an e-mail with a list
of all of the pictures that you're in so after looking at them I had to go back
and see you in all of them when I got the list. I used to hate when people said
this to me when I was your age, but I have to do it...I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW TALL
YOU'VE GROWN AND HOW OLD YOU ARE NOW!!!!!

Your mother said that you were starting your junior year. I hope you like
school. It would be tough for me to have to go back to school after such a cool
vacation.

I can't wait to see what happens when you guys hit Rome. Looking forward to the
next installment,

Colleen

(8-16-00)

From: Uncle Bob

Dear Michael: Do I have to tell you that your Dad sounds
really excited aboutyour travels? What I'd like toknow is
how can an Eagle Scout who's tramped all over the West with
his Dad, leave him home when when he wants to "do Europe"?
Way to go to make your old Dad jealous!
I hope things are continuing to go well with you over there.
I look forward to following your trip on this nifty little
web site and I'm making print-outs of it to take home to
your Aunt Mary who enjoys following it, too.
Go with God, my boy, and we'll keep you in our special
thoughts and prayers.
(Oops! Almost forgot to mention this to you: the mounted
deer head came about 4 days after you left. Yes, it's
really beautiful and my the time you get home yourMom and
Dad should have pictures of it to share with you.
All the best
Uncle Bob
(The GOOD LOOKING uncle)

(8-16-00)

From: Jim Topczewski

Hey Mike,
It was really a fantastic suprise to see you as the pilgrim of the day today
(Day 8). I guess you took my advice and stepped in front of the camera.
Thanks!! Hearing your voice and seeing your face made my entire day. Sounds to
me like your having a fabulous time. I understand completely what you say about
the cathedrals all starting to look alike. Just continue to enjoy them and take
lots of pictures (I know you are) because later on when your home for awhile
you'll look at them and the realization of where you were and what you saw will
really start sinking in and you'll be extra glad you took them.

When the different groups from all over the world start converging on Rome just
think about how universal our church is and get a feel for the size of it.

May Our Blessed Lady and her Son continue to bless you during your trip. You
know you are in our daily prayers.

Next time you have a chance to call, call Mom if it works into the time zone
thing. If you call her the same time you called me the first time she should be
at her desk.

I'm very proud of you and am extremely happy that you had this oppertunity to do
WYD. You're very welcome.

Love you lots,

Dad

(Remember what I told you about Virginia 1997, and what happens in and about day
nine on a trip)

(8-15-00)

From: Kathy Topczewski

Dad was so excited that you called today. He called me immediately
and was just bubbling over the phone, no doubt sharing the exuberance that you
displayed in your call. I am so glad that you're having a wonderful time. Make
the most of it!

Dad said that you ran out of francs. Remember that your charge card can be used
at an ATM to obtain a cash advance, if you need it. Remember, too, though, that
each cash advance costs $15. Take what you need and have fun.

I wanted to send an e-mail to you that began:

"The house burned down, we're living on the streets, Dad totalled the JEEP, and
the dog died. So how are you?" But Dad said that I couldn't do that to you
because you were so far away and wouldn't appreciate the humor of it. I don't
agree, and I wouldn't have left it there anyway. All of that obviously isn't
true: we are fine and dandy here, just missing your smiling face.

Loving you and thinking of you every day....

Mom

Hey Mike! How come I have to take the garbage out again?

Love, Dad

(8-10-00)

From: Mr. T.

Hope everything is going great!!!!
We get relay messages from the Mrs. Wells.
Step in front of the camera so we can see you on the Web.
Survivor fans?.....bye-bye.....Sean.
No promotion yet.
Love you lots.
We're praying for you all.

Love, Dad

Ps-------TAKE PICTURES!!!!!!!!!

(8-10-00)