The message, cast from an Internet terminal somewhere in the Central African Republic, had bounced its way onto a local e-mail list and into the in-boxes of hundreds of former Peace Corps Volunteers in Hawai'i. One of its recipients was Glenn Nochi, 40, of Honolulu, an assistant specialist for the University of Hawai'i.

Glenn saw the name of his long-lost friend and posted a simple reply to the listserv: "This is a blessing!"

"That e-mail reunited us," says Glenn, who hadn't seen or heard from Frederic since 1991, when he completed his Peace Corps service in Frederic's village. "Frederic was the only one from that village who spoke English. We were a few years apart and we became close friends."

The two would pass the long dry season sharing stories and listening to Bob Marley. Frederic's father, a village chief, died during Glenn's service, and Glenn recalls crowds coming from distant villages to pay their respects.

"Since returning to Hawai'i, I only received two letters from my village. From what I can gather, only one of mine ever got there. It's been about 10 years since I got the last letter. Then! Lo and behold, I get that e-mail message! Amazing, e-mail has gotten to the CAR!"

The old friends have begun catching up. Frederic now works for a government ministry. Internet access is expensive, but he has been able to send several messages to Glenn, sharing that he is now married, has children, and is doing quite well.