I am Making My List and Checking It Twice

It is coming down to the wire! The departure dates have been decided upon and we are ironing out other details. If you have been keeping up with me then you should know that this journey will take me to a distant land to visit two young girls that I have been assisting through Children International to get the basic but so very essential needs such as clothing,medical check-up, maybe the only substantial meal of the day, schooling and after-school activities. This is a safe haven for these underprivileged children and it is hoped that this will be a stepping stone for a better future.

So now I am having some serious talk with the goddess of Travel Protection "you are going where?" she asked. The time is drawing nearer and I am making preparations ahead so I logged into my children International account to get an update on their hobbies,etc. The two young girls both like to color, love playing outdoors,dancing, drawing and playing with dolls. They also love math, reading and science. A very impressive and balanced resume I must say.

With That I began to make my List, skipping ropes, jacks(who remembers this?),picture books, crayons .... I have been looking for the perfect doll but everyone tells me it is not the season, they are plentiful during the holidays,(the things you discover) but I am still looking. Shopping, selecting just the right gift is a lot of fun but here comes the question "What will I say to two young girls who do not speak my language?" My connection are the letters we have written to each other over the years that mainly tell me about playtime and school. But the goddess of Travel Protection reminded me that I have been preparing for this for many years. In my line of work I am constantly dealing with people who do not speak the same language as I do. The magic of a smile is a big boost.

I have received from Children International a list of Do's and Dont's. They are great guidelines to prevent any faux pas. Again the goddess of Travel Protection chimed in to put me at ease. I have dealt with many cultures so that ingrained in me is the ability to be culturally sensitive at all times, another lifelong learning that will prove helpful on this journey. I am learning a few words just like I do at work when I meet someone who speaks another language. This always make the person comfortable. My travel companion and I will be escorted by staff and family members at all times, safety issues I reckon. I fully understand this because I am coming from a security-driven environment where the identity of the families we serve are to be safeguarded by all means.

Now that I have these essentials under my belt, I should not have any trouble enjoying this long awaited journey. There are gifts, clothing, language, rules of conduct, tickets, passport, etc, etc. I am making my list and checking it twice.

So Long!