Ready to Try Something New?

The advertisement asked if we were ready to try something new. We headed to Sripraphai Thai Restaurant on 4/23/10, on the recommendation of a colleague who had high praises for the delicious food and the moderate prices. The turnout was great, new faces graced our tables. So many choices. "Ask for mild-flavored" was the advice, because even then you have to be able to stand the heat. Some of our fearless sisters took the full potion of spices because they love peppery dishes.


It was an evening also peppered with joy and laughter. This was our stolen moment. A time when we took a break for a girls night out, that was so pined after. It was a time to discover the taste of pad-thai and massaman and other mouth-watering dishes.

After dinner we lingered a while, then said our goodbyes. And I heard them say "when and where is the next evening out?" So our getting together is not yet stale, as a matter of fact it has become a necessity. So I am searching for our next cuisine, simple and sophisticated meals from around the world. And I am asking anyone with delicious tips to pass it on.

Enjoy your summer and see you in July!

Peace and Love

What will I say to two young girls???

The time is drawing nearer and although this journey is constantly on my mind, a few personal setbacks placed my planning on the back burner. But now that my mind is clearer, my thoughts are back to my preparation to meet these two preteens who reside miles away and are also I guess anticipating my visit.

For starter, I have began to learn a few words in their language. That always break the ice and quite often produces a wide smile. This is what I do in my workplace, greet someone in their native language and it can magically put them at ease.

I am also thinking that I will talk about LOVE. I will assure them that they are loved and although it does not take away the actual rigors of their lives, love will certainly make it more manageable.

I will talk about NEVER giving up but working hard.

I will say, enjoy your family, Love your family, treasure your family, they are your most valuable commodities.(I will have to translate that big word)

As Martin Luther King, JR. said "Take the first step in Faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." And that's what I will do in a couple weeks when I head off to this distant land.

Two very poor kids have been given the chance through Children International to have a brighter future. Two very poor kids that I am now connected to when I became their sponsor, a small act that allows them to have a nutritious meal, new clothing, medicine, education and a glimpse into a normal childhood. These are two very poor kids that I will now pay a visit, to tell them how much I care about their well-being, that I want them to get the most out of life.

Will these two young girls understand these messages, even if I could deliver them in their own language? So do I prepare a written speech or greet them with open arms and let my caring shine through? I think I will rely on my warm heart for guidance and that's the language we will all speak and understand.

We will go to the village to see where they call home and meet the family, whoever they are. We will have an outing to a fun place of their choice, a make a wish if you please. We will go shopping for shoes and other necessities and we will laugh those belly laughs that comes from deep down in our souls. And for a moment we will cast aside life's storms. I will say "Ndine okondwera," which translates, "I am glad to be part of your life."

I have already warned my travel companion to bring with him lots of patience, understanding, caring and love because these are the main ingredients for a journey of this sort. Travel through Africa demands an open mind. And if I may add, you also need faith. I have faith that this will all work out. Stay tune for my leap of faith to Lusaka, Zambia.

Peace and Love!

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!

About To Make It Happen

Dear Family & Friends,

On the top of my wish list for many years is the line: I would like to get the opportunity to visit the children I sponsor through the Children International and Child Fund organizations. Finally I am planning to take a 'bite' out of that wish list. I have been busy planning a trip to Zambia where I sponsor two beautiful children, Margret and Elizabeth. While I am there I would like to provide shoes for the many young underprivileged children who benefit from the services at the Children International Center. They receive medical benefits, they participate in after school activities,they are provided with decent clothing, among other things. There they are fed what may be their most substantial or only meal for the day.
In these hard economic times with so many who have so little, any
amount donated will be used to brighten their lives and is greatly appreciated. CHOOSING TO CARE reigns as my mantra! More updates coming your way.

Thank you.

GETTING MY WANDERLUST ON

"How wonderful it is that nobody
need wait a single moment before starting
to improve the world."
Anne Frank

I keep my TO DO LIST very long, it is constantly updated, the accomplishments are crossed out with a big smile and another activity is added; so my list is eternal. I even go a step further and add a travel section. I get a lot of pleasure planning for the parts of the world I would like to see, always thinking it will happen, just when, remains the question. The lure to where I step foot is a mixed bag of reasons and includes:

To see a colleague's homeland
To take in the scenic beauty
or
Just for relaxation

Lately, I have added missionary work. Although I have always done a little of this on every outing, it has never been official. Now I am ready to go on what I consider an important journey. I am a sponsor of 5 beautiful underprivileged children through Children International and one child through Child Fund. These are two United States established organizations that work in various countries to give these children a fighting chance in this difficult world. These organizations have built centers in various countries to accomodate these children, giving them a safe place to go to receive medical benefits, enjoy a meal which may be the only real one for the day, get clothing, books and help with schooling and participate in extracurricular activities. This will cost a sponsor twenty-two to twenty-eight dollars{$22-$28}. For more information, visit:
www.childfund.org
www.children.org

So now I read from my list, it says "Plan to visit all the countries of your sponsored children" They are scattered, from Zambia, Honduras, Ecuador, India to Arkansas, USA. How will I choose where to go? This time I am heading to Lusaka, Zambia. I have researched the distant land and came up with 'impoverished' which is of no surprise. I am drawn to this poverty stricken land, where I am sure to find gem; this is where two of my sponsored children call home. I have contacted Children International and I am making plans for my visit, which I hope will bring small moments of kindness and goodness in a harsh world. As time draws nearer I will update you!

So Long,
Peace & Love!

GETTING CONNECTED

"When spider webs unite,they can tie up a lion"
Ethiopian Proverb

A few months ago I was "hanging with the mentees",Lee-Anne and Mishqa, two lovely young ladies from the School of Hope, Cape Town, South Africa. They were my charge for the day and were part of a group of mentees sponsored to visit New York City. I took them to see the work world of my co-workers. Today, I have listened to Lee-Anne talk about her experience growing up in South Africa, she remained in NYC for a while longer speaking to others and spreading the word about the wonderful job the ACT organization does and the many ways she has benefited from this ACT of kindness. At this luncheon, planned to drum up support, we listened to Lee-Anne's words of praise, laced with gratitude for this vital organization that has given her a fresh perspective on life. She has entered through new doors and is now ready to take the plunge to a new journey.

Much praise was given to the ACT team and to the extraordinary human Erika, who has just returned from a month's long visit to the School of Hope, Cape Town; where she began the challenging job of putting together yet another group of mentees. She is on a mission to bring change to the lives of these youngsters. Her fearlessness and calm demeanor are admirable. Her connection with the youth of Cape Town, South Africa,priceless.

I came away knowing that there is so much more to be done. I know for sure if we band together the possibilities are endless albeit the challenges. So long Lee-Anne,you are returning home a changed person, keep going, I will be checking on you. BAIE DANKIE for your confidence and pluck! Thanks for the gathering, it was nice to see the folks from whom HOPE springs. The food was delicious too.
I invite you readers to be part of this ACTion. To find out more, visit the website:www.activecompassiontransforms.org

Peace & Love

The Promise of the Future

I picked up the'phone and carefully checked my list, careful not to leave out anyone of my dear friends from Beloved Haiti. I am concerned and wanted to know what fate had brought them. Some fared better than others, a sigh of relief when the news was good. I allowed the tears to roll shamelessly, staining my face as I watched the gruesome images flashed across the television screen. Sometimes I grimaced at the sight of blood or the limp bodies strewn among rubbles.
BEAUTIFUL HAITI, RAVISHED, BROKEN, DESTROYED

I felt like the Town Crier, even though there could not be a soul alive who had not heard of this disaster. But I felt the urge to check on my neighbors, expressing solidarity, telling them to forge on because better days are coming.
BEAUTIFUL HAITI WE LOOK TO A BRIGHT FUTURE

I really want to believe that the future holds great things for the country I only know and love through association. Made an honorary citizen by my closest and dearest friends, I have listened to stories upon stories; learned of the beautiful mountains, swayed and rocked to Tabou Combo, Sweet Mikey, New Look and other outstanding musical groups. Sometimes I crave for jhon jhon,legumes, bouillon and so many more delicious dishes. Artwork grace my walls, made by the skillful hands of a Haitian Citizen who may no longer exist. I had become acclimatized to the Haitian way of life, so much so, that the names of towns roll off my tongue. The familiarity of things Haiti, had rubbed off on me. BEAUTIFUL HAITI, this pain and anguish will go away. We will band together to build back what mother nature has destroyed.

So when I say SAK PASE HAITI? {How are you?} I hear fearless and strong responses:
NOUS SOMMES BIEN, MERCI {We are fine, thank you} Right now we are BROKEN, but slowly and surely we will MEND. That's the spirit! Better Days will come! Haiti will get a second life! We will never lose HOPE!