Roaming Elsewhere...

After (too) much contemplating and discussing, researching and listening I have made the very difficult decision of relocating my volunteer travel to Central America. In light of recent events over in Asia, I have chosen to spend my time a little closer to home and in an area with a little less unrest. I have been sick thinking about all that has gone into the Asia Expedition and all that I have prepared myself for over the past six months. But my family just couldn't quite come to grips with my being over there at this time and I found it selfish of me to have them worrying day in and day out for my safety. Being glued to Fox News on TV and CNN.com my fears began to surface also. Finally giving in to friends and family urging me to "please read the State Department Advisories" – I broke down. And while I was trying to be brave and challenge myself it isn't worth it to put my life at risk. In my heart I know that once over there and settled into my volunteer villages, I would have been fine. The dust would have settled and the media calmed. But seven different airports and numerous flights, it was mostly the actual traveling portion of the trip that was keeping me up at night. Also, there is no way for a light haired, 6 foot tall, American white woman to quite blend in ;)

Something didn't feel right. I didn't feel settled.

I called GVI to discuss my options and they had fielded a few other calls voicing the same concerns. I told them that my heart was still in it and I would still be giving my time over the next couple months regardless of where. They granted me the transfer (due to the extreme climate in the Far East) and the goal stayed in tact. I will be working with children still….now in Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

This is actually the expedition I was originally drawn to, but had decided on Asia as a greater and more challenging adventure. My trip to these three areas will be equally as challenging but in different ways. I will have the opportunity to learn Spanish in a one-on-one environment. I will be immersed into the culture by living with a host family in each location!

Although still very sad, I have embraced my new journey and have learned SO much already. I will leave early January as planned and will be working on the projects for three months…with the possibility to extend the mission.

I so appreciated all of your support on my volunteering in Asia….
I pray it is still there with me now on this new voyage in Central America.

Sleepless...

I finally read the State Department advisories today. Not. Good. Of course my eyes have been glued to the television and the news. I have read many an article about the attacks in Mumbai, the anti-American terrorist groups, and the airport chaos in Thailand. But until now, I have avoided the state.gov website and its dramatic warnings.

What is a white American woman to do?