Playing in the Sandbox

Recently, I re-discovered that I am still very young and have many, many opportunities ahead of me. I said, "The world is my playground, and I haven't even left the swings." However, taking a quick glance around, I have obviously left the swings and found the sandbox!

"The world is my playground: I've left the swings and found the sandbox"

During my recent travels home, I met quite a few random people, which is inevitable for a person too curious not to talk to the person next to me. I will introduce you to two.

Person #1:

I can't remember her name (I wrote it down along with her email but am too lazy to get it at this moment), but after walking around Amsterdam Central for awhile, I returned to the airport and met Person #1. Five of us began chit-chatting -- all of us returning to the states from East and North Africa. However, person #1 and I talked for quite a while as she told me that she was visiting her friend in Uganda who recently started "Wrap Up Africa," an organization teaching moms of children in-patients at local hospitals to sew skirts, which are to be sold in the states, in order to provide funding to feed the in-patients (especially cancer patients) who are fed only when their families can afford to buy food (along with hospital bills) and bring it to their child. I bought a skirt. In fact, I am the first to buy a skirt from Wrap Up Africa. If anything, I will remember these children and this lady. As I find out more information, I will be sure to post it -- causes led by women who are helping other women are such an inspiration!

Person #2:

Hand out the window, fingers tapping to the beat on the steering wheel, and yes, the wind blowing my hair. I began my last day at home running errands. Instead of braving the traffic on the freeway, I decided to enjoy the backroads. Starting in Kalihi going up the ridges, into the valleys, and down into Nuuanu valley, the beauty of the island and culture left me enjoying the simplicity of the moment -- not trying to soak it all in, not trying to make the most of it, not trying....just being.

The night before, I planned to sneak out to one of my favorite spots after everyone went to sleep. However, as the time neared, I fell asleep. Now on the road, I realized that I don't have to fit in all of my favorite places, foods, people, etc, during my few days in paradise. I will return. This week gave me something to look forward to when I return. I will return. In the meanwhile, I have an adventure to continue abroad.

Anyway, I bought what I needed at Walmart (I enjoyed my moments of being THAT consumer who loves strolling down the aisles of Walmart -- love me, hate me, judge me! :), and Macys is next on my list. What? I don't need anything from Macys! Sure, they have sweet sales on clothes, but I don't need anymore clothes. These thoughts continued to run through my mind as I pulled out of the Walmart parking lot, down Keeamoku St. and into Ala Moana Shopping center. Due to construction, I parked on the opposite end of Macys and so, I began my trek across the mall to Macys, still wondering why I'm going there.

You need to know something about me: I really am not a fan of malls. My senses become overloaded way too fast. But here I am, my last day at home, in a mall, on my way to Macys for no apparent reason. Glancing around at the different kiosks, I get a whif of glue, craft glue. I keep on walking until I do a double-take on the kiosk I just walked past where, of course, the smell of modge podge gluey stuff is coming from. Ok, I'm not going to describe these bags, just check it out: http://encorebags.homestead.com/products.html

Essentially, Kelly (Person #2) and I started talking about the cooperative that she's partnering with (you can read the article written in the Honolulu Star Bulletin: http://starbulletin.com/2007/10/25/features/story02.html). For those living in Hawaii, you know what I mean when I say that when you're home in the islands, we really live a world apart from everything. Although I'm interested in global affairs, when I'm home, I have everyone and everything I love. So, although I was excited to return to Egypt, it's difficult to remember WHY. Kelly's aspirations to make a difference and help women a world away from her (in Philippines) reminded me why I'm here, which I'll save for later. Mutually encouraged, we hug. THEN she GAVE me one of the bags she was selling! It was a beautiful moment. I continued my trek to Macys until I repeated, aloud, "I DON'T NEED ANNNYYYTHING!" Thank the Lord. I will remember Kelly. I will remember these women she's helping. With my newest-eco friendly-recycled-let's-help-women addition to my bag collection, much needed inspiration, and a friendly hug from a stranger, I was ready to begin my 38 hours of travel back to my sandbox.

Well, go get some coffee, maybe a snack, and when you return I might just tell you about my 10 hour layover in Los Angelas or my 9 hour layover in Amsterdam, which resulted in four hours of train travel to and from Belgium.....or maybe I'll tell you some highlights about my trip.......or not. Either way, I'm learning a lot and have a lot to look forward to. My goal for my last five months here is to have FUN, FUN, FUUUUUN! I'll try to include you in on some of the ensuing excitement!