by Melissa | Blog Post, Random musings, Travel
As I approach my departure date (tomorrow!!!!), I keep getting asked variations on the following questions:
“Is this a vacation?” Kinda.
“Are you going on a mission trip?” Yes, but not that kind of mission.
“Why are you going there?” Why not?
Throughout my life, I have been blessed to have opportunities to travel – both domestically & abroad – which has allowed me to see some truly wonderful things, meet a wide variety of different people, push myself beyond my comfort zone and most importantly learn about myself and the world around me.
I am going on this trip for reasons that are both practical (to be covered in part 2 on this topic) and personal. I’m looking forward to helping make people’s lives better (something that drives my career as well) and seeing a new part of the world. As I’ve often said, when you look around and truly look at the lives of others – the struggles, triumphs, emotions, and dreams – you begin to realize that we aren’t all that different from each other.
Traveling also makes me thankful for all that I have in my life – the good and the not so good. I take these opportunities to reflect on things going on in my life; the distance from the noise of everyday life helps provide some clarity and insights I otherwise may have missed. I can recharge my batteries and gear up for the tasks ahead of me with a renewed energy and (hopefully) passion.
While I sit here freaking out about all I have to do before I embark on my journey to Cambodia, Laos, and Vitenam, I know that at the end, it will be worth it. I just have to let myself be open to the experiences and take time be in the moment.
More to come on the more practical aspects of why I am going on this trip later. . .
by Melissa | Blog Post, Travel
I’ve been trying to figure out how best to show where I’ll be visiting during my upcoming trip, so I decided to create a rough map to give an idea of where we will be. Less than two weeks and we’re off!
View Cambodia, Laos, & Vietnam in a larger map
by Melissa | Blog Post
Strength (str
ngkth, strngth, strnth) n.
1. The state, property, or quality of being strong.
2. The power to resist attack; impregnability.
3. The power to resist strain or stress; durability.
4. The ability to maintain a moral or intellectual position firmly.
Being a strong person is viewed as a good thing, right? It means you can handle most of the things that life throws at you. You can get through things that may take down a “lesser” person. You can stand up for yourself, for others, for justice, for what is right. People look to you for support and call on you in times of need.
But does this mean that you never have moments where you need to get some help from others? Nope. We all have moments where we can us the love and support of those around us. Sometimes we need to recharge our reserves of strength after a particularly trying time.
The problem can be that if you are the person that people count on for strength and support, your needs may not be obvious. In these cases, strength becomes a weakness.
What is my point? You never know who may be in need of a kind word, a bit of support, or an expression of gratitude. It may be obvious, it may not. But if it is needed, it will be appreciated. Greatly.
As I’ve said before, take time each day to share love and gratitude with those around you. Even the strongest person you know needs some support from time to time.
by Melissa | Blog Post, Travel
That’s right folks, I’m headed back to Asia. What’s on deck for this trip?
MSP–>Chicago –>Seoul –>Vietnam–>Cambodia–>Laos–>Vietnam–>Seoul–>Chicago–>MSP
I’ll be traveling for 23 days, which is the longest trip since my first international travel experience to England & Ireland.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be posting more about the itinerary and share more about some of the things we will be doing while there.
Have you been to this part of the world? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
by Melissa | Blog Post, Random musings
Hey guys. Remember me? Remember this blog?
Well, it turns out that I kinda forgot about it and didn’t really post for awhile. Oops. I guess this is what happens when you are wrapping up being #onhaitus, go on vacation, start a new job, and suffer through approximately 9 months of winter.
Yes, that’s it.
Well, I’m back. I’m looking forward to getting back into this writing thing. I began this blog as a way to share my thoughts, ideas, and the random stuff that puts a smile on my face or makes me think, but some stuff happened that shifted my focus to other things and left me without the urge to write. It’s amazing what happens when you get some peace and clarity in your life – I now have the time *and* desire to write again.
I have a number of posts brewing, and some really exciting things coming up in my life to share, but for now, I’m going to sit in my backyard, play fetch with my dog, and just enjoy the warmth of a beautiful day in St. Paul.
Share some love and kindness today and live in the moment.
