For the past few weeks I couldn't think of what to write on my next blog-could be cruise ships and their ports, family travel, spa getaways or ??? During our church service it hit me smack in the face-PEOPLE!
When we travel we are looking for adventure, beauty of the area, culture, maybe relaxation and of course the people-we are fascinated by people wherever they may be. From the moment we leave our home to begin our adventure, we need to be thankful for being able to go on the vacation. While checking in at the airport, cruise terminal, bus depot or even our cars, RELAX, take your time and give a smile or hello on your way. This will start your vacation out in a positive manner. If you are going to a thrid world country, remember this is "their" country and accept the people for who they are and the beauty of the country. It may not always live up to what we think "our standards are", but a wooden shack that looks like it will fall down, is their home and they respect it for what it is. They may seem poor to us, but to them it is home. Smile and speak kindly to the locals-they are people with feelings just like us and they may want to know more about us and our lifestyle and country.
While traveling to Labadee, Haiti some years back with my son Brian, we decided to get away from the cruise ship "folks" and walk up into the country side where the locals live. All of a sudden we were surrounded by children following us. I was carrying an underwater disposable camera with a bright blue large rubber band-one of the little girls kept pointing at the rubber band and I finally figured out that she wanted it. I took the rubber band off the camera and gave it to her. She giggled and her friends began putting it in her hair. What a small thing from us, but to her was such a gift.
One other recent situation was in Jamaica last year with my husband. We were at a nice resort (behind gates) and wanted to go out. They advised us not to, but we did. We walked for 3 or 4 miles up into the "locals" neighborhood, past houses, schools and a church. As we walked by, instead of being afraid, we smiled and spoke and even had some people walk with us. They told us about a recent situation in which someone was killed and how sad and grief stricken they were and how they all came together for the family that was in mourning. How special to have someone share that with a stranger. They even, as we walked, offered us some fruit.
I'm not saying not to be aware of your surroundings, but showing people you care about them is what it is all about. Accept people for who they are inside, not what they may appear to be on the outside. You can combine a vacation with a day visiting a school, church or even someone's home. it can be arranged and this vacation may be one of the most uplifting and inspiring ones you will ever have.
WE ALL NEED LOVE AND HELP ALONG THE WAY!
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