Lost in Translation

If you have ever traveled globally, you probably have experienced a little bit of confusion at times.  Most of the confusion happens when different cultures meet face to face but don't exactly see eye to eye.  There's nothing wrong with this, it's just the way we learned something.  Sometimes this can be quite humorous, over times just plain frustrating.  One of the most valuable things I've learned, especially in high stress situations, is to stay calm, try to understand their point of view, and laugh. 

Since their are so many differences, it's important to have a good understanding of what is "acceptable" and "un acceptable" in their country or region.  This could include your clothing, hand motions, facial expressions, or even how you eat.  I found out- the hard way- that telling someone to come to you with the motion of your pointer finger is very bad in some southeast Asian countries.  So don't do this in the front of the church like i did folks.  Oops! 

In many places we had to have clothing covering our arms and legs, and sometimes even wear the local dress.  This is very respectful to them in some places, but you may want to carry around a personal fan- it can get pretty hot out there!  I was once in Egypt with short sleeves during a certain holiday.  I couldn't figure out why all the men were staring.  Later a woman scolded me and actually gave me her own scarf to cover up with!  Man, did i feel lame.  Didn't take long for me to learn that lesson :) 

In some countries people read body language first, especially if their English is not so good.  One of my friends would cry every time she spoke to anyone... and not because she was sad, but because she was so happy about something.  Well, the ones listening couldn't get past the fact she was crying and always felt sorry for her.  Other times we've had people in our group teasing each other with sarcasm, but the locals thought they were really fighting.  This can be a bad representation of your team and your own country.

The way and reasons we eat differ so much over seas as well.  For example we eat what we want when we want it.  But a lot of the world eats only what they can grow or afford.  It can be offensive in some places to reject the food that has been offered to us.  It's always a good rule of thumb to at least eat a little, if not all, of what they hand you.  A few years ago while i was in Cambodia a cute little lady was grilling some whole frogs.  You can imagine the predicament when that cute little lady asked this vegetarian to eat one.  Hmmmm.....  Some things are just worth gagging over.  Haha.  I didn't eat the whole frog, but enough to put a smile of satisfaction and gratitude on the woman's face.  Kinda tasted like salty chicken :)

It's always good to do a little bit of research before you head off somewhere.  Never forget to smile, take what is offered, and be appropriate in all the things that you do!  If you continue to go with a servant heart, open mind, and a loving attitude you will continue to affect lives around the world in a positive way... and be changed by their influence on you.

Preparing yourself for a service trip abroad...

The most effective approach for getting yourself ready for an alternative break would be to look at the WHOLE picture.  It seems that everyday I'm hearing of new ways the emotional, physical, spiritual and mental are interwoven... and how one always effects the other somehow. 

Physical preparation is key.  It's very easy to get sick when traveling, for several reasons, but there are many things you can do to prevent this and stay healthy so that you can serve to your fullest potential!  We have to be aware of illnesses that can come from a weary body, heat exhaustion, bad water, mosquitos, foreign food, etc.  One of the things you can do before you leave is have a healthier diet: this includes lots of clean water, fruits and veggies, and cutting out most sugar and carbs.  I'd also start taking pro-biotics and other things to strengthen your immune system so it will be harder to get sick.  Another great idea is to do some type of exercise or activity every day to strengthen the core and to prepare you for lots of walking, serving and fun activities!!!  Don't forget to continue these healthy habits once you hit the road, and make sure you pack lots of Emergen-C!  While you're traveling go ahead and use bottled or filtered water for everything, even teeth brushing!  Also, make sure all your foods have been cooked and don't over eat it if you are not sure how you're body is going to react to something :)  I find my hand sanitizer can be very “handy” when traveling as well :)

Mentally, I think it might be smart to start reading up on where you are going and what you'll be doing.  Make it fun and do some of your own research on the language, the culture,  and the food!  I like to learn a few words in their language if you are going somewhere that English is not the first language.  It really makes them feel respected and cared for!  It's also good to know some of the challenges of the place you are going, so you are not completely shocked when you arrive.  As long as you go with an open mind, open heart and open hands you'll be fine!

Emotions can be a bit tricky out there, especially for us gals :)  No matter how hard I prepped myself sometimes, I still found it hard to take in some of the horrible living conditions i've seen.  Just remember that your emotions are very real, just like the problems they might be facing... but spend more time thinking about ways to serve and love them where they are.  It can be a bit overwhelming when you begin to see all of the big issues in this great big world, but keep in mind it's one person at a time.  There may be some cases where you become angry.  I remember when I started working with trafficked women I began to become angry towards the men that cause these awful crimes and steal their innocent lives away.  But the more we researched the roots of this thing, we saw that these men were once boys who were also abused, neglected, and enslaved.  You see, the victimizers were victims themselves at one point in time.  Truth is, Love wins this battle... not more hate.

Now I'm not sure if you are a spiritual person at all, but it might be the most important part of this whole preparation.  More studies are showing that mediation and silence are key ingredients to fulfillment, peace, wisdom, etc.  I love to meditate on beautiful music with meaningful words or verses in the bible or though provoking quotes.  If you pray, it would be a great way to connect you to where you are going and the people you will be serving by praying for them ahead of time.  You'd be amazed at the difference!  Not only will this help get your body, mind and soul prepared for this journey... but will give you a way to relax on the road if you find yourself in stressful or intense situations.

It's pretty cool how are of these things are connected somehow.  Most of the time if you began to strengthen one of these areas, the others seem to quickly follow.  I think you'll find that as you become more balanced, you will feel more WHOLE.  The more whole of a person you feel, the more energy, love, and joy you will have for yourself and others around you!  Enjoy your amazing trip!

How Alternative Breaks Change the Giver

Alternative breaks are usually centered around some type of service.  So if you're thinking of doing one,  imagine yourself on a vacation with meaning and purpose.  If you have been on one you can probably testify to a significant change in your own life!  I know as i've journeyed through different countries I always went with the intention of changing others lives, but came home a completely different person. 

Every time I went on a service trip my life was impacted greatly by the people I met along the way.  One of the things I found was that most of the people you will meet around the world are extremely hospitable.  There are many times my friends and I were invited into a hut and were offered tea and snacks.  These people had nothing in comparison to what we have in America and yet they were so generous with us!  This is definitely one of the things that shifted my perspective of the world and gave me a desire to be generous as they are.

Another way in which serving others will change you is when you realize what you might take for granted.  It's fairly easy going to another country for a week or two, but imagine yourself living there long term.  Whether it's the food, toilet, housing situation, hot sun, or lack of internet,  you just never know what might challenge your comfort zone.  Many important things i've learned through this are flexibility, gratefulness and appreciation. 

“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” ~ Kahlil Gibran

When you walk into a place looking to give and serve others a funny thing happens... you become selfless.  Your eyes are now focused on others instead of yourself.  This is something that you hardly realize in the moment, but others usually can point out in you when you return.  When this occurs, you are fully available to help others freely and most of the time a flood of joy follows.  It's quite common that you will return feeling more blessed as the giver than the receiver must've felt.

Each person in the world has unique qualities about them that no one else on earth has.  It's  key to remember that you are leaving little deposits of yourself wherever you go.  The question is:  will they be positive ones??  The more you serve I think you'll find this true:  the more you give, the more you really do receive. 

“For it is in giving that we receive.” ~ St. Francis of Assisi

Making a difference with YOUR passions while traveling abroad

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."- Howard Thurman

Passion: an intense desire or enthusiasm for something.  Do you have something in your life that you love, desire, and get excited about??  I'm betting there is at least one thing you can think of.  If not, there's no time like the present to find out!  A good way to start is by looking at what you spend most of your time talking about... and what do you do in your spare time?  If you find yourself mostly consumed with work, school, eating and television then I challenge you to look beyond those things for a moment.  What is something you used to get excited about before you got too busy?? 

A good friend of mine, who travels the world and speaks on destiny and purpose, usually starts off his conversations with the question, “ If you had a million dollars what would you do?”  As soon as he says it, the crowd begins dreaming.  You can almost see their eyes light up with excitement envisioning  all the possibilities.  Once the answers begin to surface, everyone starts to recognize their true passions.  Unfortunately, most of us wait until we have time, money or resources to do the things we truly love and sadly that time for many of us never comes.  This is why we take the moment before us to seek the very things that make us come alive and begin to pursue them no matter what.  

If you are even reading this I'd say you are at least passionate about travel, culture, people, and serving.    That's a great start!  What else?  Do you love photography, teaching, dance, kids, sports, art, singing, exercise??  Don't stop there!  There are millions of things we could be passionate about.  It's amazing to then find ways in which we can help the world with them!!!  But first, go ahead and make a list.  Write down all of the things you would love to do, or try, if money were no object and time didn't exist.  Now, put a star next to the ones you are actually gifted in or have had some training in.  Here's the fun part: start brainstorming!!!  Last but not least... find ways to put it into action.  I'm almost positive you'll discover a cool way to use that passion to serve other people all over the world!

I remember making a list like this about 10 years ago.  I started writing down all of the things that I loved to do, or that really intrigued me.  At the time I was just getting into photography and writing, but already knew I loved to travel, help people, and hang out with kids.  I thought to myself how wonderful it would be to one day be able to do all of those things, unsure if my dream would ever be a reality.  Now, I look at my life and almost loose my breath in amazement.  I now serve with an organization where I get to travel the whole world, help all kinds of people, hang out with plenty of children, and document these unbelievable cultures and people with my photojournalism skills.  Now, I truly am living my dream... but it all started with a passion to live life to the fullest, to love unconditionally, and to serve selflessly with the gifts God has given me.

Discovering Your Global Cause

Although I've had the privilege of circling the globe 3 times and making several short-term trips across the sea... it still took me many years to find my purpose in it all. Perhaps my story might help you on your journey as you begin to peal back the layers of this world to see its deepest needs revealed and search for your own personal way to be a part of the solution. A humbling start would be to recognize that a) you do not have all the answers b) you cannot save the world and c) to take it one day at a time/ one person at a time. Let me explain: I initially took it into my own hands to make the world a better place because I assumed no one else was willing. What I thought was heroic was actually quite arrogant. Don't get me wrong, it's ok to be compassionate and willing.... but I tragically began to think that I was the answer to their problems therefore deserving much credit and praise for rescuing the world from issues that have been around since the beginning of time. So, instead of "saving mankind" I was only hurting it by feeding my ego and taking up more space with my head. Not until recently did I realize these hidden motives.

Towards the end of last year I vividly remember speaking with one of my mentors as I expressed such sadness for all of the pain in the world and how I just wanted to fix it all. Through the tears and snotty mess they gently pointed out that perhaps I was carrying the burden of the world on my shoulders. After wrestling with this thought for many days, I began to see the truth in it all. And at first, it was not pretty. I had assumed from the very beginning of my "missions" that it was MY responsibility or "global cause" to save the world from it's problems. With that, and the many I saw with problems I couldn’t fix... I began to carry a huge burden of sadness, guilt, disappointment, and anger. Now that was a definite wake-up call!

Finally, I truly understood what it meant to have a “Global Cause”! It was never really about me, and once I began to see that… I was able to rest in my talents, capabilities and the timing of it all. I finally saw that it really was about one person at a time, no matter where I was in the world! My purpose in it all was to be a transporter. I was a vessel of love, hope, kindness, joy, peace, faith, etc. I was meant to be there in the moment with people... to give them a true hope for a better tomorrow, laugh with them, cry with them, share what I had to give, and to give them something to believe it. So now, instead of feeling the pressure and weight of the world on my shoulders I focus on the one standing right in front of me and ask myself... "How can I love/serve this person best right here, right now?"

One of the most vivid memories was when my YWAM (Youth With A Mission) team traveled to northern India in 2009. We found ourselves in a little village in the boonies looking very different from those who occupied the land. One woman I met must've been approaching 100, or at least her skin said so. This woman was so gentle, beautiful and delicate. Although she had been blind most of her life, we formed an unlikely bond. I clearly remember spending many hours praying for her sight to return. I held her hand tightly through the church services and meals. Even though her sight didn't improve too significantly, I had a complete peace that she knew in those moments that she was loved like she had never been loved before. So even though God did not heal her eyes, I knew He was healing her heart. One night as she was squeezing my hand in the back of the tiny church, I knew there was no where else on earth I was meant to be than right there right then with this beautifully aged soul.

The Best College Alternative Breaks

Most people think of Spring Break fun, sun, parties, and the beach. But not all college students thinking of that. Many college students are wanting a deeper connection with their global community. Over the last 10 years the idea of alternative breaks have gained a strong foothold and many college students are looking for places that they can experience a new culture while leaving a positive impact. The list takes into account affordability, accessibility, community service options, and a wide range of interests.

1) Dominican Republic/ Haiti

Why travel to the DR: It's been nearly two years since the devastating earthquake hit Haiti and many of the Haitians and Dominican Republican where affected by this tragic disaster. Thousands of Haitian refugees have crossed the border into the Dominican Republic seeking relief. With little food, clean water or work opportunities, many of the people are living in squalor. Students can help with medical clinics, water filtration, food relief efforts and a variety of other aid opportunities. With Haiti's condition continually changing its hard to get in and help long term, while aid in the DR can be a continual process, because there is some stability within this country. For more info take a look at this Dominican Republic alternative break video. - Dominican Republic Video



2) Costa Rica

Why travel to CR: Costa Rica with its tropical biodiversity provides the perfect place for students to learn about tropical ecology and help restore its natural ecosystem. Some areas of study that students will explore are the zoographical distribution of floral and fauna and the complex symbiotic relationships found in the rainforest. Additionally, students can help mentor street children and girls that have been rescued from street prostitution.
Contact Appleseed Expeditions for more information on this alternative break.



3) South Florida and the Florida Keys

Why travel to Homestead and the Florida Keys: Most people are unaware or have never heard of the ghost children of South Florida. Migrant families from Mexico and Central America travel to Florida to pick the crops and make money per bushel of vegetable or fruit that they pick. Along with these families come their children and due to their highly migratory patterns, the children suffer. These children cannot stay in school very long, and fall behind due to travel and language barriers. Most of these children dropout of school before reaching the 8th grade. College students can help by mentoring, provide tutoring, and help with technology skills. This type of aid may help students stay in school and gain opportunities to break this cycle of poverty. Along with this program students can also volunteer with environmental issues in the Florida Keys, from volunteering at bird sanctuaries, sea turtle rescue centers to helping at John Pennekamp state park.

4) Guatemala

Why travel to Guatemala: This country is a land of contrasts with 40 volcanoes and up to 17 being active. It has amazing Mayan culture and history, rainforest, and breathtaking beaches. However with all this beauty it has intense poverty with almost 45% unemployment. Many of the poor are the indigenous or Mayan people who have struggled transitioning into the Spanish culture. Many of these people lack bare necessities such as clean water, food, and access to education. Alternative break groups will help these struggling people by building clinics, help with mentoring programs and provide relief in a variety of ways. Here is avideo on the Guatemala program.

5) Hawaii

Why go to Hawaii: Most people think of Hawaii as a tropical paradise with La's dancing hula girls and warm Pacific breezes. What most don't understand is that Hawaii has the largest homeless population per capita. Mahttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifny islanders from Tonga, Micronesia, Samoa, and others come to Hawaii looking for work and opportunities. They come to these islands, find work but are unable to find adequate housing while being paid minimum wage. These families resort to either living in tents in the park or living in homeless shelters. College students can help by providing reading, math and technology opportunities to the children of these struggling islanders. You may feed homeless, tutor kids or provide after school mentoring to children in need. You may also volunteer with rainforest restoration projects in Oahu.

For more information on alternative breaks, please don't hesitate to contact us about planning an alternative break for you or your college. We can be reached at www.appleseedexpeditions.com or info@appleseedexpeditions.com

How to stay safe when traveling abroad on an alternative break

What safety issues should I be concerned with during my alternative break? When traveling abroad you should place yourselves in the mindset of the locals. Many people in third world countries are in desperate need of medication, food, clean water and a variety of other resources. If you have traveled to some of these countries you are aware of how the homes and businesses protect themselves from crime. They put bars on their windows, broken glass on the their roof and walls and they use fencing to keep intruders out. Most theft in third world countries is not out of violence, but rather to provide immediate relief. Therefore, many desperate people in these countries either beg or steal to try to meet some of their needs. Most of the time the people in need will look for a weakness or try to take advantage of a situation in order to steal goods or finances. I have a story of an American tourist who was briefly visiting Quito Ecuador. He spoke very little English, but he felt he knew enough to get by Alternative Break to Guatemala
Alternative Break to Guatemala
. As he arrived in Quito, he was told he had to get to second section of the airport in order to meet his secondary flight. He went to a man that was in a uniform and tried to speak what Spanish he knew. The gentleman in uniform seemed very helpful at first and told him that he would give him a ride to the second airport area. As he got in the car the American man noticed that the ride was taking much longer than he thought. After 30 minutes of driving the uniformed driver stopped by a bank atm machine, pulled out a knife and told the American to pull out as much cash as he was able to get from the cash machine. He was only able to pull out $400 dollars. The uniformed gentleman took the $400 dollars in cash and abandoned the American in a rough part of Quito. This incident and many others occur in third world countries like Ecuador, because many American's are unaware that they are making themselves look like targets. The next question you might ask is how do make myself not look like an easy theft target? There are many ways to do this, but the most important is preparation. If you are going traveling abroad try to set up a contact that will meet you at the airport once you arrive. Once you have scheduled this pickup, make sure you have all their contact information. Also, make sure that they have a sign with your name on it when you arrive. Many unscrupulous locals will look for tourists who look lost or cannot speak Spanish well. They then offer assistance and in the end either rob you or ask for finances for their assistance. You can also hire an organization like Appleseed Expeditions to set up the alternative break or travel abroad program for you. Other tips would include;

1) Don’t wear baseball caps. (This is an American thing and foreigners know it)

2) Hide your passport and money deep in your backpack Appleseed Expeditions Alternative Break group
Appleseed Expeditions Alternative Break group
. Thieves like to cut your backpack under the outer section where many tourist keep their valuables. They do this while you have your pack on your back and you are not paying attention.

3) Wear your backpack, purse, or wallet on the front of your body.

4) Do not take an unmarked taxi. Always take the yellow, red or orange taxi’s that have clear markings

5) Do not look lost coming out of the airport. Always look like you are meeting somebody or heading in some direction.

6) If you must ask a stranger a question or for directions, always ask the people working behind a booth (I.E. Money exchangers, airline people.)

7) Do not use your broken English to communicate to strangers unless they are an official for the airline or somebody working behind a desk.

8) If your contact does not show within 30 minutes at the airport, take an official taxi to your destination.

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9) Make sure you have your hotel phone number and address before you travel to a foreign country.

There are many more hints and tricks to keeping you safe while you travel. Please email us at info@appleseedexpeditions.com for more info. You can also go to www.appleseedexpeditions.com for more information on our international alternative breaks.