Guest Post--- Martice Sutton

Every time I meet someone and they find out I lived in India for 9.5 months I am immediately bombarded with questions, but the first one is almost always " what made you want to go there?" as their face either lights up with excitement or turns down in that weird way that shows disappointment or disgust. Depending on who I'm talking to the answer varies but most times I find myself really searching for the honest answer and I think it really was as simple as why not?

While in undergrad I majored in international studies and studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain. Like many students who study abroad I took the opportunity to travel throughout Europe and since then I was always hungry for more. I'm not exactly sure when my fascination for India began. It could have been a mixture of Slumdog Millionaire, Eat, Pray, Love, and my IS background. I was taken aback by this colorful land that was tainted by so many social issues. I wanted to help in some small way, I wanted to explore its complexity and be a part of the country's vibrant colors, spices, and traditions.

So when it was time for post grad options I knew that I wanted to work abroad. I finalized my plan to participate in a social enterprise fellowship that took US graduates and placed them with social enterprises in India to shadow innovators and also offer perspective on ways to improve their enterprises. Once I actually got to Hyderabad, India and actually began my expat life I found myself asking "why the hell did you come HERE?!" Slumdog Millionaire is an accurate account of life in India... Hot as heck, dirty as heck, and crazy as....you get the point lol. There are so many negatives in the country that scream at you such as poverty and corruption that it's hard to get to the positives.

The best way to sum up my India experience is that it brings out the best and the worst of people. There were times when I found myself screaming at auto drivers trying to cheat me and then there were times where I gave so much of myself and could see so much growth in my character. Many expats living throughout India have confirmed this sentiment. Overall I'm grateful for my time in India. Yes people stared at me, ran up to me and snapped pictures like I was an animal at the zoo and ignored me but I also trekked a mountain by myself, lived on a train for two weeks with 400 Indians exploring 12 of the country's cities, and learned to be unapologetically me! When I think of all the positive experiences I have no choice but to say thank you dear India for all that you've shown me.

Martice currently works in Washington, DC with a social enterprise organization.  Continue to follow Martice on her blog at Black Girl in the Big World and Twitter @blkgirlbigword  

Focus Focus ..Time Away ..Refocus

My family is getting together for an upcoming weekend trip to NYC. For some, like my nieces and nephews, it'll be their first time. For others, it's been a while.  We've sketched out an itinerary that will include food, shopping, sight-seeing, and entertainment.  We have been focused on the activities and logistics of the trip for the past year, and in the midst of it all, a relative became seriously ill.  We had to take some time away to deal with her health scare.  But now the weekend is upon us.  Do we cancel the trip? Do we gather at the family home?


It has been decided that the trip will go on. However, some of the family have elected to stay behind.  And that is their choice, as it is those that have decided to continue with the trip.  Though it is best believed, our hearts, thoughts, and prayers will be with our dear Aunt/Sister/Grandma.  She has regained much of her strength, and the Lord has and will continuously watch her day by day.

So we have now refocused our attention back on the trip. The hotel rooms are confirmed. The chartered bus has been paid for. The banquet hall and DJ has been booked.  We're a few days away from embarking on our very first true family gathering outside the state, and we're rolling about 30 persons deep.  Our mother, brother, aunties, cousins, nieces, nephews...fun and laughs for sure during our 12 hour journey from SC to NYC.


With our Take A Leap 10-day trip to Italy a little more than three months away, there is some concern and apprehension.  We have travel insurance because we are utilizing a vacation tour package.  But for those who have made life abroad their "career", I would imagine there is no insurance of this kind.  Further, I've wondered how these expats respond to news at home while they are abroad. Do you hop on the next plane "back to the States" or do you remain focus in your "international home" and pray that everything is settled after awhile? Do you miss out often on major family events..weddings, births, funerals, etc? Is there a right or wrong way to handle such sensitive matters? Do you focus focus, take time away to deal with family matters, and refocus on life at hand, as we have done? I would appreciate any comments or advice.

Thanks,
Sharee

It's Bigger Than Us!!

I've had a thought on my mind the last few days when I think of what Take A Leap and We Connected Productions, LLC represents:

It's Bigger Than Us!!

I envision the Take a Leap webseries in the near future reaching back and giving young kids and teens the opportunity to travel. Travel will break your fear of the unknown and of other people by learning about their culture.

I follow blogger Tracey Coleman, a former Columbia, SC resident. Her blog, which is on our Blog Roll, is entitled the Brooklyn Travel Addict.  Currently residing in Brooklyn, NY, she will be hosting a Passport Party.  The Passport Party Project is a travel-theme event that gives ten girls age 11-16 their very first passport.  It is on our radar to implement a similar concept in Columbia, SC area in the near future.

We hope you will enjoy the webseries once it airs next year. It will inspire and educate you to the world that is out there.  Support: www.indiegogo.com/takealeap


Thank you.

Rhonda W.

"To Whom Much Is Given, Much Will Be Required"- Luke 12:48

Beijing on the Mind

We're heading to Beijing, China in December 2012. It's going to be in the midst of Winter, and as this picture alludes to, most likely snowing as we trek The Great Wall of China. I'm super excited about this because my sister and I are from the South. We don't get this type of weather often, and being prone to cold weather isn't in our DNA. But neither is the hot, scorching weather we've been experiencing as of late. Yet, we have to adjust to the environment at hand by being prepared. Somehow, in the time between now and then, we're going to have to strategize how in the world we're going to pack "light" in two small carry-on bags. We've limited our shopping for the rest of year to necessities related towards our trips. And apparently a must have will be a pair of hiking boots.

Another reason Beijing is on my mind is because of the Birmingham to Beijing project. This is a project associated with Teach America, whereas 7 students from Birmingham, Alabama have the opportunity to explore Beijing and learn Mandarin language, over a period of a month.  They also had an Indiegogo campaign, and raised over $40,000. Rhonda and I each made small contributions, and just the other day we each received a personal letter of thanks from one of the students.  I follow their blog every morning, wondering what they did the day before because of the twelve hour difference. And then today, we had an even more special surprise in that we were able to view a video of their first few days in Beijing. I have never been so proud of such young persons. To leave the comforts of their family and home to go to an unfamiliar environment took a leap of faith. I'm just in awe at their tenacity to soak it all in, and enjoy the moment.

That's another reason we want to experience the international countries in the very environment that our interviewees live. That moment can't be understood just by words. Pictures, video, and the sights and sounds, must be captured alongside the words.  I'm so happy we made a difference by giving a few dollars. Please consider making a similar difference today for Take A Leap.

Peace & Blessings,
Sharee

Happy 4th of July! Take A Leap is 4 Months Away Until Our Adventure Begins

We Connected Productions, LLC are EXCITED as we are 4 Months away until we begin our Adventure to Italy in November and China in December. Find out how you can support Take A Leap by going to: www.indiegogo.com/takealeap Enjoy your 4th. Rhonda W.