Adventures of Life - Leaving the Safety of Our Country?

All my younger life, even to my children I swore I'd never leave the safety of our country. I always felt if anyone, an American would be a perfect target. I could be right or I could be wrong. Maybe it also depends on where you go.

My son was a senior in high school, he had an opportunity to travel with his school and go to Lithuania. Everything paid for - passport, travel, room and board. They'd go for three weeks and work on fixing up school buildings. He was into carpentry and he had to apply as if you would apply for a job.

When he first came to me I said "No way." Then I got back "You promised never to hold us back." Now what do I do but eat my own words. I thought about it and they were only accepting 18 kids out of hundreds. I said ok truly believing he had a rare chance. I know that sounds awful but this was in the early 90's and I really did not feel safe about this. I think it was just the fact my son was leaving the country, especially without me.

Of course, he was one of the 18 chosen. He went and I worried but he had such a wonderful experience. They each stayed in homes with little heat. At night the temperatures were about 40 degrees and this was in November. They learned what a poor country was and the values of a dollar in that time. The could buy a Pepsi for a nickel when it costs 50 cents here. What was comical was when the owner discovered there were Americans visiting his store on a regular basis Pepsi went up in price every day. In the beginning they were all told not to bring more than one hundred dollars each and it did last them the three weeks.

He saw their homes and the poor conditions. At the schools they worked on the windows and areas of the building where the little bit of heat they had leaked out. They met an older woman digging through garbage for a meal. They each contributed money to her. The cutest story to me was my son taking a girl out to dinner. She could speak no English but somehow they communicated and were pen pals for quite awhile after.

As a mom I was grateful that I let him go and very proud of him also.

My son went into the Army and has traveled the world. We always traveled around our country but I guess the adventurer in him wanted more. He eventually married and they had two children. Their son was born in Germany.

When 9-11 occurred he and his family were living in Germany. He soon went on alert for going to Iraq. I had to see my son. At first my husband and everyone thought I was crazy wanting to get onto a plane. I didn't care. I just had to see my son. Any mother would understand that. Even my father begged me not to go but later understood my reasons. My son even told me there was a possibility he may not be there when I arrived. I didn't care. I had to go and at least I'd have the safety of staying on a base when I arrived.

I took a week off work and went to Germany. Not being a person that does well in closed in areas I had my doctor prescribe me nerve pills for the 8 hour flight. I really didn't need them. The flight was comfortable. I had a window seat. Now when we traveled on the Audubon; German highways with no speed limits, I did consider taking them at one point. I didn't but that was a frightening experience. Especially when we were traveling at a high speed and we were the slowest with everyone passing us.

That week was one of the most exciting weeks for me to see another country. It rained everyday but one but we still traveled and made the best of it. We visited castles and beautiful small towns. Even the countryside was beautiful and clean. It actually reminded me somewhat of Pennsylvania where I live.

Needless to say, to my son's surprise and shock I visited another country. I even went a second time before he and his family came home to our country. My son did go to Iraq twice and I was fortunate to have him back safely.
Needing to see my son made me set my fears aside and go on a great adventure myself.

I often hear when you, an American travel other countries you just need to be aware of your surroundings and watch where you go.

Through the Internet we are able to visit many people in other countries. I find it fascinating to be able share stories and beliefs. It also makes you realize how fortunate you are to be an American. There are things that go on in this country that upset me but that is normal. You can never please everyone with everything. If you ever feel it is so bad though, go visit another country. It can be an education.