Through Mom's eyes

I thought it was time to write down what this experience has meant to me so far, as the mom. The letter came out of the blue, about Christmas time, when things are stressful enough most of the time. I had never heard of People to People or their ambassador programs and was a bit skeptical at first. Of course much research and networking immediately ensued. I have learned that Dwight D. Eisenhower created the program in 1956 on the premise that regular people can do more to promote peace and cultural understanding than any government ever could. Wow! Insightful huh? I couldn't dig up one person with a negative experience and the possibilities for positive opportunity for Tyler are endless so I thought we better look into it further. Then I showed him the letter and asked if it was something he thought he would want to do. Duh? What was I thinking? We have learned that you must be nominated, usually by a teacher. Ours hasn't necessarily confessed, yet :) but program members can nominate others too so who knows? Of course I am totally proud that someone besides me sees the genius in there, and the leadership capabilities too. HaHa I also had no idea what all is involved! The money is astronomical for our world, and puts many people off, almost did us as well. Not to mention that the idea of sending my really tall, but still really little boy half way around the world by himself, without me, is also a bit insane. I couldn't do it if I didn't really believe in this program, the support they have for encouraging, challenging and teaching these kids is amazing. Even from the start, with expecting them to fundraise to earn the trip themselves, I see responsibility lessons everywhere! Their experience and attention to detail and safety probably provide a safer and more productive experience than I could if I took him myself! Believe me, I'd prefer that, I don't think he would get the same results but I sure would enjoy it! The things he will see and experience on this trip bring tears to my eyes! Once he applied there was an interview and a pretty intense selection process and then ready, set, go! He has a long way to go on the fundraising yet, but we are off to a good start... we have 27 days before his final payment is due and have already earned well over a thousand dollars and are pushing the halfway mark. We have meetings often where they teach civic lessons and how to pack and what to wear and bring, how to be savvy world travelers, and there is something needing to be done every day, all of which should have been done already but I do believe that the results will be worth it, and will serve him well his whole life. Could you imagine the experiences he will be able to draw on for college applications? How he will feel on his first job interview, knowing that he aced his first one YEARS ago? My artist at the Louve? Seriously? So here I am, tired. It's late, I should be prepping for the huge yardsale (NOT in the rain/snow) this weekend and the brain won't stop being inspired and worried and busy planning and thinking about all that I cannot control and the little that I can. I cannot even express how moved I have been by all of the people that have been so willing to be supportive, and amazingly generous already. People that have not even met my child have stepped up in amazing ways that just floor me, daily. Sharing their experience, talent, and hard earned money with an open heart. It is amazing to look at your life and the people that you have touched, perhaps without knowing it at the time, and really see with such beautiful clarity how even the smallest of things can make a huge impact. Water ripples, butterfly wings and all of that... here's hoping that all of us are the pebble, that begins the wave that will change the world. Starting with just one boy. Thank you all, so much!!