Self-made? Don't think so.

After months of preparation, research and anticipation, I am down to one week before I leave. The butterflies have most definitely taken up permanent residence. I can best describe it as the same feeling as when you have waited in line for a long line for the latest, meanest roller coaster and suddenly it is your turn. Both excited and ....butterflies!

I have learned so much the past few months. Not only about India, the Apparel industry and printing methods, but also about myself. The one thing that stands out so much is how much nobody is "self-made". So many people have complimented us for our initiative and willingness to not only step outside the box, but also look for opportunities to give back. So many have applauded us, and yet I can only reiterate that I would not be able to take this trip or do the work ahead if it wasn't for everybody in my life preparing me and enabling me to do this: instructors who have prepared us, our department head who did not give up, recognized a potential situation with this organization and encouraged us the whole way, the director of the organization who was willing to look outside the usual "internship" box, members of the college community who have generously given to help me fund this trip, my community and church who have generously supported me, an incredible support team who will be helping with some unique needs within my family, my son's teacher who put me in contact with her relatives in India who in return put us in contact with the business we are renting the apartment from, my friends who have listened and prayed me through, and my wonderful family who has endured my frantic excitements and worries and found incredible strength and resources to make this possible, my mom's relentless optimism and who taught me my foundational belief that every person is entitled to be treated with true dignity, my kids who have shown me how true perfection lies in be able to go beyond perfectionism, and my husband who has continually supported, encouraged, and strenghtened me and willing to be mom and dad for two of the toughest months of the year.

And this list doesn't even mention so many people who "incidently" help a person along such as the helpful librarian, the sweet ladies in the cafeteria who always greet you with a smile, my class mates who have welcomed this old lady into a major of mostly young adults, the secretary who patiently takes the time to answer my questions, etc etc etc. There are so many (more) people who have "just" been there, never looking for a thank you or credit and yet have been part of shaping my path.

How can anybody claim to be self-made?

Thank you seems so little in comparison to what you all have done, but for now: THANK YOU!!

Indian Rupees!!

Ok, so I learned something EXTREMELY important this week! As a foreigner, you are not allowed to bring rupees into India, or out either. You can exchange dollars, euros, or traveler's checks right at the airport, but you are not allowed to bring any rupees in. Some places will say that you cannot even buy them outside of India which is confusing when your local bank can order as many of them as you want.

You would think that something this important would be highlighted in many places, but no. I would have found it very useful to have received my visa with a little note saying: "Hey, you are about to travel to India and we just thought you should know....". But, no.

Many blogs and other places claim that this is not an issue and they (customs) never check anyway. But from what I have read, this is not a frivolous idea just to make it harder for the tourist and it can have serious consequences. Think about that for a moment. If it doesn't bother you that you are conciously violating a foreign nation's rule, do you really want to take that risk??

I have no problem with a country having rules about things. Their country, their rules. We have rules too, so no whining about that. I just wish this had been more publicly known. The company issuing the visas could easily insert a little note, banks could easily have a little flag pop up on the computer screen etc. It is indeed a traveler's duty to research the facts before going, but I have researched for months and not once did I find this important fact until just last week. How do you know to look for something when you don't know you need to. At a certain point you have to rely on experts who deal with certain aspects. If I call the doctors for immunizations, should I have to know all the ones I need or can I trust they will tell me which ones I need?

I am so, so glad I found out this important fact BEFORE leaving instead of standing at the border and.....well, you fill in the rest.