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!!