Solo Adventures: Early Bird

I woke up, bright eyed and ready to go at 1:40 am this morning. After lying in bed and pondering what I would do if I was to get up that early, I decided to go for it. I am working a shift in Butte from 9:30 PM until 6:15 AM Sunday night, so this will keep me in an alert frame of mind for that noc shift, and perhaps keep me somewhat in Europe mode with my sleep/wake cycle. We leave on the 4th, so chances of that are promising 😊. I am hoping the slow transition from a 12 hour time difference to a seven hour time difference eases me back into my normal sleep pattern once we return home again. If not, it typically doesn’t take me too long…

So here I sit with my cup of coffee watching a video on how to get around with public transportation in Paris. This is Dean’s first time traveling internationally, so I am hoping to make it as smooth, stress-free, and enjoyable as possible for him. Getting around easily takes away 90% of the stress when traveling I’d say.😂 I’ve downloaded the G7 app, and another app highly recommended by the YouTube blogger I am watching. I am so grateful for YouTube! And Google! In the past several years of traveling near and far, it has enhanced the enjoyment I get more than I could ever imagine! Having some idea of where you want to go, and what you want to do while there, is crucial to having a positive experience when you are out of your element. Especially if there is a language barrier! I’ve been practicing my French, and thanks to Madame Kruschwitz, French teacher extraordinaire in grades 9-12 at St. Mary’s Central High (thank you mom and dad 🙏💕), much has remained nestled deep in my mind’s hard drive.😂😂 It never ceased to bring a smile to my face when I would speak my six phrases in Khmer to the people of Cambodia. After the first greeting, they would smile with delight and say, ‘You speak Khmer!’ I’d smile and say ‘Jaah’, while giving the international hand sign for ‘a little bit’ 😂😂. I think it speaks volumes when we travelers learn at least the polite phrases in the countries we are venturing into. If nothing else, it helps to make a positive connection with the people who call that place home. 💕

Meanwhile, back on the homefront… my heart goes out to all the people affected by hurricane Helene. I find myself wanting to go along with the FDR (national response team, non-medical) to just be ground support, but the timing does not allow for that with the upcoming Europe trip. But, I can pray for them, and the responders already there…🙏😔. For those of you wanting to donate at times like these, but are wary of scammers (they are numerous), know that Foursquare Disaster International is one you can trust. Along with Samaritans Purse (Billy Graham Foundation). These are faith based organizations. When I can’t give of my time, it helps to know that I can give financially, if even just a small amount, to help these people in the midst of such devastation.

I’ll tag a few more Cambodia pictures here, as I have so many to share!😂💕

The red strings were on the wrists of the newly redeemed people who found Jesus in the prayer room💕