Thai Sea 
Thailand Mangrove Forest
Trying to write about past experiences dealing with culture
shock slowed me down. So I am going to stay current. I have several trips
coming up again this year, so I’m sure I will have current material to work
with, for those that are interested. *Culture Shock Tip: One thing that Americans tend to struggle
with when they travel to Asia is feeling disconnected from family, friends AND
simply the internet. So I recommend practicing before your travel abroad.
Seriously, go offline for a week and detox and get a sense of what you might be
up against in countries without dependable internet. This really will help give
you a little perspective when you are visiting a foreign country.
Now let’s talk business. People are kind. They ask how the
business is going to show their support and interest. But then I have to
answer! A million things run through my head every time I am asked this
question. People measure success by many sticks. So if we are talking $ signs,
then I suppose we are doing “ok.” I have so much to learn that sometimes I get dizzy
trying to decide what direction to go. Between coming up with a business plan, marketing,
buying, selling, traveling, photographing, uploading…… it’s hard to prioritize! Yet I am thrilled with how things are coming along.
People like what Worldsong is about and want to get
involved! So many people want to help others that are in need, but aren’t
always sure how. It is exciting to see the compassion and desire of others to
help! So part of what Worldsong Jewelry will be doing is inviting others to
join us on our trips to Asia. The list is growing! It looks like our first
group trip will be late August early September. Now to decide what countries in
Asia we will visit!
Next month I will be going to Thailand. A big portion of
this trip will be working with women coming out of prostitution and helping to
train them in the jewelry business. I am really looking forward to it. We will
also visit some bars in the red light district and talk with women who feel
trapped and want to pursue a different line of work. We will pay for the ladies'
time and take them out to dinner and tell them about some options they might
not know they have. I have never done this before, but will be going with
ladies who return every year to Thailand to reach out to these women.
Apparently the ladies' bosses are not put out by this. It is not a violent
atmosphere like you might imagine in other parts of the world. These women are
simply trying to make a living, and the majority of them have children and parents
they are supporting back in their home village. It is not hard for the bosses
to find women to replace them.
What a different world we all live in.
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