I Am Thankful for... The World!
I was 12 when I went overseas for the first time. Our family friends lived in Costa Rica and my parents gave me the adventure of a lifetime, sending me all by myself tostay with them for 6 1/2 weeks during my summer vacation. That trip opened my eyes to the wonders of the world and the amazing people that live in it.
(A woman walking with her son in Guatemala.)
Since then, I have traveled to many different places—32 countries and 42 US States to be precise. I have celebrated other cultures and learned about many unique and amazing traditions. I am grateful for the various threads that weave the great, beautiful, rich, and diverse tapestry of our world.
(Dia de Los Muertos [Day of the Dead] in Guatemala.)
I am grateful for all of the colorful customs and countrysides. I am especially appreciative to have explored far past my little corner of the world—from Asia to Argentina to England.
(On the Black Sea in Ukraine.)
But, even more than that, I am grateful for parents that taught me to look for the similarities in people, to love our differences, and to appreciate everything I have discovered in my journeys.
(People at the fish market in Ukraine.)
Right now, my parents are living in Guatemala, where my dad has taken a job. My parents in law are living in Ukraine, where they are serving a church service mission. We appreciate them sharing their cultural experiences with us each week. You are keeping our eyes opened!
(Kite flying festival in Guatemala.)
Posts
November 5, 2008 at 8:31 AM
How neat.
Love your thankful November!
November 5, 2008 at 9:03 AM
You have been very fortunate indeed. I have the travel bug, but no money to spend. Eventually....
November 5, 2008 at 9:09 AM
Jyl, you're amazing. I love your perspective on life. And I am SUPER jealous of your travels. I'm not even going to tell you the extent of my travels. It's embarrassing. :)
November 5, 2008 at 10:09 AM
It truly is wonderful to hear someone giving thanks for all they have or don't have. I enjoyed your photos. The one of the folks at the outdoor shop looked like the man was levitating at fist glance because of the oil spot on the pavement looked like a shadow. Weird I know but that is what I saw.
November 5, 2008 at 10:34 AM
32 countries? That's amazing. I'm not much of a traveler, but I wish I was.
November 5, 2008 at 11:20 AM
What a great series of pictures! Thanks for sharing that:-)
November 5, 2008 at 11:41 AM
yay world! i love those beautiful photos! i grew up overseas and some of my best memories have been from seeing places, meeting people, experiencing things from a different perspective.
for my 40th birthday, my parents gave me a cd of photos they had taken of me (and my brother) from everywhere we have lived/visited. it is so funny to see little me standing in front of the taj mahal or doing cartwheels at stonehenge in the snow!
i do think seeing the world is one of the greatest gifts one can receive/do for themselves, if at all possible.
i find it interesting that while we are all SO different on the outside, we are all so similar on the inside.
November 5, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Wow! I had no idea you'd traveled so much! I love the photo on the Black Sea in Ukraine. Absolutely stunning! I really do need to travel more! LOL
Btw, love your new blog design! It's sooooo "Pinky"!
November 5, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Loved seeing these pictures, Jyl...truly.
November 5, 2008 at 1:09 PM
Wow. How incredibly fortunate to be able to travel so extensively as you have.
November 5, 2008 at 1:16 PM
Great post! I'm thankful for the world, too.
November 5, 2008 at 1:34 PM
I have only been overseas once- for 3 weeks in college I went to Greece- so amazing! Someday I will continue my travels!!
November 5, 2008 at 2:16 PM
The site really does look awesome! Still too pink for me...
Your world traveling is great, am jealous. Been to Poland. THAT's it.
What was with the funky comment window thingy??
November 5, 2008 at 2:24 PM
Wow, those pictures are amazing! The rose petals in the cemetery. The castle. The gigantic kites!
That's so cool you have been able to travel so much. I love to travel but haven't ventured too far....
November 5, 2008 at 2:51 PM
very cool to see the different pictures and cultures. Have never been to Guatemala...but hope to get there some day!
November 5, 2008 at 3:13 PM
Wow...great pics and commentary Jyl!
Thanks!!
Jay
November 5, 2008 at 3:31 PM
You are so lucky to have been able to travel like that! I would love to see more of the world some day!
November 5, 2008 at 5:41 PM
Wow! You are certainly the world traveler. Amazing.
November 5, 2008 at 7:48 PM
Amazing pictures! Its wonderful that you've had the opportunity to travel all over the world. It is a blessing.
November 6, 2008 at 7:43 AM
Wow! You have a lot to be thankful for....and some amazing experiences!
November 7, 2008 at 8:26 AM
I love your post. I envy your travels and one day hope to see all that you have seen... Have a happy weekend...
November 7, 2008 at 10:54 PM
So cool! My oldest reports to the MTC in Provo on Dec. 17. He'll be serving in the Ukraine, Donetsk mission!