'Twas the Night Before Departure

“Listen to the mustn’ts, child. Listen to the don’ts. Listen to the shouldn’ts, the impossibles, the won’ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me… Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.”

–Shel Silverstein

World history trivia. Maps. National Geographic. These things that may appear boring to an average child, provided endless imaginary playgrounds, adventures, and fairytales for me. A magic carpet ride through the Taj Mahal. A tea party under the Eiffel Tower. A stroll through Machu Picchu.

As high school approached these far off fictional lands became a reality. How could I get to the Great Wall of China? When could I see the pyramids of Egypt?

Soon enough I began applying for college. At this point I was sure of only two college criteria. First, I wanted to stay in Michigan. Second, I wanted to work with diverse cultures. I quickly discovered Spring Arbor University (SAU). This liberal arts university fit both of my criteria and even aligned with my spiritual beliefs. I continued to learn more about SAU and loved the Cross Cultural Studies (CCS) program. CCS is a required study abroad cultural immersion experience. So I applied to SAU and was accepted. My freshmen year at SAU I got a job at the CCS office and my passion for international education has since blossomed.

Here I am 3 years later and embarking on an adventure of a lifetime. I will be spending January – May of 2013 studying in La Antigua, Guatemala. A mere 8 hours separate me from the Land of Eternal Spring and I couldn't be more excited!

Please continue to check back for more updates, photos, and videos. I appreciate all the support and prayers from my family, friends, SAU, the CCS office, and the Gilman scholarship.

For those who worry because you love me, here is mine and Aaron’s flight schedule.

AMERICAN AIRLINES     31DEC DETROIT MI     MIAMI FL       630A    945A
AA 873               MONDAY DETROIT METRO  MIAMI INTL
G ECONOMY                   TERMINAL N
           NON SMOKING      FOOD FOR PURCHASE             NON STOP
                            RESERVATION CONFIRMED         3:10 DURATION
                  AIRCRAFT: BOEING 737-800
                            SEATS 25F/25E/26F NO SMOKING CONFIRMED


AMERICAN AIRLINES     31DEC MIAMI FL       GUATEMALA CITY 1245P   225P
AA 983               MONDAY MIAMI INTL     LA AURORA
L ECONOMY
           NON SMOKING      FOOD FOR PURCHASE             NON STOP
                            RESERVATION CONFIRMED         2:40 DURATION
                  AIRCRAFT: BOEING 737-800
                            SEATS 25A/25B/26A NO SMOKING CONFIRMED

Buenos noches!

Have a question? Please ask me in the comment section of this blog post. Thanks for reading! :)

25

25 days! This is surreal.

Considering final exams, lengthy papers, and preparing to move out of our first apartment (home as it is affectionately been called), the thought of living overseas for four months is far from my mind. However, am truly looking forward to celebrating a culture that is much less hustle and bustle and much more ebb and flow.

On a very bright note, last week Aaron and I received wonderful news! We were awarded a total of $7,000 in scholarship to study abroad in Guatemala next semester!

We would like to thank the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program for supporting international education and assisting low-income students pursue studying abroad. Read more about this scholarship at ww.iie.org/GILMAN.

Have a question? Please ask me in the comment section of this blog post. Thanks for reading! :)

50

50 days and counting!

As I continue to prepare my heart and mind for living abroad for 4 months, I am both plagued by fear and teaming with excitement. One important aspect of being a social worker is understanding oneself. Of course social workers must equip themselves with knowledge of internal and external workings of a human being, but can one truly understand another if he/she has not yet taken the precious time to self-actualize?

I am worried about the language barrier.
I am sad about separating from my family and friends for an extended period of time.
I am concerned about how my internship will develop and progress.
I am excited to connect and build friendships with the natives and other students in Guatemala.
I am thrilled for salsa lessons and salsa dance clubs.
I am delighted to grow and learn as a professional from my internship experience.
I am blessed to have this experience with my husband.
I am looking forward to learning about the culture and trying new things.

Aaron and I are in a waiting period. We are waiting for:
-to be notified about the Gilman Scholarship
-to leave for Guatemala
-to be accepted to the University of Michigan, School of Social Work
-to get a response on various jobs we applied for
-& of course, $$$ for all of the above

We have learned that we are genuinely thankful to have the opportunity to WAIT and test our virtue of patience on such wonderful prospects.

Here is to new experiences and opportunities!

Have a question? Please ask me in the comment section of this blog post. Thanks for reading! :)

75

75 days and counting!

Here are some wise words from the brilliant humanitarian, author, and Holocaust survivor, Elie Wiesel. His wisdom is truly resonating with me as I prepare for my social work internship abroad.

"I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented."

Have a question? Please ask me in the comment section of this blog post. Thanks for reading! :)

Explaining the Title & Subtitle

So what’s up with this blog title and subtitle?

Blog Title: Katie & the Land of Eternal Spring 

Well, since I am so fond of fiction novels, like the Percy Jackson series, I wanted to give my blog a creative title that was intriguing and somewhat clandestine. Like many fiction books that have an edge of mystery, you often have to read the book in order to understand what the title means. Likewise, you will have to read my blog in order to understand what living in the Land of Eternal Spring is truly like. In short, I am attempting to grab your (the reader’s) attention.

Blog Subtitle: Adventure 3 of the Global Sojourner Series

The word “adventure” has always been essential in my vocabulary. I often use this particular word to describe my experiences outside of the United States. Also, a global sojourner is temporary resident in foreign culture or country. So…

2010 Colombia – Adventure 1 of the Global Sojourner Series

2012 Cambodia – Adventure 2 of the Global Sojourner Series

2013 Guatemala – Adventure 3 of the Global Sojourner Series

Me (in blue plaid) building relationship with these beautiful teenagers

in Bogotá, Colombia, July 2010.

Saying goodbye to orphans in Battambang, Cambodia,

January 2012. Her precious smile is unforgettable.

Have a question? Please ask me in the comment section of this blog post. Thanks for reading! :)

Preface & Pleasantries

I have approximately 10 seconds to make a strong enough impression that you will continue to read my blog; I genuinely hope these next 10 seconds are worth your while. First and foremost, the basics. My full name is Katie Anne Gibson (maiden name – Ledl). I grew up in Lincoln Park, MI, a bustling suburb in the metro Detroit area. I am the daughter of two loving parents, James & Laura Ledl, who just celebrated 33 years of marriage, love, hardships, happiness, and unforgettable journeys. I am also the proud sister of 3 of the most beautiful women on earth: Olivia, Sarah, & Molly. Of course I should mention that Molly is my twin sister and we are the best of friends. Here I must also give a shout out to the Central Michigan Cheerleading squad, of whom Molly is captain, “Fire Up Chips!.”

I graduated from Lincoln Park High School in 2009 and immediately began pursuing a bachelor degree in social work at Spring Arbor University in Jackson, MI. The summer after graduating high school I met a handsome man named Aaron Gibson at the youth group we attended. Needless to say we hit it off! In 2010 we got engaged and we married June 3, 2011. He is a strong, compassionate, and visionary individual and I am delighted to experience life with him. 

Recently, in January of 2012 I traveled on a 3 week cross cultural trip to the lovely nation of Cambodia. It was my first experience in the developing world and completely fell in love with the simplicity and the Khmer people’s values. I captured the essence of Cambodia in the following excerpt from my personal journal: 

“Cambodia is a beautiful country featuring numerous opposites: peace and violence, oppression and acceptance, corruption and justice, beauty and suffering, poverty and wealth, and injustice and hope. I am constantly torn between love for the gentle Khmer people and contempt for the capitalists, corporations, and corrupt Cambodian government that continues to fail them, exploit them, and push these simple people deeper into chaos and perpetual poverty.”

The foreigners we met with were kind, courteous, and genuine. I really felt immersed and integrated into the culture. My experience in Cambodia encouraged me to seek out more international educational opportunities (hence studying abroad in Guatemala)!

In Guatemala, I hope to be be working with Asociacion Nuestros Ahijados (God’s Child Project) participating in an intensive social work internship. God’s Child Project is a holistic humanitarian and educational development organization dedicated to “breaking the chains of poverty through education and formation.” Their services include: assistance for women, education, health, nutrition, outreach, human rights, and shelter. More information on God’s Child Project can be found at http://www.godschild.org/.

I am currently completing my final year of my undergraduate social work degree. On May 11, 2013, a mere 2 days after returning home from Guatemala, both Aaron and I will graduate with generalized Bachelor of Social Work degree. In the future, I plan to specialize in macro social work particularly international or intercultural social work. I hope to be accepted to the University of Michigan, School of Social Work and begin graduate level courses Fall of 2013. Go Blue! :)

Likes: humanity, reading, world maps, exercising with my husband, Death Cab for Cutie, nature, supporting worthy causes, The Civil Wars, biking, Amnesty International, kayaking, Copeland, traveling the world to purposely learn & be immersed in other cultures, National Geographic, blankets, Sevenly, chocolate, autumn, Warby Parker, collecting copper pennies, & planning. 

Dislikes: laziness, meat, all social problems of the world, hopelessness, putrid smells, wastefulness, spiders, arrogance, & extremely loud noises. 

Have a question? Please ask me in the comment section of this blog post. Thanks for reading! :)