In Oprah We Trust...But Wait, There's More! ~ by Founder Emlyn Lee

It’s peak busy season in the office as we’re preparing for summer departures; plus I’ve picked up additional workload to organize our popular Asia and Latin America placements due to a Coordinator leaving early for her pregnancy. Needless to say, my days are busy and full of ‘adventure’. Yet, knowing that it was Oprah’s last show, my team and I took an hour this afternoon to watch her final episode.

We all know how dedicated, inspirational, and powerful Oprah is, and how much of an influence she is to our culture. She’s got the Midas touch. Everything she touches turns to gold. Let’s think about it…all the books that have been featured in Oprah’s Book Club turn in to instant best sellers; any product or service that makes it on Oprah’s Favorite List becomes a must-have in the market; all featured guests that she brings on succeeds to their own independent stardom (ie: Dr. Phil, Bob Greene, Suze Orman, Dr. Oz, and much more). How does she do it?

I can’t claim to be a true die-hard Oprah fan. I don’t watch much television so I’ve probably only watched a few episodes through the years. I have subscribed to her O magazine several times in the past, but with time constraints and attention deficiencies I usually half-heartedly flip through the pages at airports or wee hours before bed. But, there is something about her that makes me want to listen, read, and hear what she has to say. Admit it--you feel it too, right? C’mon, um, millions feel it.

It’s all about the connection. As Oprah explained, “Something in me connected with each of you in a way that allowed me to see myself in you and you in me. I became your surrogate—to ask the questions, deliver the answers, learn, grow, expand my thinking, challenge my beliefs and the way I looked at the world. I listened and grew, and I know you grew along with me…Sometimes I was the teacher, and more often, you taught me.”

Isn’t that the what life is supposed to be about? Connecting ourselves to exchange ideas, love, opinions, beliefs, experiences, and so much more. To teach and learn. An opportunity for us to Discover the Similarities and Share the Differences.

So if in Oprah we trust, who does Oprah trust? Who does she turn to and how did she get so successful? Although I may have missed four thousand five hundred and sixty episodes; this one answer pretty much highlighted her 25 years on air for me: “My team and Jesus. Nothing but the hand of God has made this possible for me. I know I've never been alone, and you haven't either. And I know that that presence, that flow—some people call it grace—is working in my life at every single turn. And yours too, if you let it in. It's closer than your breath, and it is yours for the asking…Even when I didn't have a name for it, I could feel the voice bigger than myself speaking to me, and all of us have that same voice. Be still and know it. You can acknowledge it or not. You can worship it or not. You can praise it, you can ignore it or you can know it. Know it. It's always there speaking to you and waiting for you to hear it in every move, in every decision. I wait and I listen. I'm still—I wait and listen for the guidance that's greater than my meager mind.”

When I think of my experiences, I have to count my blessings because God has been good. When I think of who I turn to for support with Cultural Embrace, I too rely on my team and Jesus. I am by no means Oprah. But I think it’s pretty cool that God shares His unconditional love equally. No matter who you are. It took me a looong time to realize and acknowledge it, but once I did, life feels so much more peaceful, richer, and easier. In fact, taking an hour this afternoon, or the time to write this blog (which by the way wasn’t anywhere near my list of things to do, but I can’t ignore this whisper in my ear) didn’t really phase me. I got enough work done to call it a day, hit the gym, and connect with friends. There is more work, sometimes I don’t think it ever ends, but that’s the gift that keeps on giving, and allows me to look forward to my inbox each day.

Turkey, the "Land of Dreams and Wonders" - by C.E. Coordinator Casady Monroe

Cultural Embrace is launching a new Childcare Program in Turkey. I anticipate that several prospective Au Pairs might look at Turkey the same way my mother did when I invited her on a trip there in 2009. My mother had just come back from visiting Egypt, and she was expecting something similar: areas of great impoverishment, the need for armed guards to accompany us, men bartering camels in exchange for the women in our group. The great thing about travel is that is destroys our preconceived notions of what a place looks like and how its people act. Turkey is incredibly modern, hospitable, safe, and it offers everything that a young person could dream of. It’s one of the only countries that straddles two continents: Europe and Asia!

My Mother & I with Turkish College Students on Bosphorus River

One of the overwhelmingly wonderful things about Turkey is how friendly its people are. While on a tour of the Bosphorus River, a group of college girls approached me wanting to practice their English and teach me traditional Turkish folk dancing. My tour group visited a local school, and the students spontaneously serenaded us. The corner store cashier was patient as I tried to mime my need for shampoo (my Turkish vocabulary fell short). And several times I was invited into strangers’ homes to have dinner. Dinner in Turkey is no simple affair: it’s a several-hours-long ordeal with veggies (or ‘wedgies’ as the Turkish say), cheeses, soup, salads, breads, lamb, chicken, borek (phyllo dough with potatoes and other stuffings), fish, kebabs, dolmas, and at least two desserts. Everything comes with lemons on the side, and even if you refuse seconds, you’re bound to receive them anyways. (I later learned a technique for balancing my spoon on top of my bowl and cups to indicate, “No more!”) One night when I was just too full to consume my fair share, my tour guide knocked on my hotel door later with a platter of meats, “just in case” my appetite picked up later in the night. That is how much the Turkish wish to keep you well fed.

This is just the salad course!!

Cappadocia

 During our trip, we visited Istanbul, Antalya, Cappadocia, and Ephesus. Istanbul had great shopping and wonderful night life in addition to the historical buildings one would expect (the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace). Antalya offered beautiful beaches and warm weather. In Cappadocia, the ground was covered in snow. Ephesus was full of ancient archaeology and religious sites. Turkey offered a bit of everything in terms of weather, climate, and things to see and do.

Antalya

I’m thrilled to introduce our participants to Turkey—a land known as the cradle of civilization and home to a huge number of ancient cultures, yet bustling with youthful activity. All of our families for childcare placements  are English-speaking, modern families who live in large cities. They offer a weekly stipend, plus a bonus at the end of your term, private room, all meals (Yum!), wi-fi in the home, and pay the cost of your visa and residence permit. Participants will also have the option of taking additional part-time employment as a daytime nanny, one-on-one English tutor, or ESL teacher in a school. Cultural Embrace's Childcare Program is a great way to earn money and live in Turkey, the “Land of Dreams and Wonders”.
-Casady Monroe
Childcare Coordinator for Cultural Embrace

National Holidays and Stuffed Cake ~ by Abby Goldstein

Sorry its been so long, I have been very distracted as of late. My computer broke, I lost friends, I gained friends, I went swimming… I smell something burning.
Moving on, last week was pretty much a blur, a lot of new work and training. I am now learning our Tibetan routes, as I started sales today (yay!). I have been offered a post grad job here for a few years. Definitely something to chew on. Speaking of chewing on, I had pizza this past week, it made me delirious. It was a Chinese national holiday similar to the American Labor Day. So we went to Richard’s country club for swimming, pingpong, and badminton. I also tried new foods this week… chicken blood, eel, sea creature of unidentified origin (Manny and I couldnt pinpoint what it was and have taken to calling it sea creature). We went to Hot Pot with a girl named Olivia who was in from Shanghai, she was a total sweetheart, and we walked all the way from dinner which was on the north west side of town, to the clubs on the south east side of town (it was a surprisingly refreshing walk). We stopped along the way to pick up a dress for 20 quai for me which looked fantastic with my sneakers, and a shirt for Manny to replace the oil splashed one he ruined at hot pot ( I suggested we just rub some mud and other weird stuff on it to make it look like part of the design). Either way, we had a blast (and a free bottle of champagne, oh how I love being foreign).

On Saturday Manny, Florence, and I did 6 hours of ktv…. straight through. It was awesome. We did everything from Elvis to Lady Gaga. This was all for only 15 RMB per person, non-alcholic drinks included! I was a little shy at first, but I was belting out by the end of the first hour, I was belting it out like I was possessed by Whitney Huston herself. My companions’ enthusiasm is contagious. I met a bunch of local girls, which was nice. Apparently, we hit it off enough that they were asking Manny for my number. Ah, if only I was that popular with the opposite sex. C’est la vie.

I met a ton of foreigners, many of whom I will be seeing at a concert tomorrow. I met a dance crew who was in Step Up 3 who were here from Holland for an international dance competition (apparently they liked me enough, I was sought after when they went into CC.) They are also the reigning champs in their competition, so mazel tov to them . I was given an oven too… a toaster oven, my boss is like you can cook cakes in this right, I shook my head and said I would try my best. I have mosquito bites up the wazoo, it totally blows, but I got them being outdoorsy so I am okay with it. I hit the mountains to the south of Chengdu this weekend with some friends, the views were breath taking, I need to start remembering my camera, its a really bad habit of mine to not have it. I will upload some new pics at some point, let me acquire more first.

I met my Chinese tutor, we have set up our first few meetings. My co-workers have gotten especially busy as it is peak season now, and don’t have time to teach me anymore. She seems very nice and has friends at Sichuan University. She works in a company that specializes in tutoring. Isabella referred me to her, she seems to be a very powerful woman, Isabella, that is.

I will keep you updated on other things as they happen, starting with a concert tomorrow. May is a month of new beginnings I have decided, and as such, there will be a lot of changes made. Social, academic, health-wise, and breaking bad habits. Sadly I am not much of one for making New Year’s resolutions and am beginning making some just a bit later in the year. With that strong note, I leave you for this evening.

A pleasure updating you all, as usual.

Soooooooooooooooooooo much love,

Abby
Cultural Embrace Intern in China  2011

United We Stand ~ by Founder Emlyn Lee

I am still getting goosebumps reflecting and re-reading the text from Obama’s public statement that Osama Bin Laden was killed…

“On September 11, 2001, in our time of grief, the American people came together. We offered our neighbors a hand, and we offered the wounded our blood. We reaffirmed our ties to each other, and our love of community and country. On that day, no matter where we came from, what God we prayed to, or what race or ethnicity we were, we were united as one American family…”
The 9-11-01 attacks impacted Americans and the rest of the world in so many ways. There were the obvious physical changes such as sending our troops to Iraq and Afghanistan, increased airport security, restrictions of carry-on items, etc. There were mental setbacks to many Americans as a result of being violated and defenseless on our own soil. There were emotional changes that impacted many of us to take a deeper breath to understand the meaning of life.

September 11, 2001 was a pivotal turning point for my life. In fact, it was the catalyst of making me start Cultural Embrace. I was working in the hospitality and tourism field and many companies were nose-diving or shutting down doors as a result of cancelled trips due to the public’s fear of travel. On the contrary, I felt compelled to start a business that would help others regain the trust, love, compassion, and joy of humans, cultures, and the ‘other world’. I wanted to create opportunities for people to travel safely and to be exposed to the authentic lifestyles abroad by immersing them within the communities they are visiting. Traveling does not always have to be a Disney moment yet there are plenty of ways to experience the 'magical' moment because…it is a small world after all.

Now that we have reached a monumental turning point with the death of Osama Bin Laden, where does that leave us? I’ll leave the politics, military defense, and global economics to the world politicians; but for me and my vision…it drives me to continue to serve others so we are able to learn to embrace one another and our various cultures so that we may create a global community. Discover the Similarities – Share the Differences.

And what better way to end my thoughts than through the concluding words of President Obama…

"And tonight, let us think back to the sense of unity that prevailed on 9/11. I know that it has, at times, frayed. Yet today's achievement is a testament to the greatness of our country and the determination of the American people…But tonight, we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to. That is the story of our history, whether it's the pursuit of prosperity for our people, or the struggle for equality for all our citizens; our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world a safer place. Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because of who we are: one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Making It Happen ~ Haley Price Volunteering in Guatemala

      

Ever since visiting Mexico a year ago, I’ve had the itch to go back to Latin America, this time, with a purpose. I looked into studying abroad, and everything related. Financial restrictions did not allow for study abroad. Thus, I was left with other ways to make my adventure happen. I looked into the Peace Corps, and other opportunities available to students for the summer, or even after I graduate from the University of Texas.

One day, I was at a favorite study spot on the lake with my best friend, studying Spanish. He said that the only way I will become fluent is to immerse myself, and live somewhere with the language. Well, with all my restrictions, how is that going to happen? A man that was also on the patio chimed in, and told me about how he lived in Spain. Then a woman named Emlyn then also chimed in talking to me about Cultural Embrace, and how there are many options for me to make my dream happen. I met up with her later and viola, now I am a marketing intern here at Cultural Embrace, in which my work will be returned with a trip to Antigua, Guatemala, where I will help the community, reach fluency in Spanish, and provide in depth blogs and videos for Cultural Embrace to use in the future. Internship, and my Latin American experience? Talk about killing two birds. Some things just work out, and I’m starting to believe I’m meant to do this! If my friend had not said anything, and that random guy never chimed in, then where would I be! So, I am on my road to Antigua.

As of now, I’m planning the dates, working hard at my Spanish skills, and already thinking about what to pack! June can’t come soon enough sometimes. Summer in Austin is one of my favorite things in the world, but this experience is going to be the highlight of my college years. I’m just bouncing with excitement thinking about it.

However, my nerves are definitely on end. Travelling alone can seem extremely risky to me sometimes, but it’s nothing I haven’t done before! My parents are supportive, nervous wrecks, but supportive! They are going to buy their tickets to visit when I have dates set.

So, where to go from here? I guess I should start doing my research about Antigua, and find more about  my living arrangements.

Right now the internship with Cultural Embrace in Austin has taught me soooo much. Way more than classes have, but everything I learned about marketing, advertising, and communication has been very useful. I work on various marketing projects, as well as social media and online communications. I even got to use my fitness expertise also!! :D 

I enjoy the things I do here, and am really grateful for this experience, as it has been one most valuable.

I love to write and hope to have fun with this blog, expect a lot of pictures...and some rambling here and there :)

Hasta Luego,

Haley

April's A-Ha! Travel Moments ~ Jennifer Campbell

Although I had A-Ha! moments coming out of my ears the first time I traveled abroad alone, there’s one in particular that keeps me motivated to go after even my “wildest” dreams.

I’ll preface: Remember the spin-the-globe-to-see-where-you’re-going-to-live-when-you-grow-up game from when you were a kid? Well, that’s how I discovered Tasmania. It seemed so exotic and fantastical and I can remember scheming my future escapades in my tree fort later that afternoon. I held on to the dream
of one day experiencing Tasmania for years but considered it a near-impossible mission that only wealthy world travelers, enamored drifters who could afford a one-way plane ticket or Looney Tunes cartoon artists were able to experience. But, as it turns out, I was wrong.

My A-Ha! moment came last year as I stood in Wine Glass Bay, Tasmania staring out from the white, powder sand beach into the crystal clear blue and green water. I did it. I’d sorted out a work and travel Australia visa and a plane ticket, saved enough from my paychecks working in Sydney to afford the trek to Tasmania and convinced two friends to come with me and live in a (tiny) hired car and exist on canned beans for nearly the entire trip to make our travel funds last. My mind started rolling… if I could make this thing happen, man, I could do anything. Traveling the world and submersing myself in foreign cultures and lands didn’t seem so far-fetched anymore… it was absolutely achievable.

That awesome moment led me to unearth a majestic gratitude for life and all of its opportunities and  permanently disabled the part of my brain that filters seemingly ridiculous ideas and dreams. …Anything is possible. Just, make it happen.


Jennifer Campbell
Cultural Embrace Work & Travel Australia 2009/2010

April's A-Ha! Travel Moments ~ Abigail Goldstein

My A-ha! moment was definitely in the middle of last semester. I was feeling homesick....for China? I then expressed my need to travel back here to my parents. I figured it would be a great internship opportunity, as well as a great way to learn Chinese. I also think its a good way to gradually enter into the "real world" and experience things on my own. What a great decision it was! I absolutely enjoy it here, I have made many new friends and acquaintances, which is always refreshing especially if it is something you accomplish entirely on your own. That aside, I landed in the perfect office. Soon I will begin training to learn how to do basic travel sales, and it sounds like I will soon be putting my advertising skills to good use. This is one a-ha moment I will never regret or forget!
Abby Goldstein
Volunteer in China 2010
Current Intern in China 2011