Thursday, March 15, 2012

Postcrossings

     Recently I spent a weekend in Washington DC, with some of my favorite people. These ladies and I share a lot of the same interest; books, travel, learning, and of course great food.  I really admire each one, for they all contribute something special to our little group.
     Jayne, the author in the group, reminds us that there is something to be learned with each new experience.  Janetta, teaches us, not to rush.  That life is better experienced and enjoyed, when you take your time.  Connie....well Connie makes us all laugh, and she has the most wonderful ability to make others feel special.  She is always coming up with some of the most interesting ideas, and challenging us to try new things.
     It was on this last trip that Connie started telling me about a website she had found, called Postcrossing.  My ears certainly perked up when she told me, that this program was developed to foster the concept that we are all brothers and sisters on this earth.  Then she said two of my other favorite words....post cards, and Europe!
     For my friends that really know me, you know that I just love Postcards!  I am always trying to collect them where ever I might go.  They remind me of a time not so long ago, when a trip or a vacation was a big event in the lives of families.  I love nothing better than to find an antique store selling old postcards, from the 40's or 50's, especially if they represent the south during that time period.  I just think those are special!
  




           As for   the European aspect....well, I am totally in LOVE with Europe.  I have been since the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana.  On my first trip to England, I seriously did not want to come home.  I cried all the way to the airport. 
     While living in Virginia, I had the opportunity to host students as I worked for an International Student exchange program.  Our family hosted, two students from Spain, one from France, and one very special child from Russia.  We fell in love with these students, and have never regretted the time that we spent with them.  In the end,we felt that we benefited more by their stay then they did.
     Finally, this week, I sat down and registered an account (it is free by the way.)  The website is very easy to understand, and it has very simple guidelines.  You click on the tab, that says send a postcard, and after a moment or two it gives you a name and address of another member of Postcrossing.  It is that simple!  The website also gives you a brief bio. of the person you are writing to.  So far I have sent five postcards, one to Indiana, two to Belarus, and one to the Netherlands, and one to Italy!  Now I am just waiting for them to be received by my individuals, so that I can send out more and the best part.... I now can start receiving since I have sent five out!
     I am so excited about this project, that I wanted to share it with you!  The website is http://www.postcrossing.com   and I want to invite everyone to take a look  and perhaps give it a try!   You might say, that you wouldn't know what to write... I thought that too, however the website gives you suggestions, and when I began, the words started flowing.
    What can be gained by a project such as this? Well I know for myself, that when I know someone from a certain country or region of the world, I have a better understanding of their lives, their struggles and perhaps their hardships.  And with that said, I certainly have a better appreciation of the blessings, that God has graced me with each and every day.  Check it out friends and let me know what you think!                                      Happy Crossings!!!