You named your blog WHAT?

Choosing titles, team names or any sum-it-all-up-in-one-word processes tend to create a brief moment of angst for me. Unnecessary as that may seem, it may lend some insight as to why I chose to name this Blog: Mailbox Inspired. Not only this, but also why this blog will be relatively short as I have spent far too long mulling over a proper title.

Now that I have one I would like to elaborate on it's significance.

After returning from Heredia this past summer an idea continually seemed to circuit my mind. I wished for a way to "give" my experience to other people. Dissatisfied with only being able to share pictures, stories and gifts-bought, I desired to do more. Realizing the limitations of this wish I settled with sharing the gifts, pictures and the stories with anyone willing to listen or who inquired about my experiences.

Then in early September an opportunity came along that at the time I did not realize was a way for me to fulfill this wish: the opportunity to host a student from Germany for two weeks. Her name was Sarah and it would take an entirely separate blog to share the joy she brought to my family, the escapades we shared and the bond we established considering the time constraint. The irony of this exchange lies within the "teacher-learner" construct of traditional exchange programs. Sarah learned a lot from her experience here; however, I am convinced I matched, if not surpassed, her in lessons learned from this experience.

One memory that I recall on a daily basis describes why I chose this title. Upon arriving at my home for the first time with Sarah, she shrieked when her eyes fell upon the mailbox at the end of the driveway. "WOW! A real mailbox!" It was not until this moment had I found anything spectacular about a mailbox. This instance remains so close to my heart because it reminds me of the importance to understand the lens through which I view my surroundings. I hope to transfer this child-like curiosity and awe which Sarah held for her experience in Watertown, South Dakota to my experience in South Africa. I can no longer retrieve the mail without smiling. Thank you Sarah.