Sunday, January 6, 2008

Planes, Trains, and Elephants!


A lump grew in my throat as I poured my daughter's cup of tea down the sink yesterday morning just after she left. It would be the last cup of tea that I could make for her for more than four months. She didn't have time to drink her tea as she bustled around the house, gathering everything she would need for her trip to India that she was too tired to pack the night before; checking off the two lists I had made for her of what needed to be done and what needed to be packed. Still, with all of our plans and preparation, notoriously we are always running around at the last minute in a bit of a panic.

But, after all, this wasn't just any trip. It was a trip that would take my daughter away from us for a big chunk of time--a trip in which Jessica needed to prepare ahead with notarized documents for power of attorney, many inoculations, prescriptions for medications, passport, visa, and plenty more things and details. She would need to take anti-malaria medicine a few days before leaving and everyday while there in India and for a couple of weeks after she arrives home.

I admire Jessica's courage, open mind, and energy to embark on such a trip as a "study abroad college student." However, my mother's heart is concerned about the travel and what lies ahead being so far from home for so long in a foreign country such as this where disease may be rampant and foods, though enjoyable to her, may reek havoc to her small delicate body. Will she get homesick? What if she gets sick? She did get sick in Bangladesh. And then, of course, there was the monsoon in Bangladesh while she was there that took over 1,000 lives and no word from Jessica for days when the electrical power was out there in many places. All kinds of questions spin through my brain, however my heart places her in Jesus' arms and under Mary's mantle. I will envelop her in prayer unceasingly as will the family and friends.

The actual traveling part of Jessica's trip involves three flights - one to Washington, DC to meet up with the small group of eight or so students going to India, another flight to Germany, and the last one to India. After she arrives in India she will take a five hour train ride, a bus and then the last part of her trip by elephant! I am still awaiting word about my daughter's safe arrival at her destination in India. Her journey will continue until Monday sometime.

Last night when all was quiet, I sat on Jessica's bed to say some more prayers in addition to prayers all day for her and her fellow group of students. I felt blessed and comforted to be able to pray from a special prayer book that belonged to my dear friend, Fr. Bill. I didn't hold back on any prayers to our dear Blessed Mother, prayers for protection from the mighty Arch Angels and our beloved Saints. You can bet that I am waiting to exhale my big sigh of relief when I get word of my daughter's safe arrival in India- please God.

If you feel so inclined, dear reader, please say a little prayer for my brave daughter, for her trip, and her extended stay in India - a place I hope to go to someday because of my affiliation with and love for Blessed Mother Teresa and the poor in Calcutta.

(photo is Jessica about to leave early in the morning with her pillow under her arm to catch a little nap on the way to the airport)

12 comments:

Heidi Hess Saxton said...

Your post today made me think of what my parents must have gone through the years I spent in Senegal, West Africa (I was 20). If her experience is anything like mine was, she will come back a very different person than she was when she left (in a good way). Joining my prayers with yours for your daughter's health and safety!

Blessings, Heidi

Karen Edmisten said...

I'm praying for your brave and beautiful daughter, Donna!

Sarah Reinhard said...

A wise woman once suggested to me that starting a novena was just the thing. I would have to say, reading this with tears hovering at the back of my eyes, that NOW is a great time to start a novena to St. Joseph, wouldn't you say? :) I know you can't always email me well, but I'm thinking that starting, well, MONDAY, is a good time, so that's when I'll be starting. :) {{{hugs}}} (and prayers and kisses and steaming cups of tea)

Cmerie said...

I will keep your daughter and class in my prayers. Wow! India! What an experience she will have!

Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle said...

Hi Heidi,

Wow, you must have had quite an experience in West Africa! Thanks for your kind words. I feel the same way--that this may be a life-changing experience for her. THANK YOU for your prayers!

God bless,
Donna

Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle said...

Karen,

Thank you so very much for your prayers! I appreciate them very much.

God bless,
Donna

Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle said...

Sarah,

YES, I would say, dear Sarah, that starting a novena to St. Joseph is the perfect idea. You're a girl after my own heart! Good St. Joseph. Thanks so much for starting the novena to St. Joseph with me! (Email me because when I email you, it bounces back! And then, when I respond to your email, it goes through - strange.) But, good St. Joseph will be hearing a lot more from all of us, won't he?

God bless and hugs,
Donna

Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle said...

CMerie,

Thank you so much for your prayers!

God bless,

Donna

Alice Gunther said...

She is completely beautiful, and I am praying! Praying for Jessica safety and for your peace of mind.

What a lovely girl.

Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle said...

Thank you so very much, Alice. Your prayers are much appreciated!

God bless you!

Donna

Tracy said...

How awesome and how proud you must be of your daughter. Please keep us updated on how she is doing!! Blessings!

Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle said...

Thank you, Tracy! Yes, I am very proud of her.

God bless you,
Donna