Yesterday was one of those perfect ‘do nothing’ days, that we rarely allow ourselves to encounter in our busy lifestyle. I just returned back to Austin after being on the road promoting Cultural Embrace for most of the fall season. I was actually content with the chilly, dreary, rainy weather in Austin, as it gave me an excuse to stay wrapped up in blankets in bed or on my couch, sipping Green tea and hot cocoa, and catching up with the piles of mail, magazines, and books that I have neglected for three months--yes, even on a Saturday, UT home game night, before a holiday work week.

It was a perfect day. I read articles from Oprah magazine, salivated over Food & Wine’s holiday menus and recipes, dog-eared pages from various travel and industry trade magazines for further research, and admired the physique and tips from trainers of fitness and health magazines (while dipping my hand in the cookie jar…duh!) By early evening, I mustered the cold, wet weather to do some necessary errands. Actually, I would have preferred to stay put as a hermit crab, but I left my tube of Crest in the last hotel I stayed at, so toothpaste was definitely a necessity! Waiting in the checkout line, a little boy was with his mother, and pointing at the video “Up” advertised at the RedBox video rental stand. He was hopping up and down like a wind-up toy, repeatedly shouting “Mami, podemos ver el video ‘Up’”. His excitement was contagious, so I went over to the Redbox stand, and rented the movie.

Surprisngly, it was one of THE best movies that I have ever seen and touched me so much, that I want to write about it. Pixar does it again, with a beautiful, uplifting, witty story that addresses the spirit of adventure, love, dreams, friendships, child-elderly bond, animal welfare, relationships, and heroes. Not to give away the full story, but here's a quick summary of the storyline, and why you must watch it: 78-years old Carl Fredrickson ties thousands of balloons to his house to set off on a journey to fulfill his (and his departed wife, Ellie) lifelong dream to live by Paradise Falls in South America. After lift off, he discovers that an 8-years old boy, named Russell, who is trying to earn an ‘assisting the elderly’ badge to graduate from his Wilderness Troop was stowed away in his home. The two form an unique friendship and relationship as they embark in an adventure, while meeting jungle birds, talking dogs, and an evil villain.  

Which character do you think best resembles you? Or maybe you have a combination of them? Perhaps you are an Ellie that seeks adventure; or a Carl that is determined by love and honor to live out his and his late wife’s dream; or Russell, who lives life through care and assistance; or Dug who is loyal to a ‘master’ that he entrusts; or Kevin that is passionate for chocolate and family?

I believe there are "Up" character traits in each of us. While Pixar does an amazing job animating life and providing us entertainment (no matter what age you are), Cultural Embrace is here to be your helium tank. We will fill the balloons necessary for you to go on a safe and exhilarating journey. We will provide pre-departure and English-speaking local support, to take the weight off of your shoulders, and alleviate the stress and struggles to reach your dream, passion, and quest to reach the “Spirit of Adventure”.

Although I cherish my rare ‘do nothing’ days, it only took 1-1/2 hours watching this DVD to rejuvenate my spirit and energy. So, replicating Ellie’s closing of her scrapbook, “Thanks for the adventure. Now go have a new one.” Love, Emlyn

BE INSPIRED: Jena Ross Currently on Placement Teaching in China

This month, our spotlight is on Jena Ross, who is currently in Qingdao, China teaching English to adults at a college for one semester.  Jena's lifelong fascination with different people and their cultures spurred her on towards living and teaching abroad: "Over time, my curiosity for people and their various outlooks on life transformed into a love. . . When considering what to do following my graduation this May, I knew where I would be: abroad."

Jena recently graduated as a Psychology major from Point Loma Nazarene University, where she often tutored her fellow students in Sociology and Cultural Anthropology.  She also participated in a Jamaican Immersion volunteer trip, and spent a year studying abroad in Florence, Italy.  These experiences strengthened her love and desire for cultural immersion: "[Studying in Italy] was a gift to be able to interact with a culture for an extended period of time.  I was able to form meaningful relationships with Italian natives and gain a better understanding of Italy in general."  

In the future, Jena hopes to teach Anthropology, International Communications, or Art Education at a university, and sees Teaching in China as an opportunity that "would help propel me in whichever avenue I decide to choose. . .  my love for people, my life long yearning for cultural interaction, and my overall goals have strongly motivated my desire to teach in China."  

WHERE YOU CAN TEACH We offer paid teaching opportunities in: Mexico,Guatemala, Chile, China,Thailand and India We offer voluntary teaching opportunities in: Africa,Cambodia, China, India andLatin America We offer language exchange programs in: Brazil, Spain,Costa Rica, Argentina   and China