I have many wishes in my heart, many of which have not been realised up to this day. Disney World nor Disneyland, however, was not one of them. I have far more serious wishes in life---most often, not for myself but for all people I love. Call this melodrama, but it is true. I treasure all the people I love, that is, the Blanco Family and my nephews and my nieces. I laugh when they laugh. I cry when they cry. I hurt when they hurt. If something's goes wrong in anyone of them, it affects me tremendously that I always feel like I am going to die before anyone of them. These people are the only family I have and I connect with them deeply. They are my home and I always feel comfortable and relax with them.
God, in His sovereignty, however, knows best. I think perhaps He thought then that I took life so seriously, so He gave me a something I had not even thought of-- Disney World. WoW!
Even if I might have the money then (as I am a great saver!) to go here on my own, I would not probably opt to spend my savings on this, anyway. So He gave me a scholarship which could pay for my visit here and still not hurt the bank balance.
I was already in Gainsville, Florida, USA that summer of 1984. My! As bad as my geography, I thought Orlando was technically like a stone's throw away. So I thought I would be foolish not to consider going to Disney World.
At the end of the orientation given by our Course Coordinator on day 1, he asked all of us whether we had any questions. My co trainees threw all those questions directed to make an impression. When I asked mine, our Course Coordinator nearly fell flat on the floor. What was the question I asked? Plain and simple--how do I go to Disney World?
Hmm... did I make a fool of myself? I knew very well I did not go to Florida to see Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck. My government sent me here on a red passport to learn how to use ionizing radiation and radioistopes in scientific research...
Our old and bearded Course Coordinator was accomodating, though. After all, I was a young lady as he always referred me throughout the entire duration of the course when he spoke of me to his colleagues.
With a little bit of help from his secretary I made it to Disney World at some stage. To be fair to my government and also to myself I carried with me our main textbook in the training course so I could read in between the rides and showcases as I queued up for these.
Even if at the back of my head, I like to celebrate with Donald Duck who I think was celebrating his 51st or something that time, my priority was to learn as much about radiation and radioisotopes and go back to my country ten thousand times smarter.
Truly, I thank God for this episode in my life, that is, being in Disney World. I could been happier however if my little nieces Abigail and JA, were with me.
