The stamps in my passport are very interesting. Some are big and bold, others are multi-colored and others have neat symbols or pictures, all representing the countries I have visited.
Every stamp means so much more to me than just a puddle of ink on sturdy printed paper. Every one of them reminds me of how fortunate I am to be able to travel the world. As an American citizen, it is easier for me to gain entry into most places in the world.
What’s in the details!
Not only are the stamps interesting, so is the rest of the passport. Have you noticed what’s inside? Well, let’s take a look.
The opening begins with the Secretary of State requesting that the passport holder be permitted to pass without delay or hindrance to another destination. That’s pretty powerful!
Then there is the Preamble…which is a brief introductory statement of our Constitution’s fundamental purposes and guiding principles. It’s often referred to as our Founding Father’s intentions regarding the Constitution’s meaning and what they hoped the Constitution would achieve.
There are also thirteen quotes from past presidents, poets, activists, scholars and writers that line the top of each spread.
There are iconic patriotic scenes and American icons that are imbedded behind the collage of overlapping stamps. The Statue of Liberty, a bald eagle, and Mt Rushmore, are some of the examples.
American landscapes are reproduced in the backgrounds; cacti of the southwest, wide, open plains of the Midwest, and tropical palms of the Hawaiian Islands. It’s a wonderful document that shows a little bit of what represents America.
I’m sure it will be no surprise that I have saved my old passports. Something about these documents, the ones that literally enable us to ‘pass’ through the ‘ports’ of the world, seem too valuable to casually discard. They unlock history—our travel history, so to speak.
The best education you will ever get is traveling. Nothing teaches you more than exploring the world and accumulating experiences. -Mark Paterson
I have carried this essential document with me through airports around the world, largely unaware of its weight in my hand. It has provided me access to so many destinations. It’s like a magic key that unlocks the door to different destinations! That’s pretty remarkable. As I look closely, each page not only shows creative and colorful stamps, but it holds so many fantastic memories that I love to relive over and over again.
Here are my favorite passport stamps!
Machu Picchu – Peru
Among all the passport stamps, my favorite one – I just love the visual appearance – is probably the one I got when I traveled to Machu Picchu in Peru. Visiting this remarkable site had been on the top of my bucket list for a long time. I have vivid memories of passing through the entrance and turning the corner only to catch my first glimpse of Machu Picchu. I was speechless. I just stood still looking at the beauty that was before my eyes.
When you travel with children you are giving something that can never be taken away…experience, exposure and a way of life. -Pamela T. Chandler
Madrid, Spain
Spain is another destination that brings back many fond memories. In 2011, I hosted my first group of students on an international adventure through Spain. We touched down in Madrid and explored many towns, cities, museums, cathedrals and historic sites in Spain. This was a trip of many firsts for the students…first time traveling abroad, first time experiencing a new culture, first time trying traditional Spanish cuisine, first time practicing their Spanish with the locals and for some the first time on an airplane. It’s so neat to hear that many of them have continued their love of travel by studying abroad as a part of their college career.
Entebbe, Uganda
Uganda, to me…is the “Happiest place on Earth”. I love this stamp because it brings back many happy memories. I had an opportunity to travel to Nebbi, Uganda with 3 friends to serve at “Acres of Hope”, a non-profit organization that provides HOPE and a future to orphans and vulnerable children. Pastor Goffrey Keronga and his staff provide children with basic needs such as food, shelter, medical care and an education. Their goal is that the children will mature and become productive, generous citizens who will pay it forward and be bright lights in their community.
While there, we taught 30 house moms entrepreneurship skills…specifically how to start a business from having a vision, to writing a business plan, accounts payables and receivables, paying themselves a salary and more. At the end of the week, the ladies felt so empowered and were ready to move forward with an action plan. They received certificates of completion and we celebrated their successful journey with a wonderful meal, dancing and the best African music!
Republic of Nicaragua
The Republic of Nicaragua is another stamp that brings back wonderful memories. I was invited by NC State University and the Cary-Page Rotary to partner with the Fuller Center for Housing to build 4 houses for families in a small fishing village called Las Peñitas, Nicaragua just outside of Leon. There was a team of 16 that went on the journey!
The Fuller Center for Housing is a faith-driven and Christ centered organization that promotes collaborative and innovative partnerships in an unrelenting quest to provide adequate shelter for all people in need worldwide.
We laid the foundation for the 4 houses, made vats of cement, placed the rebar in position and built the cinder block walls…basically framing the houses.
I also enjoyed teaching the children in the village while their teacher was in town attending a workshop.
The best part was getting to know the families in the village and learning about their love of life, family and community!
Now it’s your turn – what stamp do you want in your passport next? I’m sure you have one or two places you want to explore. I’d love to hear about them!
And by the way…last week I challenged you to check the expiration date on your passport. I’m so glad some of you noticed that yours needs to be renewed! Don’t delay! The world is opening back up and so many destinations can’t wait to see you in person!
What’s on your bucket list? Let’s plan it together!
Remember to take care, wash your hands and stay healthy!
