Notes from New York City, New York, February 2005:

Imagine. Me. A girl from a small town in SC. I grew up dreaming of the world out there beyond me, never believing I would really see it. Now almost a half century of my life has passed. I have seen much and traveled far and wide. And once in a while, I get to do something, that for me is close to the ultimate travel and life experience. This trip to NYC, was one of those travel times.

In February 2005, I had spent the day at the United Nations building and I visited Ground Zero, and I participated in a once in a lifetime cultural event, the Christos Gates in Central park.

At the United Nations, I spent the afternoon with a group of social workers from around the nation listening to men and women from around the world talk about the issues facing women and children today. Of most important to me, was the new information on an old problem, human trafficking. It continues to be a significant social problem with transnational roots.

I toured the Ground Zero site and with tears in my eyes offered my prayers on behalf of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

And I walked through the Christos Gates, knowing I would never have the opportunity to participate in this exact artistic endeavor ever again.

debra:)