Saturday, May 31, 2008

The Saga is About to Begin

The adventure begins early tomorrow morning with a flight from Little Rock to Chicago then from Chicago to Beijing. I'm not looking forward to the travel; but, like a small child around Christmas time, I can't wait for all this to start.

In reality, this adventure began months ago with an application. Aramark, my employer and the company providing food service for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games (the 14th Olympics for Aramark), opened up the application process months ago. I applied, not really expecting to be chosen. I met all the qualifications but am only one of thousands of qualified chefs from all over the globe. I felt my chances were slim to none. I don't know what stood out on my application or resume but I was chosen.

The process since then, the past few months, has been a whirlwind of shopping, interviews, physical exams, US Embassy registration, the works.

Now, the shopping is finished, the passport and visa secured, plane tickets purchased, and bags are packed.

My only fear is the language barrier. I have lived outside the US before and am fluent in Portuguese because of the experience. Unfortunately, I speak absolutely no Chinese, and my efforts the past couple of months to learn at least a little have proven fruitless. This will be challenge leading a team of Chinese cooks. It will be intersting to see how this aspect of the experience unfolds.

4 comments:

Janae' said...

We are so excited for you!!! You are amazing and I am sure you will communicate just fine!! Good luck and our prayers will be with you as you travel.

Jo said...

Bob,

We've been thinking about you and hoping you arrived safely.

We look forward to hearing all about your adventures.

The Utah Halls

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on this incredible adventure and opportunity. It's great to see a SHS grad in the limelight! I hope you will sieze every opportunity to enjoy the journey.

Stay safe and have fun!

Tom Sledge

Kim said...

bobby

we are so proud of you. breanna and i are cvering you with prayer every day. Wish we could have seen you memoral day, but just did not work out.

Can not wait to see you and hear about it when you get back.

God as blessed you so much - Cook your heart out, cousin. Know we are all so proud of you. Except for the heavy cooking load, I am alittle jealous of you.hahaha.

Take care - Love you bunches - Kim & Breanna