My dearest 33, 34, 35 and 36 year old me,
I know we are facing a difficult task ahead. Imagine dreaming of watching an Olympics is quite an expensive dream for someone from a 3rd world country living in a paycheck to paycheck basis.
But this dream is something that I want to fulfill by Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics.
I think this is the most feasible time to do it.
Firstly, Filipino tourists are not required to apply for a special visa to enter Brazil . This at least lessen the daunting task of preparing to tour or visit a country outside ASEAN region.
Second, the weather will not be a hinder. For the past, I observed that my body cannot take too cold temperature. Anything that is too cold that touches my body, will cause some reactions that I have to take celestamine to fight it. I haven't seen a doctor about it though.
Here are some of the major task we have to do:
Money Matters
1) Save up money for plane ticket - USD 5,000.00 Timeline: Sept 2012 - Aug 2015.
2) Save up money for board and lodging at least USD 3,000.00
3) Save up money for other expenses at least USD 2,000.00
For money matters, research earlier-on for discounts or any promos with regards to the Olympics. Take advantage of marketing promotions by companies who ties-up with the Olympics 2016. Check hotels/motel earlier and try to befriend with them to negotiate a more reasonable rates. Sincerity is important in any negotiations. For the past 32 years, I realized that there are lots of people who are willing to help you in every way they could as long as you ask and you are sincere in asking.
Physical Condition
As I don't have an athletic body, I must persevere to at least be stay healthy. Going to an Olympic event specially in a tight budget would take an added physical push. Why take taxi if you can save by walking?
Also, I don't have an idea yet how the event will be done and where each sport will be located, so it will be the best idea to be physically fit to endure any physical task.
Spiritual and Mental Preparedness
As I always believe, God won't bring me, where his grace can't reach me. This dream of mine is always at the back of my mind since I was young. And it's like a light bulb that suddenly came into my head this year after watching London 2012 Olympics.
Last August 30,2012 while doing my morning walk, I was praying( literally looking up to the sky while there is an airplane and talking to God how will I do this) and when I went back to my room for breakfast and online mass, for some reason a Brazilian or Portugese priest (i'm not sure of this nationality) Fr. Cristiano Barbosa was the one celebrating the mass. After that, I had the strong feeling that my dream was already blessed by God and must go ahead and pursue it.
I really wish I have someone with me. My mother, my two brothers and if God will blessed me more, I have my loving husband with me (hmmm... i think having a husband should be in a separate prayer, LOL).
Athletes I believe are thru example of God's gift. There physical attributes and character to persevere and be determined to be the best of themselves are definitely a grace from above.
All of us can dream but very few like these Olympians are determine to follow and fulfill their dreams. And with this, I want to personally watch, support and appreciate these people who fight to follow and fulfill their dreams.
With the above, it will be a challenge, for sure many will laugh and many eyebrows will raise. Do not fret, do not loose hope, and do not give up.
For sure there will be discouragements along the way, see this as a challenge on how to further reach for it. Never give up on this dream.
Live for Passion. Let the 36 year old me be in Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics.
Yours truly,
32 year old me
