Bosnia-Herzegovina, as part of Yugoslavia, helped found the World Organization of the Scout Movement in 1922.    “Budi spreman!”, they cry —  their version of Be Prepared!

All over the world, scouts are shouting their version of the motto.  Personally, I prefer the Armenian translation:    Always Prepared, Elevate Yourself and Others with You.   

The Hirn men, all scouts, understand the importance of ‘being prepare.’  And, thanks to the scout leaders, have also learned the importance of “elevating yourself and others with you.”

Always Prepared is my motto, or my delusion, I don’t know which.  The strongest motto sets you in the right direction, but doesn’t necessarily secure your safety.   Our world trip took us into areas we had never been, without the benefit of cell phone technology, daily weather forecasts, fresh water, meds and transportation.  We did our homework before we left. And though we were ready with bottled water, paper, homeschool materials, and a few meds, we could not anticipate everything.  We understood before we left-Pakistan, Egypt, Iran, Iraq and Syria- were not places we would be going.  In 1992, Ron and I dared not step foot in the Balkan because of the vicious Yugoslavian war.    But it was safe enough when we returned with the kids.  What a blessing the Balkan was to us each!

Some signs are promising:                                                Others, not so much!

We are bracing ourselves for a second US hurricane hit in a month. Harvey left unprecedented damage in Texas, and now Irma is on the warpath.  Nobody in her path can Be Prepared alone. It takes a team of friends, neighbors, weather forecasters, and public service announcements.  But regardless of the warnings, unless you are wise enough to take direction, you may find yourself in the middle of a 10 ft. storm surge.  And no amount of bottled water or canned food at that point is going to help you.

Be Prepared.  Better yet, stay Always Prepared listening to those around you, accepting offers of those out of state who beg you to come away from the storm’s path.   You know who you are!

Stay safe!  Be wise.  And Be Prepared.

Dawn