I returned home from my final CGA trip of 2014 two months ago. I have started, and restarted a culmination blog. What to say? "How was it?" Amazing. "Which country did you like the most?" Don't make me choose. "When is your next trip?" Too far away.
This blog means I have to admit this leg of adventure is over. I have a year at least to wait to see everyone again. I have avoided this undeniable fact for two months. I have buried my head in plans for next year, dreams of travel this winter, and the happenings of the past. This week we had our informational meetings for 2015. I was asked to write a speech, and I did. On percocet, recovering from knee surgery. It was an emotional few days, and I wrote an emotion filled speech. And people liked it. After reading it the second time around, I realized, this was my culmination blog. This was the sum of my summer with Children's Global Alliance. This was my experience in a nutshell.
"To travel is to awaken."- Lily Tsay
Growing up in the United States, we rarely want for anything. Shelter, food and education are readily available. Opportunities are around every corner, urban or rural. One can read books & watch documentaries until you are blue in the face, but until you step off a plane into someone else's life, you truly have no idea what it's like.
Cambodia taught me people can rise above oppression & pain and demonstrate love, kindness and happiness. The most intense beauty can shine through in a simple smile.
In Nicaragua, I was shown how all human beings thrive with love and affection. You must not take for granted the family you have, or unconditional love you are given. No life is less valuable than another.
Tanzania made me realize how important education is, to so many people. For some, all they have is their mind. The only way up and out of their current situation is through schooling. With dedication, anything can happen.
On these trips, I am not only learning from the cultures and locals of the countries I am visiting. I am also learning immensely from the students we bring. The fearlessness they exhibit, stepping so far outside their comfort zones. Their vulnerability, by leaving behind their homes, their friends and their securities.
I feel so honored to be a part of the immense growth and transformation of these students. I am so passionate about Children's Global Alliance and the work we do, and I am so proud to mentor and support these students, not only abroad, but upon our return home.
There are days filled with exhaustion, frustration, sadness, anger and disbelief.
And there are days filled with laughter, smiles, pride and accomplishments.
Every hard situation is worth the struggle, because not only are you making a difference in the life of someone who will never forget you, but you are creating your own powerful, honorable, and worthwhile legacy.
The memories and experiences you have will remain forever in your heart, they will echo in every action, in every day.
These trips serve as a catalyst, propelling you into a purposeful life of service and empowerment.
"In a gentle way, you can shake the world."- Ghandi
This blog means I have to admit this leg of adventure is over. I have a year at least to wait to see everyone again. I have avoided this undeniable fact for two months. I have buried my head in plans for next year, dreams of travel this winter, and the happenings of the past. This week we had our informational meetings for 2015. I was asked to write a speech, and I did. On percocet, recovering from knee surgery. It was an emotional few days, and I wrote an emotion filled speech. And people liked it. After reading it the second time around, I realized, this was my culmination blog. This was the sum of my summer with Children's Global Alliance. This was my experience in a nutshell.
"To travel is to awaken."- Lily Tsay
Growing up in the United States, we rarely want for anything. Shelter, food and education are readily available. Opportunities are around every corner, urban or rural. One can read books & watch documentaries until you are blue in the face, but until you step off a plane into someone else's life, you truly have no idea what it's like.
Cambodia taught me people can rise above oppression & pain and demonstrate love, kindness and happiness. The most intense beauty can shine through in a simple smile.
In Nicaragua, I was shown how all human beings thrive with love and affection. You must not take for granted the family you have, or unconditional love you are given. No life is less valuable than another.
Tanzania made me realize how important education is, to so many people. For some, all they have is their mind. The only way up and out of their current situation is through schooling. With dedication, anything can happen.
On these trips, I am not only learning from the cultures and locals of the countries I am visiting. I am also learning immensely from the students we bring. The fearlessness they exhibit, stepping so far outside their comfort zones. Their vulnerability, by leaving behind their homes, their friends and their securities.
I feel so honored to be a part of the immense growth and transformation of these students. I am so passionate about Children's Global Alliance and the work we do, and I am so proud to mentor and support these students, not only abroad, but upon our return home.
There are days filled with exhaustion, frustration, sadness, anger and disbelief.
And there are days filled with laughter, smiles, pride and accomplishments.
Every hard situation is worth the struggle, because not only are you making a difference in the life of someone who will never forget you, but you are creating your own powerful, honorable, and worthwhile legacy.
The memories and experiences you have will remain forever in your heart, they will echo in every action, in every day.
These trips serve as a catalyst, propelling you into a purposeful life of service and empowerment.
"In a gentle way, you can shake the world."- Ghandi
