Final Blog for 08J

Well everything and I mean everything has been counted and stored, the kit is away, the toilets are scrubbed and the tents are shut tight. Tonight is our last day here at Fieldbase as a staff team before we head to the Carribbean Coast for some well deserved R & R. But as per usual before I sign off for one last time, there are some things I would like to say:

To the venturers - from the very first day I knew we were on to something special, you came together beautifully as a group and as individuals you all pushed yourselves way beyond your limits. It was a massive priveledge for us to be part of your Raleigh adventure. We look forward to hearing the great things that you will undoubtedly get up to over the course of your life. Please remember to keep making a positive difference to this world and thank you for making a positive difference to our lives.

To the Volunteer Managers and Fieldbase Team - Thank you for your amazing work, for the time and energy you have pumped in to making this such a great expedition. I hope this wonderful feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction lives on for a long time to come.

To the supporters from afar - thank you for all your wonderful support. It has meant so much to us all here, and we have all got a kick out of reading the heart felt messages. I hope you are proud of your venturer and that you continue to support them in their future adventures, and I hope that perhaps their efforts inspire you to "Get out there" and experience this wonderful world.

So from Costa Rica (where it is still raining) have the most amazing Christmas and New Year, stay safe and happy and don't forget to wake up each day, stand at the end of your bed and yell the following - I'm alive, I'm awake and I feel great!!!!!!!!!!

Raleigh Reflections - (I'm not entirely sure of the source, but I can't claim any credit here)

My Raleigh Experience

Everyone in this room has had an impact on the experience I have had over the past 3 months so I have a few things to say about what this experience has meant to me.

I have laughed until my tummy hurts and cried a few tears too.

I have leapt around excited like a five year old and been as grumpy as an old man.

I have met people who will be in my life forever and people I am glad to have known if only for a short time.

I have stared up at the sky and felt there was nowhere in the world I’d rather be.

I have stared up at the sky and wished to god I was somewhere else!!!

I have seen proof time and time again of the enormous impact one human being can have on another.

I have witnessed honesty and bravery that has taken my breath away.

I have learnt some painful lessons that will help me to achieve more in the future.

I have watched friendships form and grow and been constantly impressed by the care and support that exists between the people in this room.

I have seen grit and determination etched on to many different faces.

I have been bowled over by the time, energy and effort that has been put into making someone smile.

I have seen people push through emotional and physical barriers to achieve things they would never have thought possible.

I have seen futures open up and endless possibilities shine through where before there was uncertainty.

I have made a difference to people and people have made a difference to me.

I have been part of something far huger than me, working with 48 other people from very different lives to achieve something that I believe to be amazing.

Every second has had an impact on me.

I have loved this time.