Going Home

As I read the many blog messages I can almost taste the excitement building back in Europe as you guys count down the days until your loved ones return. As I myself prepare to return to my own reality I thought I could give you some insight on what it is like, because sometimes returning is a little tougher than we all expect.

We've got a lot of stories to tell, so please be patient with us as we slowly work out that you might not want to hear how many crema biscuits Bob ate on day 5 of phase 2 and that jokes we found hilarious might not necesarily translate.

Please help us to work out how we can continue to do some of the things we may have discovered for the first time here, help us to do what the Raleigh motto says and keep "getting out there"

And please support us to be the sort of person that we may just be discovering and now want to be. If we feel down, and get a case of the Raleigh blues, please know that it has nothing to do with you, it might just take us a little while to settle.

And finally - please have your ovens ready - we have been talking about food and our first meal since day 1!!!


Due to personal reasons I am heading home today - and it is with more than one flood of tears that I pack up my room and desk which has served me so well since arriving in June. Yet again I have had the most amazing time on expedition and this is largely due to the venturers who continue to inspire, surprise and challenge me on a daily basis. Some brilliant young people, you can and should be incredibly proud of them - I certainly am.

Below is a reading which has been adapted for Raleigh -I think it goes a long way in explaining our sentiments.

Raleigh Reflections

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 106 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.

Enjoy the last week of hearing of their adventures from afar and really enjoy having these guys home!

Saludos

Anna