Greetings all,

First of all I want to say it has been such an honor and blessing to experience such a trip with each of your children.  We are having the time of our lives, but it hasn’t been without exhaustion and the ever-present moments of the unknowns only found while traveling in foreign countries.  For some it creates great anxiety, for others – great anticipation and excitement.  I have come to realize that this trip, above all is a right of passage for many of our young cherubs.  I am watching them gain confidence by the second.  After our initial culture shock wore off a couple days ago – the kids are consistently surprising themselves and us with surrendering to the experiences, problem solving, engaging and leading.  Genevieve is wearing dresses, as is Philip – Russell has yet to be seen without a smile on his face and/or giggling.  Caroline has been a rockstar after having been sick yesterday, she bounced back and asked the Tibetan family we met today poignant and beautiful questions about their lives. RD is steady and strong and always positive. Ryan Valas and his constant hijinks keep us all laughing.  While Colin Ellis has been under the weather for the last two days, he pushed through like a champ and the group embraced him.  The lessons and true value of each day is found in moments like this – they are letting go of any previous judgment formed long ago in the small bubble of Denver Academy and each is redefining themselves, taking risks, trusting each other, and becoming worldly adults!  While homesickness has been an issue with many – this has been part of this major step into adulthood for your children who will return as wise people.  This is my fourth time leading an international trip, and with that this is the youngest group I have had – however, one thing sets them apart from all other groups – there is an eerie lack of complaints … and, subsequently, no complaints from me.  

Back to the kids – Marco has been an endless ball of energy soaking in every ounce of information while looking out for the group constantly.  Not surprising- Sam DeLine has stepped up as a trip leader and veteran – offering a grounded peace for all.  Philip is simply living it up – loving it!  Did I mention he is wearing only sarongs?  Sam Singer is super positive, hanging out with everyone and is always there to lend a helping hand.  Masala has been finding an identity and radiating compassion, a peace and a voice that soothes everyone he encounters.  So – the girls?  Well – let me just say this – the girls, Genevieve, Corey, and Caroline have been the strongest of all!  They are proving without a doubt that women are simply stronger than men (dang it! Hehe)!  The three of them have been exemplary travelers!  I can’t say enough about each of them and yes – I bow down to the strength that women possess in this world – these three (along with Mrs. Zurfluh and Souser) are really starting to intimidate the men with their endless ability to push through, lead, radiate and be symbols of resilience and morale boosters!  Way to go girls!  I encourage you all to leave comments on the blog.

Namaste

Ramsey Brookhart