Ready to Go & Thank Yous!

Hi everyone,

It finally feels real. I'm leaving for 3 months! I can't believe the amount of love and support I have had and am having for this trip. Between my professors, parents and friends I'm making this trip work and I hope in return I'll gain from it and learn to help others also.

It was hard to say good-bye even though I know I won't be gone for too long. But I am a strong advocate for learning to grow by being by yourself sometimes and being uncomfortable when you travel. There are so many things we gain when we are by ourselves and step outside our comfort zones. I believe this makes us stronger.

When I left for Northern Ireland back in 2011 with Hands for a Bridge the mantra we carried was; "you only have this time and space once." I will carry this message with me wherever I go and I believe it is relevant to me now. HFB really transformed who I am and what I am doing so Thank you wonderful teachers... and...

THANK YOU!

I want to thank my mom for helping me go on this trip and guiding my connections on the way.

I want to thank my dad who is the wisest and most caring person I know-'cause even though we ain't got money I'm so in love with you honey'...

I want to thank my professors Davinder Bhowmick for inspiring me to learn more and Robert Pekkanen for believing in my dreams and catching me after class.

Thank you Shields family for taking such good care of me before my trip and always and Alex- buddy, you are wonderful in every single way!

Always Thanks to Grandpa Tom, for being my home away from home and helping me realize what I need. I love you!

Thank you Maria, my honorary aunt! I hope you enjoyed the times we had together this year. It is always great getting to spend time with you.

Thanks also to Shiori who guided me throughout the last quarter of college with her knowledge!

Thanks to Jean Eberhardt for really making my dreams into reality.

Peace and love to all my friends, family and loved ones!

Alice

#travel #japan #thankyous #hfb