Thank you

For the last three years my family had been planning a trip to Thailand to celebrate the marriage of my Uncle Rick and his beautiful wife Anne. Unfortunately we had to cancel our trip due to the protest over there. I can’t even begin to explain how bummed I was. I wanted to find another way to witness a different culture and experience life in a whole new way.

One of my goals was to get off the normal tourist path and really get to know local people. I found a program that will help me do just that. Cross Cultural Solutions is an international volunteer program that has home bases in 12 countries. I chose Cross Cultural Solutions because of their experience and dedication to helping people in need.

I definitely want to thank my family, who has helped make my dreams come true. I especially want to thank my Grandpa Dick, who also traveled to India in his early twenties and had very inspiring stories. He made a very generous contribution to my program and also sent me an awesome digital camcorder that will allow me to share more of my experience with everyone! Thanks Grandpa!

I also want to give a special thanks to Granny Sandy and Uncle Rick. They have opened my eyes and heart to not only traveling within the states but international as well. I’ve been so fortunate to have a wonderful family that taught me the value of tolerance and understanding for people of all shapes, sizes, & colors. They also taught me appreciation for cultures so different from my own, and showed me how big the world really is.

I want to thank everyone that contributed to my program: Grandpa, Granny, Marry-Ellen, Mom & Dave, Rick &Anne, Jim & Sharon, Carlisle, Grandma Joan, Uncle Bo & Darleen and last but not least, my Dad. Thank you so much! Your support is greatly appreciated!

Another person I want to sincerely thank is my step-mom Amy…who inspired me when I was twelve years old, to follow my heart, with a camera in hand. She taught me to capture the beauty I see in our world and treasure it. Without her wisdom and skills that she passes down to me, I’m certain I would not be the same person I am today.

I also want to thank my awesome supervisor, Lisa who is allowing me to take the time off work to go on such an extravagant vacation and my great team of Admin Clerks that will be covering for me while I’m gone. I also want to thank all my friends around the office that have expressed their excitement for me and encouraged me as I’ve planed my trip.

Finally, I want to thank my boyfriend Evan, who fully supports me in whatever crazy idea I come up with.

I can’t wait to share my photos, video’s and stories with all of you!