PERSPECTIVES FROM TEAM LEADER

For the last couple of weeks I have been pretty much computerless, hairdryerless, phoneless-- like living in an electronic void. Luckily most of my host families have had computer access to check e-mail etc. , but I have not been able to download pictures for the blog. Plus the team has done such a good job with keeping it updated-- it has made my work nil for that.
         To all of the families and friends of this group of outstanding women:-- you should really be extremely proud of each and everyone of them. Over the last four weeks,I have watched a group of young women who didn't know a thing about each other-- some well traveled and some not-- become a very cohesive group whether they know it or not. They have all had to deal with some strange individual situations as well as some group situations that could have turned out pretty difficult--- but they all  come together and we work it out.
I have watched some changes in confidence, fear, and adaptation that many people would not be able to handle.  Although,  I do not think that each team member will immediately see how their life has changed by participating in this program-- over time-- the experiences of this trip will help all deal with new life situations.
        As a group, we go through periods of time ( imagine a group of 5 women together for 30 days!)-- of a little whining-- but not too much- a bit of frustration, and alot of amazement at the things we have seen and done-- and mostly- alot of laughing til tears come out quite often and  big wide eyed looks of
"what the heck"-- usually directed at me !!!  We have alot of "favorite" sayings now that we say amongst each other-( mostly laughing)- my most famous after getting alot of questions constantly is: "I don't know"........
        The GSE is coming to an end shortly, with one more day of shopping and probably eating alot.  All I  can say is that each one of these very special women has touched my heart and I think alot of others around them and I certainly am proud to know each and every one of  our team!