Reflections

I've been home for a couple weeks now and it's given me a chance to reflect on the trip. I am so glad I went, I had some doubts a few times (not knowing anyone, the cost, the long flight, the language barrier etc) but I am so glad I did not fall for any of those. Even though it was rough at times I grew so much and learnt so much about myself and those around me.

Things I discovered:

I love traveling and I love seeing and discovering new places, new cultures, new history, new languages and new food.

It doesn't matter what I'm doing but God has graced me with an uncanny ability to hurt myself no matter what but things always work out for the best.

I may not be capable of doing everything but I am confident that what I can do makes a big difference and is appreciated.

I am meant to serve. I find joy and hope in helping others.

I enjoy meeting new people; getting to know them and working beside them.

You can grow through an experience of meeting amazing new people, becoming close and then having to part after 2 weeks. It is the sadness of parting that matters, it's the time you spent together and the tears and joys you've shared.

I shouldn't never complain about my life. And even though I get down about how things work out or don't work out, I have absolutely nothing to complain about.

If someone can have joy, hope and faith in the situations in which the are in, despite how depressing and sad that situation may be, I can have joy in doing the menial tasks of life that I sometimes grumble about.

After my visit to Auschwitz, I understand the important of studying history even more; what I have yet to understand is the strength the people who endured the Holocaust must have had and what I will never understand is how humans can terrorize others so badly.

Service and charity work are a very important part of living a meaningful and fulfilling life.

I will be doing this again, many times and I will support others in their own missions. Because it doesn't matter what part you play in such an endeavor you helped to make it happen and I hope that all of you who've helped me are able to feel a bit of the joy I have felt in making a difference in someone else's life! Thank you all for your support!

Please check to the left and Click on the Flickr Photostream to view my pictures from the build as well as from my touristy activities. Thank you once again!!