Our summer team recently headed back to the US but before that, BEST Club went to Oshima Island. This was one of our most memorable trips from our summer here in 2005 so we were excited to head back. Since it was the final trip before our summer team left, it was also a culmination for both the summer team members and the students they've befriended. Many were in tears on our last night as everyone shared from their hearts. The idea was to hear the "highlights" from each person's summer and thankfulness just overflowed as they spoke. It was sweet to hear how impacted the students were by their new friendships with the summer team and for the summer team to share how much their hearts had become knit to these friends and to Japan. I wish each of you could have been there to experience it.
My personal "highlights" were the students. After recruiting freshmen in April, you never know how long they will stick around. We feel really blessed by those who have stayed and also the upperclassmen who continue to lead BEST. We won't be here forever so it's exciting to see the future of BEST.
I didn't get as many pictures as I'd hoped but here's a few...
The Rood kids are all smiles on the way to the ferry.
My personal "highlights" were the students. After recruiting freshmen in April, you never know how long they will stick around. We feel really blessed by those who have stayed and also the upperclassmen who continue to lead BEST. We won't be here forever so it's exciting to see the future of BEST.
I didn't get as many pictures as I'd hoped but here's a few...
The Rood kids are all smiles on the way to the ferry.
All the girls!
Yasushi, Kyle and Tomohito just after stepping off the ferry
Playing games in the park
Hanging out after lunch
Kyle cliff jumping
Our best attempt at a "jumping" picture
Playing cards
Enjoying the view on the way home :)
Two weeks later, we're still pealing from our sunburns :( But it was so worth it! We're thankful for the time we had both with the students and the summer team!
