Sitting, Waiting, Creating destiny

My youngest is waiting for a phone call. It is a phone call that could result in her going down an adventuresome pathway. This past summer, Aly received a letter from People to People inviting her to spend 17 days exploring China in the summer of 2011. When I first told Aly about the opportunity, I figured she would be noncommittal, but she shocked me by stating that she REALLY wanted to go.

Aly at Enger Tower

I don't know if any of you have had any experiences with People to People (if you did, I'd love to hear your story), but I do know that it is an honor to be invited. A teacher or former People to People traveler has to recommend you for participation as a Student Ambassador. Someone out there thought highly enough of Aly's personality and talents to recommend her for global travel. To who ever you are....thank you!

Even though you get invited, there are steps that must be taken before you can be officially called a Student Ambassador. First, we attended the informational meeting prior to the start of school, during which time we learned what types of things they would be doing on their trip and the cost of the entire trip. Next, Aly had to get three letters of recommendation. She picked two teachers and her swim coach. Lastly, she had to interview with the Delegation Leader, who has the final say in whether Aly goes or not. Aly's interview was this past Wednesday night. She was told she would find out sometime Friday or over the weekend.

Hence....here she sits and waits and waits....

Yes, the trip is expensive...but a price cannot be put on the fact that she will be creating memories and friendships that will last her entire life. She'll view the world differently than her peers. She'll be experiencing human diversity at it's finest.

Even if she is not chosen to become a Student Ambassador, the experiences she has had to get to this point will help her to create her destiny.