I know that there have been many people who have followed this blog over the past 17 days. I hope that you have been enjoying our adventure as much as we have!
To the parents of these amazing young adults, I am overwhelmingly grateful for the opportunity to be part of a very small yet memorable ” snapshot ” of their lives. They have been inspiring! They have been free with their care, respect and happiness. The positive relationships that have been formed will no doubt serve well in the future. I look forward to sharing many of their stories with you all in the years to come. However, please accept with good grace that I look forward to gently placing them back into the palm of your hands.
Trips like this to Cambodia and Laos don’t just happen, they take a considered and coordinated effort from a number of dedicated people. The first of these I wish to thank is Jane Harrison. Her coordination of the Big Experience has been excellent. I thank her for her communication, patience and care. Your efforts have been much appreciated.
Jane has been ably assisted by Dorothy Forbes. Dorothy has been meticulous in her efforts. This being evident with the smooth running of this trip. Thank you Dorothy!
I also wish to thank our tour guide, Billy Penfold, for his efforts in keeping our trip running smoothly. Together with his team of local tour guides; Yousa, Valeak and Lucky (Cambodia) and Parn and Pet (Laos), Billy made our trip most enjoyable. Thank you also to our two bus drivers (Naok and Twee) who were dedicated to keeping us safe during our travels.
Now to two absolutely amazing people – Teagan Collins and Lucy Moulton.
Teagan has been an amazing first aid officer. Her efforts in ensuring all of these young adults were looked after was unbelievably caring and thorough. She tended to every bump, scratch, ache and concern with the highest degree of dedication. Teagan, thank you!
I know that for many of you this Blog has been the first thing you have looked at each day. I’m sure that you have all been absolutely spellbound by the effort, accuracy and colourfulness that has been on display. The words of our students went a long way to describing the magic that was Laos and Cambodia. However, it was also the tireless work of Lucy for which I am truly grateful. She was often up late at night to ensure that the Blog was posted. Lucy, thank you for your efforts!
Finally, I have a message for all of the students. Akun Jann and Khop Chai Lai Lai to you all. You have all been a pleasure to be with. I know that over the coming weeks, months and years we will always have many memories to share. Thank you for inspiring me every day. I really enjoyed your smiles and laughter. I will also never forget the tears of compassion that we shed together. I’m sure that you have now come to realise how blessed we are to lead the lives we lead. I now sincerely hope that you take some time to truly thank your parents for making this whole adventure possible.
Good luck to you all.
Rocco Toce
