21
Location: Beijing
Hello Friends and Family. Today is a very bittersweet day… Right now, many of us are packing and getting ready to depart, while two of us have already left to go to the airport. Last night some of us stayed up reminiscing and laughing about these past 21 fast-paced and crazy days. As a part of the final night, we wrote note-cards to each other, a GoBeyond tradition. The cards contained thoughtful messages, inside jokes, and some of our last words to each other. Today we are sending each other off with lots of love and heavy hearts. Although we have only known each other for a short three weeks, these special days have changed and shaped us in so many ways. We will never forget the memories, laughs, jokes, late nights, long bus rides, new foods, and so many more memories we shared together. As we wrap this last blog up, two more of us are about to depart for the airport. Families, we would like to say thank you for the opportunity to come on this trip, to meet these amazing people and to make life-long memories. Thank you also to Little Flower for allowing us to come and learn about such an important issue and for being able to spend time with the many amazing kids who are in their care. These 21 days, while they seemed both very long and short all at the same time, will stay with all 16 of us forever. We can’t possibly thank everyone enough who has helped us along the trip. From our wonderful GB trip leaders Evan and Long Yun to our amazing Little Flower trip leaders Serena and Kristine, to all of our van and bus drivers and to Daniel, our guide in Xi’An. Big thank you to Leigh Ann for helping us at the orphanage and sharing the apartment with us while we were in Baotou. Thank you again for everyone who helped and supported all of us along the way. To those of us who have left, we love and miss you all already so much. Safe travels to all and until next time. GB China 2019