Closure

I have spent the past 45 minutes re-reading this blog.  I am so very thankful I wrote what I did!  I am disappointed that I let it slide at the end of my journey, but it became increasingly difficult to complete.  Between no internet at the home-stay, working my tail off at Providence Row (and loving every moment!), and squeezing every ounce of adventure I could with my time -- only pausing to pass out from exhaustion -- I'm not surprised it dwindled.

My last month was filled with truly enjoying the group of people I worked with at Providence Row.  I really felt a part of the group and one of the family.  I miss everyone I worked with and appreciated all the support they gave me while I was there.  I was able to organize the 'open day' event and it was pretty successful.  I was even tricked into singing for them....lol.   It doesn't take much to make me sing.  They gave me a proper send-off with food and kind words.  It was just an amazing experience and I am so thankful for it.

I continued to adventure with the Winant girls.  Roni and Lorena had to bear the brunt of my silliness.  The remaining weekends were dotted with trips to places like Bath, Stonehenge, Cambridge, and just gallivanting around London proper.  Shows were seen, pubs were visited, karaoke was sung, and good times were had by all.  I loved my little Winant family!  Roni, Lorena, Molly, Rebecca, Kyra, Carolyn, Sam and Amy....I was so glad to have a little American family there with me!

My week of travel was hindered a bit by the riots in London, but I was still able to visit the beautiful city of Glasgow and take a tour of Loch Ness, Loch Loman, and the Highlands.  Our tour guide was fantastic.  I was able to score the front seat and chatted with him the entire trip.  He was kind enough to drive me to bus station afterwards -- it was torrential rain all day!  (FYI -- NEVER take an over night bus from Scotland to London to try and be clever and save on a hotel fees.  It's not worth it and you don't get any sleep.)

I am truly blessed and grateful to have had this experience this summer.  I learned so much about history, the world, and myself.  I am forever changed for the good because of the this journey.  I am so pleased I was able to find strength and courage that I never knew I had to embark on this adventure, essentially, on  my own.  I have been able to share stories, artifacts, pictures and videos to my students, enhancing my work in the classroom.  This has made me a better person and I am so thankful to have had the opportunity.