The End Is the Beginning… – Julie Rushik

It’s been 28 hours since we left Rochester and our travel weary bodies were eager for the end of this first stage of our journey. When the bus pulled onto campus, the thought of arriving seemed like the best gift we could receive. However, as we stepped off the bus, the travel fatigue was washed away as we were given the more precious gift of a warm welcome from our host families as they joyfully greeted their long awaited family members. In an instant, our students received their first taste of this culture and the bonds that were already forming between host moms, dad, sisters and brothers. There was a flurry of hugs, kisses on the cheek, stumbling through unfamiliar languages and smiles of relief and joy… and then, they were swept away to begin the part of this trip that matters most.