Over
our middle school years at ACS we have taken three trips around the world, but
this adventure has by far been the best. Even the times where we just sat
around talking to each other and exchanging stories with our guides were
completely different. While we were here
we visited a school for unfortunate kids and some of whom lost everything in
the flood.
Seeing
a school so unlike ours opened our eyes to what life in the real world outside
our bubble really was. The kids we saw were happy with what little they had
while we have so much and still complain. As we walked in all the little kids welcomed
us with respect and leaves. These leaves were a sign that they appreciated our
company and a symbol of respect. They also shared some songs with us. As community
service we painted their school walls and had fun running around with the kids.
We also donated some sport equipment.
Canyoning
was a beautiful experience that everyone should have once in their lives,
sliding down waterfalls and jumping off cliffs was exhilarating and scary at
the same time. Whenever someone was scared the whole group supporting them and
pushed them into wanting to do the jump. Everyone overcame his/her fears.
Rafting
was an amazing and experience. We were fighting the river as a team while we
floated over rapids. Some rapids were stronger then others making people fall
out and flip. We were taught how to lead a raft and how to properly rescue a
person that has fallen. We were very upset when we knew that the river may
disappear after couple of years because they were building a hydroelectric dam
that will allow them to produce electricity.
After
both rafting and canyoning we floated back to camp via the river which was
mind-blowing and silly at the same time. We joked around but also had to pay
attention to the tips they gave us so we would be able to keep safe. Once we
got back to camp we all were tired and sad that the fun is over. Although we
were sad all that was washed away in a hot shower.
Now
at the end of this trip we are happy to go home but are sad that we will never
fall asleep to the sound of this river again or be able to share mango
strawberry chocolate and best of all vanilla milkshakes with our friends around
the longhouse. We will miss the sound of the rain as it falls on our tents
while we try to stay calm within all the odd insects we have discovered here,
Throughout all of our activities our guides took photos and videos that we will
never be able to forget and before we went to bed the last night here we watched
all of them. This trip has changed our lives and the way we think. We will
never forget it or be the same after this trip. Connecting it to the ACS
mission statement, we solved problems with creativity and integrity and this
will make us lead well balanced lives, and to serve Lebanon and the world
community with understanding and compassion.
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