While I won't try to re-summarize what these two weeks meant for me (see posts from Aug 6 and Sep 3), I'd like to share some of the responses from my new-found friends around the world via Facebook and Messenger:
From Kuwait...
... to Russia...
... oh, and by the way, unless you were a participant, you probably won't get through all of these...
... from Indonesia...
... and South Africa...
... to Ireland...
... and Japan...
... or Malaysia...
... and UK...
So as you see, the "best time of my life" refrain keeps popping up as do wishes to stay in touch. Although the realization is dawning that we can't possibly all stay in touch, I remind Nadine from Germany - who knows this from a science camp last year - this does not diminish the value of the friendships formed:
And note her 76 page reflection! As Chief of Staff Sean O'Callaghan stated:
Rania from Tunisia described our time well:
I could keep going on these responses as well as my personal LIYSF reflections.
Memories are gracious things that transcend our physical limitations and provide fresh reminiscence on golden moments frozen in space and time. Sadness gives way with years to the kind of visiting thoughts that bring a smile to the face and a distant instant to life once again.
