Did you Know?? :)

Hey guys! Here are some did you knows. Enjoy!

Swimming in Australia used to be only for convicts wishing to get clean, and in 1838 it was actually illegal to swim at public beaches during the day. This law was enforced until 1902.

Australia’s total population, about 18 million, is made up of more than 150 nationalities, making it one of the most multicultural societies in the world

Well thats all for now hope you enjoyed it.

-Megan :D

Meg's update

Hello everyone. Sorry i haven't wrote in a while I've been a little busy.

So lately we haven't been earning enough money. We haven't got barley any donations lately. So if you can help that would be amazing. I am personally trying to find a job, but no one seems to want to hire me. Its not because I'm a bad kid, its because I'm 15. I am 15 1/2 with a work permit so if anyone knows of an opening that will hire me just give me a shout and i will be so thankful.

-Megan :D

Hello All!

     Before we begin, let me apologize for not keeping up with the blog! Honestly, I am not a gifted writer.....Megan is. But I'll do my best, just please be patient with me as I give it a go. With that being said...

     As most of you know, my sweet, hard working Megan attended an informational meeting with PeopleToPeople Ambassador Program back in August. This was our second informational meeting attended. She had been invited last year but knew we couldn't commit to such an expensive trip. Megan was so disappointed. Especially since the trip was to Europe...and her most desired location, Paris, France. This year when we got the invite to come back for the meeting, I went online to find out more about the offered trip. As I read off all that the Student Ambassadors would get to participate in, Megan's excitement grew, and I knew we HAD to make this a reality. We put down the deposit at the meeting and registered her. This is where things got more intense.

     Part of the requirements for being a Student Ambassador is that you have to apply for a spot in the group. There are limited amounts of seats for each destination. Usually it's around 40 students. That's 40 kids from around the nation! Not just 40 from our area. Each student goes in and interviews with the Delagate Leaders in charge of our areas kids. 

     Lets just say, Megan was so nervous. Poor thing. I did what I could to encourage her. I also let her know, if she didn't make the team this year, we'd still go somewhere fabulous next summer. Inside I truly wanted her to make it. Mostly, for her personal growth. She is an amazing young woman. And I wanted her to grow in confidence. She has times when she second guesses herself. Hell, we all do! But, I see so much more to Megan. She can do so much. If she'd just trust her own decisions. This trip will do that for her. I just know it. 

     As she did her interview, I sat in another room with another mom. She was amazing to talk to. Her son was a returning Ambassador, having traveled last year to six or so countries in Europe. She told me all about how her shy son just blossomed from this trip. How he came back a different kid, full of confidence. And also a bit talkative. Lol. I explained that THAT is exactly what I hoped Megan would gain from this experience. She showed me her sons "yearbook" from his trip. It was awesome. The more we talked the more excited I became. 

     After the interview, which turned out to be a group interview with two other hopefuls, Megan and I had to wait two weeks to hear back. Waiting was the hardest thing to do! Finally, when it was past the waiting period and we still hadn't heard back, I called PeopleToPeople to find out her status. I had tried the Delagate Leader about four times with no response. I had my suspicions she made it, but I just wanted that darn confirmation! And confirmation I got! I think I was more excited than Megan at this point as I was the one "squeezing" and hopping up and down! Lol

     The weeks after, we're tough. Now, we were aiming to fundraise and make the tuition without much help from Dad. Dad was concerned about the money part of the trip, as most men are. But I reassured him, we could do it. Well, things didn't turn out as planned. Our first payment was only a partial payment...just $170 shy of our goal. We did everything we could think of...offered babysitting for Black Friday shopping, yard work, housework, fundraiser on peerbackers, had a friend offer a package deal at her photography studio with a portion going to Megan. With little to no results. Frustration was not a strong enough word. It was disheartening...all those who said they'd be there to help spread the word, were now no where to be seen. We felt a bit abandoned. But as we sat back and took a look around, we realized we did have our friends and family's support. It just wasn't in the huge way I envisioned. But it was there. And we are so thankful for their support! I just remind myself, each dollar, each cent. It all counts! 

     Megan and I attended her first meeting last Sunday. It was fun to meet our group of students and parents. We have a great group of kids going. And the parents are truly fun. I think we had as much fun as the kids did. 

     With this being the beginning of our journey leading to next summer, we know we have a long way to go to reach our goals. Many steps to get there. But we look toward each one as an opportunity to grow and build that confidence that I hope for, for Megan. And truthfully myself as well. And hopefully you'll join us in our adventures...as we document it here. 

    Thank you for taking a looooong moment to stop in and hear what we've been up to. Please feel free to pass our blog address on to your friends and family! We are looking for as many supporters as possible...even if all you can offer is emotional support! We love and thank each and every one of you!

<3,

Elysia