Every End Is A New Beginning: 23rd APCC

It felt like we've just arrived in Fukuoka, Japan, but it's been 4 days since our trip back. The trip was absolutely phenomenal and I have learned so much about successfully running our Bridge Club and from the program itself as a Peace Ambassador. I am hoping to progress our BC more to finish the Common Activity by next May and of course, to spread the OMOIYARI spirit-always. People that we met will never be forgotten and since We Are the Bridge, keeping in touch is definite and so is cherishing these memories for a lifetime.

Our next meeting will occur on August 7, 2011 to have this delegation reflect on their experiences. Hopefully, Ismail, Ansley, Modliajelberht, and Clay will be able to apply in five years time for my position as a Peace Ambassador to gain another amazing adventure.

There are a few people I would like to thank for this unforgettable experience: our chaperone, Julia Overs, who kindly posted a blog updating the parents back in the U.S using the website from the Japan-America Society of Georgia: http://jasgeorgia.wordpress.com/page/2/, the BCIO Head Office Members: Tithi, Loreen, Arief, and Colby, the BCIO Interns: Gel, and Erin, the BCIO Head Office Staff: Iwamoto-san, Kenny-san, Kimoto-san, and Oishi-san, and of course, all the BCIO Volunteer staff for their talented photography and their enthusiastic personalities. 

This is what we looked like when we got off a 14 hour plane ride, got through immigration, got through security twice, got through the underground train, and finally got through baggage claim. Do we look tired? I think not! But, behind those smiles, we were secretly exhausted.

  So thank you for this wonderful experience and I hope to see you all again!

Article by: Stephanie Tan (BC Atlanta President)