So, it is all over. The exhaustion and jet lag have well and truly set in. But on a positive note, I have my suitcase unpacked, laundry done and am currently munching on an imported mint Oreo ;)
The two weeks that the group spent in America were the most amazing and packed two weeks of my year! I say this over and over again, and I mean it every time but Friends Forever truly is a highlight of my working year. Usually on programmes I work on, we build up to a big trip- I might be working with young people for months before they get a chance to have an overnight or a residential or a trip away. Friends Forever is so different in that respect. We only met four times before we left for America! The group are thrown into an intense situation, away from home where they don't really know the group of people they are with. This leaves them with no other choice than to rely on one another and to seek the support of the group.
The change in the young people I could visably see was astounding in such a short period of time. The friendships and bonds that were formed are stronger than some I have seen that have spanned the duration of school years! The confidence in these young people is multiplying and growing with such touching speed. They truly are a wonderful bunch of young people to have the pleasure of working with!
Thank you to each and every person who made their trip one to remember! It is thanks to each of you that a lasting change may be seen in these amazing ten young people. A change that is only beginning and a change that will ripple through their families, peer groups and schools.
But most importantly thank you to Bryony, Chelsea, David, Eimear, John, Patrick, Reece, Ryan, Samantha and Tiarna. You grasped every opportunity with a smile and a maturity that does fit your age. You rarely complained and always thanked those you met. You are a credit to Belfast YMCA, to Friends Forever, to your families and to your communities.
Thank you x
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