Friendship comes with many faces; some we recognize and welcome readily with open arms, while others we are reluctant to accept. Going to Novgrod reinforced this all too well for me. Regardless of where you are living, there are many good people and some characters you'd rather forget. The important thing is not to allow those few bad apples to spoil anyone elses chances of being your new "friend".
Traveling overseas requires alot of inner strength, trust and great faith. I found these qualities in myself, my cohorts and the wonderful people of Norgrod. I learned to have blind faith in others regardless if i couldn't understand anything more than "da" "nett" or "toilet", i learned to trust people in general, that they would have my "best interest" at heart and they did; i showed others exactly how resourceful i can be.
Through trials and trivulations in life on this journey I found some of the warmest, greatest and fondest memories that have captivated my heart and will inspire others for years to come. It was because GRCMSW who afforded us the privledge to go to Russia that I learn the true meaning and value of friendship. I learned to have faith in others and I think we all learn to appreciate each other in ways we never imagined.
Perhaps Novgrod wasn't the prettiest city, or the cleanest city or perhaps even the most technologically advanced but there are some many GREAT qualities about the people that live there, words could never do these incredible people justice.
If theres one thing i will hang on to through this exceptional experience, is to never leave a man behind, to give each and everyone a chance in life. There are so many truly wonderful people out there who have had such a profound effect on others, if only we'd give each and everyone of them a chance. By doing this we just might see how great life can really be!!!
Marji Stout