Thankfulness

"Blessed are those who give without remembering. And blessed are those who take without forgetting."

This afternoon, the District 7170 team met at Cornell Cooperative Extension for final preparations. We discussed our presentation, packing, attire, travel plans, and a million other details. It seems that there is so much to happen over the next four days for all of us!

Even though last minute preparations are occupying our thoughts, we took a moment to reflect on the generosity of the many organizations and individuals who have helped us get this far. We would especially like to recognize the following:

• Gary Herzig and the District 7170 GSE Committee: thank you for this amazing opportunity and all of the guidance you've given us!
• The Ithaca Cayuga Club (especially Chuck Broadhead & Doug Armstrong), Ithaca Sunrise Club (especially Christine Hausse), and the Ithaca Rotary Club "Noon Club" (especially Rich Spingarn): thank you for your endorsement and your sponsorship!
  
• Sergio Pedro, Department of Modern Languages & Literatures, Ithaca College: thank you for your crash course in español--you did a great job of presenting helpful and relevant topics!
• Museum of the Earth/ PRI (especially Warren Allmon, Executive Director): thank you for the fossils for sharing with our hosts!
• Ed Forman: thank you so much for graciously printing our team business cards!
• Gina Gammage-Sikora and Rebecca Heller-Steinberg, our talented team alternates: your involvement and support every step of the way has been invaluable!
• Nancy would like to thank George Gull and Bill Cadwallader.
  
• Gabriella would like to thank Ann Hales and Nicole would like to thank Charlie Brundza & Sue Willcox. We learned about Group Study Exchange through you, and without your advocacy we wouldn't be here!
  
• We would all like to thank our employers & colleagues for their support and for allowing us to take time away from Ithaca to develop professionally and personally. Thank you to the Department of Modern Languages & Literatures at Ithaca College, Cornell Cooperative Extension, John Snyder Architects, Ithaca Youth Bureau, and Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit.
• Finally, we would all like to thank our families and friends. Your love and support goes with us on our adventure!

We depart at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 2. Perhaps our next dispatch will be posted from PERU!