First Thoughts on returning home.

Back home in rainy old Blighty, typical that when we got into Manchester airport it was cold and wet, I miss the heat already.I’d just like to start this blog by saying that I could never have expected what I experienced whilst I was in Banda Aceh. The memory that will stick with me the longest was probably the visiting of the primary schools, never could I have expected the warm greetings we received by all the children. They were all so happy to see us waving, smiling and cheering. When Natsuko gave the children at the second EI School we visited a football, it brought the whole school together the girls and the boys of all ages chasing after the football with even bigger smiles then we first arrived. I remember leaving that school getting back onto the bus my heart felt heavy and there was a lump in my throat I really wanted to stay there longer to see these children as they were running after the bus once again smiling, cheering and waving us off. I remember when we had dinner on Wednesday hosted by PGRI. We walked in and sat down not really knowing what to expect seeing the stage in front of us. We witnessed an Aceh traditional dance performed by some young boys, this dance truly was something else, recorded it all on the hand held video recorder. After this I met this young man called Erick who was 16, we got chatting and became friends really quickly, it was quite amazing how privileged he felt to have met me, he kept describing as an amazing experience which was definitely the case for me in meeting him. I learnt that at the age of 16 he studies 12 subjects, I at 17 study…4. As the conversation progressed I asked him if he played or followed any sports to which is response was “I don’t have time to play any sports or follow them I am to busy studying for school.” I then realised how much I take everything for granted back home, not bothering to go to school if im maybe just a bit ill or tired made me feel quite ashamed of myself. He also had 3 tests that morning his school starts at 7 in the morning and he was there until well after 10:30 the night before just to come and meet us. I swapped emails with Erick and his friend Aluja so I hope we can keep in contact.I also met some great people when I was out there in Indonesia, basically the whole EI team I thought we got on really well as a group nobody was left out and there was no conflict between anyone. I will remember the last night in particular with the card game “bloody Mary.” The Flight back was very smooth and I hope everyone else had a safe journey back also, hope to speak to you all soon, will add to this blog tomorrow also.But for now, goodbye

Martin Jones, UK

CANT WAIT TO SEE EVERYONES PICTURES :)