A: Originally, I went to experience the trip with my daughter Nicole. Even though she and I traveled together, she was quite independent while there. The second time I went with the group, Nicole and I only saw one another during meals.
A: My experience was wonderful. I had been in Thailand for ten months while in my 20's, so going back was an amazing experience for me. I made fast friends in the town and found the acceptance and giving nature of the Thais a refreshing memory of my time there while in the Air Force. The kids, including Nicole, grew more and more independent, while at the same time became tighter as a community. They trusted and relied on one another like I have never seen before. They also became so much more personally and communally responsible while teaching the students at the local school. There is somehow a deeper sense of oneself that can only come out when in a foreign country around people who don't speak your language. I found that I became more aware of my own thoughts and feelings, too. So, perhaps I should say that it was a world of discovery for all of us.
A: Besides what I mentioned above, Nicole grew in personal strength. Her character developed. She became confident. Because of that experience, Nicole has gone on to become a strong leader in the school. She also knows how to be a good friend, help-mate, and accomplished learner. Since those two experiences, Nicole knows that she can tackle any problem, and that she's never alone. She is motivated, engaged, and willing to learn.
A: If it were me, I'd recommend every child in the U.S. find Robbie and travel with him. He knows how to work with kids. It's hard to put it into words, but he has the experience and expertise to know how to talk with them, when to expect them to step up to the plate, and how to get them to engage. He is one of those rare and special people who has found his place in the world. In fact, I think adults would gain a lot from traveling with Robbie and to have him work with them in a similar manner to how he works with the kids.
A: Children, like most adults, need to get away from their normal surroundings to find themselves and their strengths and weaknesses. Children need to learn to become responsible in the hands of someone other than their own parents. Robbie is that person.
A: 2005 and 2006 if I remember correctly.