Alexis and her trip!

Alexis had the time of her life on this fantastic opportunity. She truly has come back changed. Out of the 2000 pictures taken, it was hard to choose and I have more I would like to post but I need to get them from my inlaws. Some of the highlights of the trip were:
1.)everything was different, beautiful, fragrant with flowers and HOT and HUMID.
2.)Everywhere she went she was stared at and talked about because of her hair, skin and eye color. Even the monkey had to jump on her lap and touch her hair and look her over!
3.) She got to see some neat historical sights in Cambodia and Thailand and even try out her french skills with some french people.
4.) They were picked up by a limo and driven to a fancy hotel-top notch. Alexis got a video of the room and gardens. She felt like a celebrity.
5.)She overcame her fear of swimming through the mentoring of her dear Grandpa.
6.) She got to play, ride, sit on and feed the elephants. Her favorite was the baby elephant. So cute.
7.)She enjoyed seeing the ocean for the first time on Phuket beach. I will have to include some great pictures the in-laws have when I get them.
8.)she did some service on that floating city full of poverty. She took school supplies to the orphanage and children there. My in-laws have great shots of her distributing those things.
9.) She got to see a piece of the world and therefor has come back changed-mature-grateful.
10.) Most of the little kids went around without bottoms. They didn't have diapers and this took getting used to.
11.) She got to see the hill tribes people and long neck Karrens-a fading people. There are three myths why they wear the rings
a.) to protect the women from tigers that would grab them by the neck while the men were hunting.
b.)To protect them from invading tribes that would steal the women.
c.) their men think it is attractive.
But perhaps they keep it because it is a way of living; drawing in tourists.
12.)she has a greater education. And maybe has been spoiled. She has tasted the wonder of travel and loves it. Her grandparents said she was 99% perfect on that tough trip of traveling, time change, long flights (24 hours) and different food.
Way to go Alexis. We missed you while you were gone, but are so grateful for this experience and the better person it has sparked within you. We are so thankful for grandparents with the means and desire to bless you with this.