Paris, London

Name: Samantha Wilkins, 12

Q: Where did you travel this summer?
A: I went to Paris and London

Q: What was your favorite part of your trip?
A: When I was in Paris, we took a day trip to Versailles, which was amazing because the architecture was gorgeous and it was the most beautiful weather. Also, in Paris, when we were going up the Eiffel Tower, Greenpeace strung a huge flag protesting France’s use of nuclear power.  A  bunch of police came and  we had to evacuate the area, it was so surreal but very exciting.
In London, my family and I went on a day trip to three really cool places one of which was Windsor Castle where the queen stays when she isn’t in Buckingham Palace. Then we went to the Roman Baths, which are basically the last remaining parts of the Roman Empire there.  Finally, we went to see Stonehenge, which was incredible. It’s the kind of thing you see in pictures and think is amazing and then up close it’s just mind blowing..
 
Q: How long were you there?
A: I was there for two weeks.

Q: Why did you go?
A: It was just a family vacation we had always talked about taking. Plus, friends of my family used to live in Paris and hadn’t been back since, so we all just decided to go  together.

Q: Would you go again?
A: Definitely. Everything about each place was beautiful. The architecture and sights are unlike anything here in America, and I still haven’t seen everything yet.

Kickin' it in Ireland

Name: Erin Price, 12
 
Q: Where did you travel this summer?
A: I went to Ireland

Q: What was your favorite part of your trip?
A: My favorite part was probably helping out at a soccer camp for kids. I was working with an organization called Project Children, and the whole experience was very rewarding. I loved working with all the kids, and helping them learn how  to play soccer. Besides working at the camp, my family went surfing, which was so much fun. The water was absolutely freezing, about 50 degrees, but we wore wet suits to help with the cold. It was my first time learning to surf, but I would love to do it again.

Q: How long were you there?
A: Two weeks. My family and I stayed for a week at the camp, and another week vacationing.

Q: Why did you go?
A: I went to Ireland through a Program called Project Children. It was a soccer camp to bring Protestant and Catholic children together.

Q: Would you go again?
A: This was my second trip, and I’d definitely go again.

Mission in Mexico

Name: Casey Britton, 10

Q: Where did you travel this summer?
A: I went to L.A., California Tijuana; Mexico; and Catalina Island for a mission trip.

Q: What was your favorite part of your trip?
A:  I loved spending time with the orphans in the Grace Children ’s home in Tijuana . They were the most caring and affectionate bunch of kids I had ever met. I definitely left a piece of my heart there when I left.

Q: Why did you go?
A: I went because I had heard about how incredible a trip it is from friends who had gone the last year. I ended up growing so much in my relationship with God.

Q: Would you go again?
A: I am planning on going again next year, and I can’t wait to see how much I’ll grow from it next time.
 

Rest and Relaxation in Aruba

Name: Julia Moeller, 11

Q: Where did you travel this summer?
A:  Aruba, right off the coast of Venezuela. I was there for six days.

Q: What was your favorite part of your trip?
A:  My favorite part of my trip was going to the private island that belonged to the hotel I was staying at. There were a lot of great beaches and I went on a jet-ski for the first time. I spent time shopping, eating out, and tanning while I was there.

Q:  Why did you go?
A: I was on vacation with my family.

Q:  Would you go again?
A: Of course! It was really fun and I loved the sunshine and clear water.