As i help Laura prepare for her summer camp at Beber Camp, Wisconsin, through ccusa, i can’t help but to think about this time last year when she was heading off for the first time.

This trip for Laura was full of firsts. Her first trip overseas, her first flight on an aeroplane, her first time away from her family and she was doing it all on her own. We had to get flights, passports, working visa’s, insurance, luggage and all the other bits and pieces needed to make the trip. My head was spinning and so was hers, where do we begin. We were so grateful for ccusa who helped us prepare with information sheets and pre departure meetings, not to mention the wonderful people at the ccusa Sydney office who received many phone calls and who went out of their way to answer all my questions. Without their assistance I’m not sure she would have to got to camp.

It was also alot of first for me, but most of all the first one of my 3 children to go overseas. How will i cope, leading up to Laura’s departure i was so busy helping her get ready that i really didn’t have time to think too much about it but i must admit when we got to Sydney airport and i saw the first plane my heart sank, but i was also very excited for Laura, what an incredible adventure she was about to embark on. Saying goodbye at the airport was really hard, i cried, but she went through the gates and i cried the whole way back to the car. I also cried when we got home and saw her empty bedroom.

We kept in contact via emails, letters and phone calls, i also sent over some “survival” packages of vegemite, cadbury chocolate and honey jumbles. She was having the best time of her life. Her time away went quickly and before i knew it she was back, and yes i cried when i saw her again. Laura was full of stories, songs she had learnt and heaps of photo’s to share. What an experience for Laura.

So here we are about to do it all again. Laura is returning to Beber Camp this year and yet again ccusa have been our support through preparing for this trip. This time after camp Laura will be doing a Trek America tour after camp and will be away for an month longer than last year, so in total she will be gone for 3 months. I will miss her when she is gone and will think about her each and every day and yes i will cry again at the airport when she leaves, but what an amazing experience and adventure she will have, but of course as her mum i will be glad when she is home safe and able to share all her stories with me, her sister Christie and her brother Michael again.

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