A Fresh Start

         FEAR has two meanings Forget Everything And Run or Face Everything And Rise. (anonymous) I learn't that it is usually better to do the last option, Face Everything And Rise. This year I will have less fear because I have risen from last year. I was scared and fearful because I was going on my first service trip to Nicaragua and I had never been away from my family and I had no idea what to expect. I chose to face everything and rise. I learned that these kids we go and help deserve so much more than they have, and that since I can help them I Will help them. 

        That is why this year I am going to Cambodia to help teach, clean, and improve the Cooperation of Peace Orphanage outside of Phnom Penh. I am going with CGA to an orphanage with 57 orphaned and abandoned kids. Last year I wished I was there longer so I could spend more time with the kids and be able to help them more, now with this trip there is more manual labor and it is longer so I will be able to do both those things. The kids showed me that even though life is not perfect and you don't live in a mansion you can still make the best out of everything. I want to do this because the world has given so much to me that it is time I give back to the world.

         My name is Berkeley Kelly and I am 13 years old and an 8th grader at Eagle Valley Middle School. I love to make crafts and art ,anything from making jewelry to drawing pictures, and play hockey , I been playing for 9 years. I have an amazingly supportive family who are my mom, dad, and my brother, Declan,  he's 10 years old. They are happy that I am doing this and I hope I can talk Declan into going on a trip. 

          This is my chance to help others and I am going to take it. I can't wait for the upcoming meetings, learning about the people in my group, and my trip to Cambodia!!