Maddie (France), Me (Bolivia) Savannah (France), Alex (Peru), Courtney (Italy), Conrad (Germany)

 Friends are the Family we choose <3 Together forever and always

Maddie and I - BFF <3

I just wanted to let everybody know that I have been back home in my birth country Canada now for almost 4 weeks. I am happy to report that I am doing well and as much as I miss Bolivia it is nice to be home as well. I am staying involved with Rotary, joining the Youth Exchange Committee and I also had the opportunity to plan the Rotary Rebound Retreat Weekend on Cascade Bay Peninsula thanks to the gracious hospitality of a local Rotarian and the support of my fellow rebounds. Despite the fact that 4 of us were in Europe and 2 of us in South America we stayed in contact the entire year and were there for each other through the hard times and the good ones. I am so thankful for our friendships and for the opportunities Rotary International and District 5050 gave us which shaped us to become the young adults we are today. I also wanted to say a huge thank you to all of my readers (YOU) for your unending support and continued encouragement! Blessings and Good Luck in your travels. - Avianna Clempson

“You will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart always will be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place.”- Miriam Adeney. 

The most bittersweet see you later I have ever experienced took place on July 9 when I began my return back home to Canada after a year of living in Tarija Bolivia. It was the most incredible year of my life and I won't ever forget all of the incredible moments I shared and made and the impactful people that God put in my life. Ya te extrano Tarija pero nos vemos muy pronto <3

 On my last morning in Bolivia I made pancakes (a Sunday breakfast) <3

There are no words to describe the relationship between two sisters. I love Ari with my whole heart and am so thankful for the impact she has made by simply being in my life! I miss her already.

 My last and second supper in Tarija I spent with the Aguirre-Corral family at Guapito (Italian) 

SOOOOOO GOOOODDDD

CANOLIIIIIII

HOME MADE BREADSTICKS

On the Friday before my Sunday departure my third host mother Lorena gifted me my very own stunning Chapaca Outfit (what the native people of Tarija wear). Ari and I were super excited and proceeded in making plans to surprise my parents... Blessed <3

 My final Rotary evening turned into a pretty big event, the change of club  president and board of directors. A beautiful evening filled with laughter and tears

 The president 2016-2017 Mr Luis Yapur, a wonderful leader, and man.

 My Rotarian Fathers <3 How I love them both so much and am so thankful for their patience and guidance.

 My uncle and the new 2017-2018 Rotary Club of Tarija President Almicar Barrientos, I am so proud of the incredible man beside me in this photo. He is a genuine, hard working, authentic role model and person. I am so thankful to have him in my life and thankful that uncles are funny :)

 My auntie and the new 2017-2018 Rotary Club of Tarija President's Wife <3 I am so proud of Auntie Flo who herself was an exchange student in the USA years ago, shes a true gem and the best makeup/hairstylist I know. So thankful to have her in my life <3

 The most incredible Youth Exchange Officer stands at my side - Mr Jorge Alcoreza. Since the first day he took excellent care of my needs and acted as my counselor the entire year. Every month he distributed my rotary money and double checked all was going well in my families and school. A wonderful friend and someone who I look up to.

 Brandon, Uncle Rodri and I (All smiles with these two).

 The Aguirre-Corral Family:

"Family isn't always blood, It's the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who except you for who you are. The ones who would to anything to see you smile and love you no matter what."

-Unknown

 "One of the most important relationships we have is the relationships we have with our mothers" - Iyanla Vanzant

" I love my mother as the trees love water and sunshine. 

She helps me grow and prosper and reach great heights <3 "

-Terri Guillimets

 Brandon and I - Exchange Students and Friends for life.

One big happy family <3

 Emiliana my darling little sister <3

 Samanta and I  <3 

MY GOODBYE PARTY IN TARIJA

 On my last Wednesday in Tarija, my three host families helped me throw a big Goodbye Party. I invited almost every single person I had known on my exchange which rounded up to being just over 300 people. I made cupcakes and chocolate covered strawberries and my friend Veronica's dad lent me speakers for a big sound system. It was held in my Rotary Clubs House and was a really wonderful experience. I am so thankful.

Pili and Cintia <3

Natakia (Nata) and Veronica (Vero) are two of the most beautiful and patient friends I made on exchange. We met when I changed to the History and Math Class in Grade 12, they are super sweet and I am so thankful to have them in my life <3

Big Cuddles

Big Cuddles

Brandon, Adri and I

Team Intercambio <3

Friends are the family you choose <3 SML

Maria Renee... There are no words to describe how thankful I am to have this talented and beautiful friend in my life. She guided me through my choir songs and always encouraged me. We might have a 2 year age difference but she is more mature than most 15 year old girls I know. Keep singing Maria Renee because one day you will make a huge difference in the singing world, touching every persons heart along the way.

My Pastor's Wife - Angie: Such a strong and beautiful christian woman, who really helped me grow in my walk with Christ and was a huge support and guidance in my leading the worship team. I will miss her, Pastor Jimmy, Natan and the whole Youth Lighthouse Church so much.

Luuuuuuuuu <3

Rene :)

Leonardo :)

Osorio

Sebastian, Tia Kristina and Adriana (Family Friends - Missing Tio Rodri)

Grosso :)

Fabian :)/

Camba (Juan Carlos)

Above: Merritt (Sebastian)

Below: Adrian (Sori)

 Antonieta - My best friend and go to.... A vibrant and intelligent young woman filled with God's joy and laughter. I miss her so much already. I will miss eating a tub of ice cream together or watching a  movie before she fell asleep... My rock and my smile I miss you already (Ya Te Extrano)

 Gabi <3

 Vale Cortez <3

 Claudio :)

Nico Merino: I will not be surprised if the young man to the left of me in this picture one day is seen traveling across Canada touring as a musician. Such a talented and wonderful young man who plays incredible guitar, drums, double bass, ukulele and sings. Nico and I shared many jam sessions while I was on exchange and he really is my best guy friend and my favorite guitarist to work with <3 Missing you already, but I'll catch you in Quebec Nico!

 Lore

Nata <3

These are just a few photos from one of the most memorable nights on my exchange and I am so thankful that at least 210 of the 300 people were able to make it out for a hug a cupcake and some tears/laughs <3 I miss you already my CHURA Tarija.