http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2008/04/19/schools/edu86.txt
Here is link to an article that ran in the Missoulian (Montana) about Charlotte. This was in February, after TTS10 in Africa, as she was trying to figure TTS11. Lucky girl!
Group pic on the hill
Group picture TTS11
Happy Valentine's Day!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
From Nancy McGuire
Matt and ALL other Moms and Dads.....of AMAZING Daughters that are coming HOME in less than 48 horas!!!:
DITTO on EVERYTHING.....AND YES...thank you ALL for sharing your daughters with Phoebe....I KNOW that this connection will be life long....
I like to say that every group has a "Divine Appointment".....and the YOUNG WOMEN that showed up for TTS11 were the exactly perfect equation for the magic that has happened for each and every one of them......
WoW!!! I am copying below an email that I sent to Gennifre right after she sent out the email re: the transition home....
Matt....I am WITH YOU!!! I feel/hear your passion....and I feel the commitment to TTS....I do.....AND I ALSO want EACH of us to acknowledge ourselves...as parents....that SEE our children....and FIND "containers" that support who they are...WE have had the VISION for our Daughters as Citizens of the Globe....and we supported them in getting to the Unbelievable Journey of the last 3.5 months....AND as our daughters - they responded with all the seeds that we have planted over the last 15 - 18 years....and they have GROWN.....in ways that will continue to pave their roads on their PATHS of LIFE....
So....a HUGE acknowledgement to US parents as well......
The TEACHERS...THE TEACHERS.....I tear up when I think of 3 kids....multiplied by all the years of school...and the numbers of teachers....and how I have FANTASIZED....ABOUT a CLAIRE....and a Heather and a Dawn and a Cara....AND our girls had the experience of LEADERSHIP and teaching and Women's Strength and Power.....and and and......ALL 4 AMAZING MENTORS....as I say below to Gennifre....There needs to be an expression in the English Language that means THANK YOU to the MILLIONTH power.....and you only use this expression....a handful of times in a LIFETIME....and NOW would be one of those times....to use that very special THANK YOU....that is bigger and more all encompassing....I say to the TEACHERS....that IF and WHEN you Choose to become a Parent....when a Claire or a Heather or a Dawn or a Cara comes into your child's life....YOU WILL KNOW....and think back to this time....and KNOW that each one of us are "MOVED BEYOND WORDS WITH GRATITUDE FOR ALL THAT YOU HAVE DONE AND BEEN TO OUR DAUGHTERS...".....
Thank you Matt....for taking the time to write so much....I LOVE all the description....and your passion.....
Now...who has the "hook up" with Oprah??????????
Love to All......Nancy - Phoebe's Mom
Here is what I sent Gennifre....:
Gennifre...I am SOOOO glad that you sent out that email this morning....I have been trying to find the balance inside me....the excitement of Phoebe's return...KNOWING the bittersweet emotion of the ending of this experience....knowing that the Phoebe I dropped off in Miami is changed in measurable ways....and wanting to give her the space...the safety of feeling and being - in her feelings... AND I - knowing what Phoebe is like after 4 weeks of camp upon returning home....can only imagine the Phoebe after 15 weeks of "this".....huge...experience...camp on steroids....
So...I am grateful for your words....as I have been really teary for the last few days...heightened anticipation...fear...wanting it ALL to be smooth and easy and not painful...and knowing that this "piece" is ALL part of it too....
There is a part of me that aches for her....and a part of me that wants to hold the space for her to just be in "it"...whatever the "it" is.....
I have never felt like this before...the emotion on the last day of kindergarten....for me...sobbing....it was over...so quick...where did time go....and 6 year old Phoebe - blissful - present - wanting to just go have fun now that school was out.... And NOW...SHE has had the experience...the connection...the memory....AND how to move forward...in a place...that seems so "unimportant" in comparison...
And me...and our family....honoring her...and giving her the space.... This has been the topic at the McGuire's for the last week....
Keeping the vision ALIVE...the VISION of her life...her role as a global citizen...her passions that have become uncovered and lit and all fired up....
This is not the end...it is a beginning....
Wow....what a way to end her high school years...what a send off...what a graduation!!!
I am rambling....
Thanks for listening...
Gennifre...there are truly NO words that aptly describe what you and your Vision and your program has created for Phoebe....and the level of gratitude that is so heartfelt....and the depth of gratitude that is one of those life's moments...where there really are no words... NO WORDS....but Thank you with the most gracious sincerity loving essence of supporting and believing and creating and empowering the FEMALE leaders of our GLOBAL Consciousness World that brings peace and love and aid....at a time when our world is SO in need....at all levels....and you are "training" our YOUNG WOMEN to follow their path and light up the world and heal the planet and follow their soul's purpose and uncover their gifts and LOVE themselves enough to honor who they are and commit to themselves....and and and.....
Thank YOU!!!
Love, Nancy McGuire
DITTO on EVERYTHING.....AND YES...thank you ALL for sharing your daughters with Phoebe....I KNOW that this connection will be life long....
I like to say that every group has a "Divine Appointment".....and the YOUNG WOMEN that showed up for TTS11 were the exactly perfect equation for the magic that has happened for each and every one of them......
WoW!!! I am copying below an email that I sent to Gennifre right after she sent out the email re: the transition home....
Matt....I am WITH YOU!!! I feel/hear your passion....and I feel the commitment to TTS....I do.....AND I ALSO want EACH of us to acknowledge ourselves...as parents....that SEE our children....and FIND "containers" that support who they are...WE have had the VISION for our Daughters as Citizens of the Globe....and we supported them in getting to the Unbelievable Journey of the last 3.5 months....AND as our daughters - they responded with all the seeds that we have planted over the last 15 - 18 years....and they have GROWN.....in ways that will continue to pave their roads on their PATHS of LIFE....
So....a HUGE acknowledgement to US parents as well......
The TEACHERS...THE TEACHERS.....I tear up when I think of 3 kids....multiplied by all the years of school...and the numbers of teachers....and how I have FANTASIZED....ABOUT a CLAIRE....and a Heather and a Dawn and a Cara....AND our girls had the experience of LEADERSHIP and teaching and Women's Strength and Power.....and and and......ALL 4 AMAZING MENTORS....as I say below to Gennifre....There needs to be an expression in the English Language that means THANK YOU to the MILLIONTH power.....and you only use this expression....a handful of times in a LIFETIME....and NOW would be one of those times....to use that very special THANK YOU....that is bigger and more all encompassing....I say to the TEACHERS....that IF and WHEN you Choose to become a Parent....when a Claire or a Heather or a Dawn or a Cara comes into your child's life....YOU WILL KNOW....and think back to this time....and KNOW that each one of us are "MOVED BEYOND WORDS WITH GRATITUDE FOR ALL THAT YOU HAVE DONE AND BEEN TO OUR DAUGHTERS...".....
Thank you Matt....for taking the time to write so much....I LOVE all the description....and your passion.....
Now...who has the "hook up" with Oprah??????????
Love to All......Nancy - Phoebe's Mom
Here is what I sent Gennifre....:
Gennifre...I am SOOOO glad that you sent out that email this morning....I have been trying to find the balance inside me....the excitement of Phoebe's return...KNOWING the bittersweet emotion of the ending of this experience....knowing that the Phoebe I dropped off in Miami is changed in measurable ways....and wanting to give her the space...the safety of feeling and being - in her feelings... AND I - knowing what Phoebe is like after 4 weeks of camp upon returning home....can only imagine the Phoebe after 15 weeks of "this".....huge...experience...camp on steroids....
So...I am grateful for your words....as I have been really teary for the last few days...heightened anticipation...fear...wanting it ALL to be smooth and easy and not painful...and knowing that this "piece" is ALL part of it too....
There is a part of me that aches for her....and a part of me that wants to hold the space for her to just be in "it"...whatever the "it" is.....
I have never felt like this before...the emotion on the last day of kindergarten....for me...sobbing....it was over...so quick...where did time go....and 6 year old Phoebe - blissful - present - wanting to just go have fun now that school was out.... And NOW...SHE has had the experience...the connection...the memory....AND how to move forward...in a place...that seems so "unimportant" in comparison...
And me...and our family....honoring her...and giving her the space.... This has been the topic at the McGuire's for the last week....
Keeping the vision ALIVE...the VISION of her life...her role as a global citizen...her passions that have become uncovered and lit and all fired up....
This is not the end...it is a beginning....
Wow....what a way to end her high school years...what a send off...what a graduation!!!
I am rambling....
Thanks for listening...
Gennifre...there are truly NO words that aptly describe what you and your Vision and your program has created for Phoebe....and the level of gratitude that is so heartfelt....and the depth of gratitude that is one of those life's moments...where there really are no words... NO WORDS....but Thank you with the most gracious sincerity loving essence of supporting and believing and creating and empowering the FEMALE leaders of our GLOBAL Consciousness World that brings peace and love and aid....at a time when our world is SO in need....at all levels....and you are "training" our YOUNG WOMEN to follow their path and light up the world and heal the planet and follow their soul's purpose and uncover their gifts and LOVE themselves enough to honor who they are and commit to themselves....and and and.....
Thank YOU!!!
Love, Nancy McGuire
From Matt Stopher
Hello all....I've been driving from Redding California today to Sonora (Gold Country). Many hours now, I have watched e-mail after e-mail flow through my phone, the tiny text offering sound bites to me as I resisted the urge to multi-task at 70 mph. Although I've been very matter-of-fact about Grace's return until today, I find myself suddenly with strong and mixed emotions about all I am hearing and reading here, so I have to add my 20 cents. I reflected on my own youthful experiences returning from a week at church camp or some other retreat with the attitude that I could make a difference. I worry a bit that the feeling might fade as it had for me. And I am encouraged for the following reasons that Grace's (and your own daughters') experience will be more long-lasting.First of all, some reflections on the perspective of having had the amazing privilege of being there - if only for a relative moment - to witness what goes on in this school. My paradigm regarding "education" has been completely rocked. Some learn by hearing, some learn by seeing, and some learn by doing. Traditional educational wisdom would have us believe that each of us is one of these three types of learners, or a blend with a predominance towards one or the other. I agree. But I would add layers that I would have never before believed 15-17 year-olds to benefit from. Add: sleep-deprivation, altitude, physical stress, completely new relationships, cultural and family separation, exposure to water-borne everything, bug bites, the information age, no cell phones, a completely flexible schedule, responsibility for safety in unfamiliar places, teamwork, squeezing in the opportunity to dry out tents when time is limited, eating all manner of different stuff (and liking much of it)[rodent anyone?], constant transition, every day showers...NOT!, deadlines on top of deadlines, "where's my passport?!", budgeting for important stuff like ice cream, budgeting - period!, distractions of all types, illness, medical emergencies, and if I had all night, I could add a hundred more...But you get the idea. Point is, I learned that in our American bubble, we strive to shield our daughters (and sons) from many or too much of these things, so they can focus on their "education." When, in fact, I am confident that some of the most memorable educational moments our daughters will have were magnified because of some of these factors. If we could only get school districts to appreciate or even understand this, they would give these young ladies a full years' credit for what they accomplish in 15 weeks.
Secondly, as I hear excerpts from various parents, and I see the names of the girls I had the honor to meet on this trip, I have to echo what has been said; They are all (every one of them), incredible. So I need to thank you for sharing your daughters with my daughter because they have enriched her life in the most meaningful way, they have touched her heart, and broadened her mind. They all exude an unstoppable energy and enthusiasm, and a sense that there ARE NO BOUNDARIES to what they can do in their lives. And in that way, they have already challenged each other to greatness in a way that sororities, youth groups, camps, schools, organized sports and the like just cannot. I would also thank you all for sending your daughters on this trip so I could be personally encouraged that there is greatness, true wonderful, exuberant, GREATNESS to be expected from our kids' generation. If these women are a sampling of the think-tank coming from their generation, we have hope.
Third. As the ladies learned when I was there, I am sappy guy. But regardless of my exposure to some pretty amazing instructors in my own education, none can touch the things I witnessed from these teachers. And on reflection, I am choked with emotion to tell you that they are a blessing in the lives of every girl who became a woman there. They deserve our accolades, our thanks and praise. As teachers, I am confident they consider it a privilege to teach TTS. As a parent, and as a sometimes student on this trip (thank you Lander), I hereby express my deepest admiration and gratitude.
Fourth. I cannot adequately emphasize how much TTS needs us. Nobody is getting rich in the operation of this school. THEY SHOULD, but they are not. Clearly, there are limitations on the number of girls who can participate each year. It is a mathematical fact. But I believe that many girls who would not have the opportunity to go due to the obvious economics should get the opportunity. So the first way we can help make sure that others get opportunity is to commit financially. Do so while the sense you have of the value of this organization and it's mission is fresh and strong in your mind and heart. Don't delay. When you turn the dials on your charitable giving each year, don't turn it past the hash that says "TTS." When your daughter makes a remark that you consider truly remarkable, consider writing a check to commemorate it, knowing that her TTS experience probably fed her emotionally, philosophically, educationally, and confidently in ways we simply could not have imagined. Consider TTS in your estate planning.
Lastly, talk about The Traveling School - To your neighbors, clients, fellow parishioners, teachers, administrators, school counselors, television stations and newspapers, friends, Oprah, and whoever else will listen. In a day and age where so much bad news is blasting us in the face every day, people LOVE TO HEAR IT! It is a GREAT story.
Best regards,
Matt Stopher
"Be mindful of the look on your face,
When you gaze at the woman,
Who used to be your little girl."
Secondly, as I hear excerpts from various parents, and I see the names of the girls I had the honor to meet on this trip, I have to echo what has been said; They are all (every one of them), incredible. So I need to thank you for sharing your daughters with my daughter because they have enriched her life in the most meaningful way, they have touched her heart, and broadened her mind. They all exude an unstoppable energy and enthusiasm, and a sense that there ARE NO BOUNDARIES to what they can do in their lives. And in that way, they have already challenged each other to greatness in a way that sororities, youth groups, camps, schools, organized sports and the like just cannot. I would also thank you all for sending your daughters on this trip so I could be personally encouraged that there is greatness, true wonderful, exuberant, GREATNESS to be expected from our kids' generation. If these women are a sampling of the think-tank coming from their generation, we have hope.
Third. As the ladies learned when I was there, I am sappy guy. But regardless of my exposure to some pretty amazing instructors in my own education, none can touch the things I witnessed from these teachers. And on reflection, I am choked with emotion to tell you that they are a blessing in the lives of every girl who became a woman there. They deserve our accolades, our thanks and praise. As teachers, I am confident they consider it a privilege to teach TTS. As a parent, and as a sometimes student on this trip (thank you Lander), I hereby express my deepest admiration and gratitude.
Fourth. I cannot adequately emphasize how much TTS needs us. Nobody is getting rich in the operation of this school. THEY SHOULD, but they are not. Clearly, there are limitations on the number of girls who can participate each year. It is a mathematical fact. But I believe that many girls who would not have the opportunity to go due to the obvious economics should get the opportunity. So the first way we can help make sure that others get opportunity is to commit financially. Do so while the sense you have of the value of this organization and it's mission is fresh and strong in your mind and heart. Don't delay. When you turn the dials on your charitable giving each year, don't turn it past the hash that says "TTS." When your daughter makes a remark that you consider truly remarkable, consider writing a check to commemorate it, knowing that her TTS experience probably fed her emotionally, philosophically, educationally, and confidently in ways we simply could not have imagined. Consider TTS in your estate planning.
Lastly, talk about The Traveling School - To your neighbors, clients, fellow parishioners, teachers, administrators, school counselors, television stations and newspapers, friends, Oprah, and whoever else will listen. In a day and age where so much bad news is blasting us in the face every day, people LOVE TO HEAR IT! It is a GREAT story.
Best regards,
Matt Stopher
"Be mindful of the look on your face,
When you gaze at the woman,
Who used to be your little girl."
From The Wraiths
Dear all,I can never thank TTS enough for this incredible experience. I have nodoubt that it will be life changing. Bill and I were lucky enough to goon the parents' trip to Peru with two of our three boys (Caitlin is ouronly daughter). Two days before we took off we had lunch in Summit, NJwith Jim Hammer and the head of Caitlin's Upper School. At lunch Jimsaid something along these lines, "The destinations are great, but, forme, The Traveling School is all about the people. Your daughter ishanging out with some pretty incredible young women."After seeing TTS up close and personal, I can tell you that Claire,Heather, Dawn, Cara, Jennifer and Lander are phenomenal role models.And your daughters are, as Claire put it so well below, absolutely"hard-core." What an amazing group TTS attracts. Thank you Gennifre!These last 15 weeks have flown by. Despite that, we can't wait to seeCaitlin again. I'll close as Claire began... "Education is not filling a bucket, butlighting a fire" (W.B. Yeats). Amen to that. Thank you all for beingthe kindling.With deep gratitude,Ellen & the Wraith gang
From Elizabeth Currie
Alonso and I are so, so impressed by the whole experience that we don't know where to begin, but we loved it, and we very much admire and respect the whole arrangement and how it all works, even under exceptional circumstances. Laura loved it and we too would be very happy to tell everyone we know of how great this is, starting with the amazing personal and professinal qualities of the teachers!
Elizabeth Currie
(Laura's mom)
Elizabeth Currie
(Laura's mom)
From Donna
When people ask me if I'm worried about Montana being so far away for so long, I tell them I worry more about her at home! I'm especially impressed with how thoroughly they
address the transition home.
Very lucky girls...
Donna de K.
address the transition home.
Very lucky girls...
Donna de K.
From Laura Duffy
I did see the Quick Time Movie and it MADE my mother's day! I keep telling my friends that I'm more sold on the Traveling School now than I was when Alex left. They've really made me feel comfortable that if anything was wrong, I would know instantly. -Laura Duffy (Alex's mom)
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