Thank you for everything!

Now, I don't mean this to sound like a promotional piece for Workaway. I suppose as this is my last blog entry that I should tell you about my experience as a whole, here in America...

Arriving here was a whirl wind of emotions. From anticipation to eagerness to fear and everything in between. 

I can however say that it's been an amazing experience. I worked harder than I ever have in my life, there was a fair amount of blood, sweat and tears but I can honestly say that this journey has taught me more about the kind of person that I would like to be. 

This sounds slightly cheesy doesn't it? Bear with me, it is probably going to get worse before the end....

I have just recently just moved North, to Rhode Island and the differences between here and Florida are astronomical...for instance, at the moment, we are sitting inside a low lying cloud bank, so just going outside isn't something you really want to do.

It really is so much fun though, meeting other, non-Boca, non-country club people....and I would have never gotten this opportunity if I had not been accepted on the Workaway program. They have opened so many doors for me, introduced me to so many amazing people, some of which I hope to be friends with for a very very long time.

So, i suppose as this is my last blog I would like to thank my managers here at Boca West. Everybody who has read my posts, I hope that you have enjoyed my journey as much as I have. I really hope that if you are reading these posts and are thinking about joining the program, that you definitely give it a try. The work is hard, but fun, you meet amazing people and you get to see another country which is actually pretty cool when you get over the novelty of being in it....

Thanks again,

Author: Melissa Rauch

Last few days!

It's been a long season (six months) with it's ups and downs, both with work and personally, but the last few days have been really, really good. I had my last day of work on Sunday, and had my "staff appreciation party" the day after, on Monday (yesterday, technically speaking). It was mere coincidence that my last day happened to be after the staff party, so it almost felt like a send off. The last time I'd be on BallenIsles property would be at a party, haha! And it was awesome. It wasn't the type of party you may immediately assume (drinks, loud music, etc) but was still a great time. The food was great, the people were great, and the "activities" were pretty awesome. The club organised tournaments and events in several different categories. From attempting to hit a few balls around on the tennis courts, to trying to chip a golf ball into a specifically designated area, to randomly trying to be the first to eat a watermelon with your hands behind your back, all in all it was a good ol' time.
It was a close call, but Jeff managed to get through his in about a minute or so, I came in a close second (debatable), haha. Now Jeff walks around just yelling out "The Champ is here" after winning most of the days events.  

Anyway, the closer I get to leaving, the more I realise how much I'm going to miss all these guys. They really have become my family for the past six months, for all intents and purposes. I've formed such bonds with so many of them, it's going to be difficult saying goodbye. Love you guys!
I will be heading North later this week, beginning my trip in New York! I can't wait! I'll keep you guys updated!

Author: Michael Elliott

Life's journey with amazing people!

Through the high notes to the low ones, I got to share in an adventure I will carry in my heart for the rest of my life. Meeting people from all walks of life and making them part of my memories that I cherish dearly.

It became time to say goodbye as the season died down and NO it was not easy seeing the young people that once sat in front of me all nervous for their interviews, now grown up and heading off to the Big Apple and many other places to start a new adventure.  Yet nervous and excited for them, I remember that life is precious and one needs to enjoy every moment one gets.  So I’m writing this blog as a thank you to my dear friends that I have made at Addison and wish them the best of luck as to wherever life may take them…

…and to all the new candidates that will be given this opportunity grab it with both hands and hang on, it will be an opportunity to be a part of Workaway international and realize how blessed you are to have such amazing people in our country, that you will share this great adventure with and get to make lifelong friends, as I have over the past 6 years…

So here are a few words that describe life and the journey……so enjoy it!

Life’s Journey

Life can seem ungrateful and not always kind.
Life can pull at your heartstrings and play with your mind...
Life can be blissful and happy and free...
Life can put beauty in the things that you see...
Life can place challenges right at your feet...
Life can make good of the hardships we meet...
Life can overwhelm you and make your head spin...
Life can reward those determined to win...
Life can be hurtful and not always fair...
Life can surround you with people who care...
Life clearly does offer its Up and its Downs...
Life's days can bring you both smiles and frowns...
Life teaches us to take the good with the bad...
Life is a mixture of happy and sad...

So...

Take the Life that you have and give it your best...
Think positive, be happy let God do the rest...
Take the challenges that life has laid at your feet...
Take pride and be thankful for each one you meet...
To yourself give forgiveness if you stumble and fall...
Take each day that is dealt you and give it your all...
Take the love that you're given and return it with care...
Have faith that when needed it will always be there...
Take time to find the beauty in the things that you see...
Take life's simple pleasures let them set your heart free...

So…Thank you to everyone at Addison Reserve and I hope to see many of you back for yet another adventure.

Author: Lucille Earle