Wednesday was my last Girl
Guide meeting. We met at the Guide Hall and then did a Penny Hike, in which you
flip a penny (or other coin) every time you get to a street junction to
determine the direction you will go, from there to our new meeting place. A few
weeks ago a big storm came through with fierce winds and the front of the Guide
Hall fell in, so we currently cannot use it. We were lucky to find another
place for our meetings.
Once we all got to the
meeting place, I was told by Karlee, one of the girls, to stay outside. I did
as told and after a minute or two Karlee came back for me and escorted me
inside. The girls had all gathered together and when I entered the room they
yelled out, “Thank you Cricket for being a great Guide leader!” I was so
touched that I started to cry, and I admit that I did the beauty queen thing
where I fanned my face with my hands as I cried. All the girls ran up to me to
give me a big group hug, which only made me cry more.
They had set up a farewell
party for me and everyone had brought some food to share. Before snack time
though Kirsty and Andrea, along with two of the girls, presented me with a gift
from the unit: a beautiful oilskin backpack. They had also invited Allen
Attwood (the president of the Friends of Naracoorte Caves) and several other
Friends members along. Allen stood up and talked a little about my involvement
at the park with the Friends and about my bat research. I was so surprised that
Kirsty and Andrea had gotten Allen and the Friends to come! I found out today
that Deb had gone into the bank where Kirsty works and they had arranged for
several Friends members to be at the party, and they all were told to keep
quiet. They did a great job! Several of the girls also gave me cards with their
addresses on it so I could write to them, and many others wanted to write back
and forth too. It’ll be great to keep in touch with them and to hear about
their new adventures. I’m so glad I got to continue my Girl Scouting/Guiding
experience and be part of such a wonderful group. Thank You Naracoorte Girl
Guides for welcoming me into your family and for making my year here in Australia that
much richer. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
The Naracoorte Girl Guides: one last
time together.
And of course the obligatory funny photo.
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