Independent Order of Odd Fellows of West Virginia

When I found out that I was given the amazing opportunity to go on this trip, I was so excited.  As the trip got closer, the excitement stayed, but a feeling of fear also came.  My stomach would turn in knots at the thought of being away from my family and friends for almost two week!  I was afraid that I wouldn't know what to do with myself.

Luckily, as the time came for the trip, I met many new people and my fear quickly faded.  I had realized that everyone else was a scared and as eager as I was.  Not only that, but many of them shared numerous interests with me.  I knew that this trip was going to be wonderful and that I wouldn't want to leave these people when the time came to say goodbye.

Through out the 2008 UN Pilgrimage trip, many sights to seen.  Some of the most memorable occurrences include going to the U.S. capitol building, being able to see the Liberty Bell, finally getting my passport stamped, seeing the skyline of New York City, and being able to create new and exciting friendships with people I'd never met.  I cannot even begin to truly tell of the gratitude that fills within me.  I am so thankful to the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs of the Boone County lodge.

Being able to take part in the briefings at the U.N. was certainly life changing.  I was able to hear of the steps being taken to increase the quality of life around the world.  Along with that, I was given the chance to ask questions on how the world could be changed by my generation.  By taking all of this information to heart and head, a speech was written and my voice was heard.  My opinions, though very hard to understand through all of my stuttering and stammering, were finally brought forth and listened to.

Though the trip is over, the memories will last forever.  I will always remember the friends that I made and many of the times that we shared together.  I thank you, Odd fellows and Rebekahs, from the bottom of my heart.

Amber Spurlock


I will now provide a few pictures that I have taken and edited while on this trip.  Along with each picture will come an explanation of its importance.



Picture number 1 represents the first new friendship.  Jumping into this trip meant allowing new bonds between new people.  Even though I thought it would be more difficult than it truly was, making new friends was a blast and a good boost in learning how to communicate.

Picture number 2 is obviously of the well-known Liberty Bell.  This picture was taken while in Philadelphia.  While the group stood around the Liberty Bell, one man proceeded to tell us the importance of the Liberty Bell.  After finishing the tale of history, he concluded by reminding us that we are all a big part of history.

The third picture displays the busy feel of New York City.  Going from a small town in WV to a large city like NYC in a couple of days was a large change.  It was great to be able to observe the different lifestyles of people from various places.

Picture 4 was taken outside of the United Nations building.  The different flags represent all of the countries included in the United Nations.  These show the ability of the world to stand up together and try and make a better world.  The UN was a great learning experience for me.  By listening to the speakers during the briefings, I learned of the many ways that we can help to increase the quality of living for people all around the world.

Picture 5:  While visiting NYC, the group was able to go to "Top of the Rock."  It was here that we were able to see things from a different point of view.  I took this experience as a way to see that I am so small; that everything is so small.  We shouldn't fret over such small things.  There are much more important things in life.

Picture number 6 was taken outside of the Broadway play, "In the Heights."  Being involved in theatre, the Broadway play was a big treat for me.  Seeing this play made me see how hard working the actors were and it made me want to work that much harder!


Picture 7:  On the 2nd day of our visit to Canada, the tour leader took us to see the Changing of the Guards in front of the beautiful Parliament buildings.  It was so cool to see the way that things worked and how serious they were about the inspections.  On top of that, there was an awesome band with awesome bagpipes!


Picture 8:  Niagara Falls was beautiful!  Riding the "Maid of the Mist" was a great experience.  Being splashed with water and screaming like I was 7 years old just topped off my experience in Canada.  I would love to go back again someday.


Picture 9:  Gettysburg was such a tragic place to visit.  It was great to hear so many interesting stories, mainly all based on lovers during the Civil War.

Picture 10:  This is the whole group with a statue of Einstein in DC.  My science teacher would love this; she is obsessed with Albert!  I hated to leave these people.  We all got along so well.  Even so, the memories will last forever, even if these photos do not.  I am so grateful that I got to meet them and create a bond that will never disappear.  They will always be in my thoughts and prayers.

In conclusion, I am so blessed to have gotten to go on this trip.  I thank all involved once again and pray that the future holds great things for you.  God bless.

Amber Spurlock, sponsored by the Boone Lodge of WV.


P.S.- My bus driver was awesome!  :)  Terry is a good guy.