"Liberty, meet Mr. Thorncroft!"

This was an exciting week as I knew that my principal here was visiting in Corvallis and at Liberty. He was to see my exchange partner in person (instead of on Skype)for the first time since she left Australia in December. He was to meet the students in person (instead of on Skype!) and get a good taste of an American school! He came bearing artwork from the children here from Kinder up to Year 6, including a wonderful 25 page Aboriginal story retold and illustrated by the students.

Word has come through that it was a delightful visit, with parents bringing goodies, staff greeting his family, and all providing a warm Liberty welcome! I know that he must have been impressed with the beautiful school. I know he must have enjoyed meeting the teachers and staff. And I know he would have been impressed with the students. I can't wait to hear stories when he returns here.

I received a touching email from my partner during the visit. She was very taken with the relationships we have created just by carrying out the exchange and participating as we both have. We have both spoken about the future and the possibilities of a sister school relationship with Macksville. I believe the connections we are making with our students, their families, our colleagues, the communities we teach and live in, as well as the friendships our family members are making are very powerful and will not stop here. Neither of us dreamed about the far-reaching implications this year might have. We are starting to live those possibilities more and more every day.