After the Trip! TWB Reflections

TWB REFLECTIONS


"I met lifelong friends and memories that I will cherish forever, thank you TWB!"- Katherine Goodman, Thomasville, NC


"Realizing just how beautiful America really is and fell in love with traveling with friends I will have forever!"- Ella Walters, Raleigh, NC


"TWB grew my appreciation for the diversity in religions, landscape, opinions, personalities, and so many more things that America has to offer." -Kelsey Harbin, Monroe, NC


"It's not about the places you go, its about the people you meet."

- Anna Rowland, Stanley, NC


"TWB helped me branch out to so many amazing people while also seeing God's amazing creations." - Taylor Martin, Belmont, NC


"The trip in and of itself is amazing but the people you meet and the friendships you make more than outweigh the places you go." -Charlotte Macdonald, Aiken, SC


"You will meet some of the most best people ever." - Abigail Stephens, Gastonia, NC


"This is the trip of a lifetime, there will be times you don't like or times you want to go home, push through and have fun. - Cooper Doty, Rockwell, NC


"It's helped me appreciate everything big and small. It helped me push through pain otherwise I wouldn't do with me being being sick." - Cole McGinnis, Gastonia, NC


"Absolutely the best experience of your life if you know how to make it worth it. "-Luis Lopez, Pageland, SC


"TWB has not only been the most amazing opportunity, but it has also opened my eyes to God's plan for me." - Ashlyn Price, Stanley, NC


"TWB has made me step out of my comfort zone and has made me more grateful for what I already have!"- Breanna Love, Stanley, NC


"Lots of classics"- Carson Murray, Huntersville, NC


"Cool people, cool places, cool experiences."- George Current, Gastonia, NC


"TWB has helped me realize that it's not where you are, it's who your with." - Katelyn Wentz, Charlotte, NC


"TWB has brought me out of my shell and appreciate the world." -Wes Griggs, Mooresville, NC


"I met amazing friends and memories that will last a lifetime." - Callee Edwards, Mt Ulla, NC


"Embrace every experience that you have on TWB, it is a trip of a lifetime and an amazing opportunity for many!" - Savana Brame, Gastonia, NC


"It's the best thing you can do for yourself and your life you wont regret it. Just do it even if you are nervous." - Julia Portorfield, Roebuck, SC


"TWB is the best risk you can ever take for yourself!" - Khushi Patel, Belmont, NC


"Just have fun and don't dwell on the past, live in the moment. Best thing you can do for yourself." - Kinsley Hildebran, Mount Holly, NC


"TWB has been the best experience of my life, everyone should do it if you given the opportunity.- Claire Dimura, Sherrills Ford, NC


"Soak in every moment and don't take it for granted." - Laney Spangler, Cherryville, NC


"Embrace every opportunity you get to make friends and don't spend too much money." -Connor McAgee, Union, SC


"TWB has taught me how to make the most of my life and I think everyone deserves to learn that." - Jaycie Middleton, Asheville, NC


"Was nothing like i've ever done before, God's plan." -Zara L Dane, Gastonia, NC


"Live a little, technology isn't everything."  -Yvonne, Denver, NC


"I wish TWB lasted longer, I made so many friends that will last a lifetime. I never want it to end. - Seth "Gopher" Alford, Gastonia, NC


"My favorite thing i've ever done." - Ava Wofford, Cherryville, NC


"23 days of my life I will hold so close to my heart." -Valerie Jordan, Salisbury, NC 


"In the last 23 days on TWB I found out more about myself then I have in the last 16 years of my life." - Laurel Attaway, Ruffin, NC


"It was a great way to see the country." -Grey Causby, Salibury, NC


"My TWB experience was such a blessing!"- Clara Myers, Belmont, NC


"This experience has pushed me out of my comfort zone in so many amazing ways." - Ashley York, Stanley, NC


"This is a once in a life time experience and I am so thankful for everyone who supported me and I love y'all." -Copeland Smith, Gastonia, NC


"TWB helped me get away from troubles back home, focus on having fun and meeting new friends."- Evan Barber, Sailsbury, NC


"TWB is such a blessing!" - Carolyn Caulder, Greenville, SC


"TWB isn't just a trip across America... You figure out who you are and develop bonds with some of the best people you'll ever know. Hands down the best family to be a part of." - Ella Kate Delapp, Reidsville, NC


"Very chill." - Ren Nishioka, Tokyo


"TWB has allowed me to discover so much about myself and America at the same time, while also making lifelong friends!" - Bailey Owens, Cherryville, NC


"TWB has made me stronger in myself and my faith while making life long friends." - Lyndon Brannock, Ridgeway, SC


"TWB helped me be myself and appreciate everything I have in life. It's 23 days of self discovery and come home with life long friends."- Blair Brown, Eden, NC


"TWB gave me the chance to make friends for a lifetime, grow closer to people I already knew, and learn about myself everyday."- Eliza Green, Belmont, NC


"Talk to people as much as you can and branch out."-Mallie Emerson, Cherryville, NC


"Life changing and amazing." - Westyn Hill, Whiteville, NC


"The most exhausting yet worthwhile thing I've ever done." - Hayden Savino, Mt Holly, NC


"Slow beginning and ending, TWB helped me be myself. " - Taylor Fore, Gastonia, NC


"Best decision, changed me, very content with who I am." -Kate Borkowski, Cornelius, NC


"Amazing, nature is so beautiful and freeing, so important to pay attention to the little things. Live in the moment. Look up at the stars. Feel the wind. Let in the light." - Carson Crosby, Beaufort, SC


"TWB gave me more experiences across the country in 23 days, then most people gat throughout their life." - Scarlett Mast, Raleigh, NC


"An experience I can't even begin to put into words." - Lucy Bevgev, Charlotte, NC


"TWB made me close with people I never would have talked to." - Thomas Schieck, Statesville, NC


"TWB helped me find and become my true self without second thought." - Erin Shelton, Marion, NC


"TWB changed my outlook on life and taught me to enjoy everything around me." - Bella Audette, Denver, NC


"TWB taught me that it's okay to take a step back and take in all that God has to offer."- Macie Griffin, Monroe, NC


"Enjoy every second of TWB, there will never be another moment like it."- Kinley Presnell, Gastonia, NC


"So worth it! Best trip ever." - Lillian Black, Mooresville, NC


"TWB pushed me outside of my comfort zone and taught me how to appreciate everything. I will love this trip forever!" -Gabi Nelson, Statesville, NC


"TWB is an eye-opening experience that helped me to see God's creation and appreciate the small things in life!" -Autumn Lutz, Denver, NC


"Each day became the new best day of my life!" - Matthew Loudon, Dallas, NC


"I have a new perspective on life." - Mason Gabosch, Mt. Ulla, NC


"Quite literally life changing I never could've known any of theses people without TWB"- Cody Mitchell, Belmont, NC


"I loved it because I will probably never be able to go to some of these places ever again."- Garrett Towery, Gastonia, NC


I"t really allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and be more confident."- Brady MacFarlane, Mooresville, NC


"No matter how big the world is you will continue to always be amazed no matter what!"- Mylee Hambright, Mooresville , NC


"This trip helped me grow many life long relationships." -Rachel Anderson, Maiden, NC


"An incredible experience where you can find your true self while also seeing God's beautiful creations." - Gracen Tucker, Pageland, SC


"Once in a lifetime experience, so grateful to have this opportunity to experience the west with these people."- Tucker Bramlett, Monroe, NC


"It was awesome." - Reed Joyce, Mooresville, NC


"I love TWB." - Charlie Hicks, Apex, NC


"If you have the chance to go, go. It changed my life!" -Truman Adcock, Belmont, NC


"This was the most amazing experience, from meeting kind people to seeing Americas beautiful sights." - Claire Smith, Rock Hill, SC


"One of the best things you will ever do that helps you come out of your shell." - Addison Laney, Monroe, NC


"Truly on experience of a lifetime that I will cherish forever!" -Lillian Moore, Belmont, NC


"Unforgettable experience." - Emma Huffstetter, Belmont, NC


"The best experience meeting new people and seeing new places!" -MC Musselman, Beaufort, SC


"Don't be scared to sing, if you are you'll miss out." -Luke Stigall, Raleigh , NC


"TWB is, without a doubt, the best thing thats ever happened to me." -Madison Folk, Ehrhardt, SC


"Ball-Out." -Jack Nelin, Mooresville, NC

 

"This is the best trip of my life. NC people are awesome!" -Cooper Mas, Fleming Island, FL









Day 23- Return


Day 23: HOME


This morning the participants planned to surprise Dallas by singing “Wakey, Wakey” to wake her up. Sadly, she was a step ahead of us, and still managed to wake the majority of us up with her favorite morning wake up calls. 

Sure, we might grumble a bit, but deep down, we know tomorrow just won't be the same without her energetic wake-up calls. Today, though, we scored a rare victory: we lounged in bed until a glorious 7:15 am!!! It made us all a tad sentimental, knowing this morning snuggle-fest was our last. But hey, we'll always have the memories of waking up side by side, ready to take on the day with Dallas leading the charge!


















































































We embarked on our final bus adventure, feeling the bittersweet reality sinking in: this was our last ride together. First up on our farewell tour? A legendary Walmart run! The cooks stocked up on goodies for the day, ensuring breakfast and lunch were packed with love and shared among friends. With muffins and grapes powering us up, we cruised through Tennessee, nostalgic tunes filling the air as we crossed back into North Carolina. A pit stop at a rest area refreshed us (and the bus!) before we tackled the next mission: cleaning out every nook and cranny of our trusty bus and vans.

Today's journey was a rollercoaster of songs, laughter echoing through the aisles, and heartfelt reminiscing about the incredible 23 days we've shared. And sure, there might've been a tear or two (we won't name names, but it wasn't the Grumpy's—too cool for that, remember?). Our final stop was a symphony of organization, packing up our gear to make the reunion with our families a breeze.

 Amidst the packing, we began bidding farewell to our newfound family, each goodbye tinged with a mix of sadness and gratitude for the unforgettable adventures we've had together. As the wheels slowed to a stop, we couldn't help but smile through the goodbyes, knowing that while this journey may end, the memories and bonds we've forged will last a lifetime. Cheers to the epic ride and the incredible people who made it all possible.













































































Many tears were shed because we can't imagine not spending every day together. Even though we are excited to see our family at the next stop (and maybe even perform a song or two), we will never forget the experiences and memories we have made together.

Teens Westward Bound has been an incredible experience for everyone involved. We have learned more about ourselves, each other, and our beautiful country than we ever imagined possible. We have formed a family and we know these friendships will last a lifetime. Thank you Trip 1, 2024, for giving us some amazing experiences which allowed us to step out of our comfort zone and find who we truly are. 





























































































We love you Teens Westward Bound... no matter how grumpy we are!

Xoxo, The Grumpy's + the rest of Trip 1 <3