Rod Wilde The U.S. Girls' Youth Olympic Team awaiting its 3:50 a.m. departure from the Athlete Village in Singapore. After playing in the finals, going to closing ceremonies and going to the dance party at the athlete village, the USA team enthusiasticly prepares to to depart for the airport at 3:50 a.m.

While we all enjoyed the trip, after 17 days we are ready to go home.

We are leaving here with a medal, but a lot more than that. We have made many new friends and a lot of great memories. For a small period of time, the girls got to see that the world is not made up of other countries, but people who come from somewhere else. There are many differences, but a lot more similarities when you see everyone as individuals not nations. This truly was a life experience for everyone.

This will be my last send. I hope all of you have enjoyed following the team as we went on this edition of Rod's Wilde adventures.