In response to CHI turning 30, CHI Founders Tom and Lilka received the touching letter below from past AYP and W&T participant Martin.
Dear Tom and Lilka,
I would like to congratulate you and I am so glad and thankful for the first IDEA you had 30 years ago. It made a possibility to travel abroad, know other cultures and meet people that i will newer forget. It showed me a land of opportunity, land of hope and courage. Your idea made me a better person. Person with vision. And i can truly say, I could not achieve what I did, without your “gift” to me. This gift as a cultural exchange in US, to be part of an American family, to see it customs and to know, that you can bring difference in somebody’s life.
I learned that I CAN. The courage of the people gave me hope. Made a way for me. To see that I really could follow my dreams. This change could newer be repaid. Could not be measured. The change to a new, better person is something that you carry all your life with you. Therefore I carry CHI, you Tom and Lilka with me all my way. You were on the beginning of a lifetime journey. A journey that is now full of excitement and joy.
Therefore the thanks goes to you .. all staff of CHI … and also my supporting family, hand in hand with a dream of life.
Thank you,
Martin
