When most people think of the importance of teamwork, they envision a group of athletes competing for victory. I learned my most significant and poignant lesson about teamwork halfway around the world, on a completely different playing field. In January I left my small, sheltered, and comfortable hometown with 6 other individuals headed for unknown adventures in Thailand. My purpose in leaving was to provide aid to the people of the coastal region of Thailand still recovering from the December 2004 tsunami. Before going to Thailand, I began raising money for the Southern Thailand Orphanage which I would be visiting. I sent out letters to members of my church, community, family, and friends asking them to partner with me in supporting this orphanage. After 4 months of gathering funds, the amount raised totaled over $2,500. It was amazing to see so many people take interest in this project so far from our town, an incredible example of teamwork. During this international experience, I learned that teamwork was absolutely essential to the survival of many lives. When I arrived on the small island of Koh Kho Khao we found that we would be most helpful by reconstructing a community center that had been washed away by the wrath of the ocean. Our team gladly agreed to take on such a project. Arriving at the scene, we saw that the ground within the building needed to be leveled, cemented, and bricks needed to be made for reinforcement. We successfully cemented 3 rooms downstairs and even began the tedious task of cementing the second story. I realized once we were done that without our help, it would have taken the Thai people at least one month to complete what we helped do in a few days. Teamwork at its finest was used halfway around the world to help mold a community center for hurting people to gather together again. Reflecting on my recent trip, I can say that the most fulfilled I have ever felt in my life was the time that I spent in Thailand. It was amazing seeing the genuine gratitude of the Thai people that I worked with. They were such joyful people, and tears ran from their eyes as they expressed their thankfulness to me and my team. I have never been so proud to be a part of any team.