I'm Sam Colabella and I particiapated in the First Lego League championship in Georgia. My exeriance in Georgia was interesting. It was cool to see so many people from different countries. All in all it was pretty fun.

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We arrived home at 11:55 PM after 16 hours in the car. I just had a few thoughts. Remember that this blog is not over. I am encouraging the kids to reflect on their experiences over the next few days and to create blog entries and upload more pictures.

One of the main core values of FIRST Lego League is as follows :

"What we learn is more important than what we win".

I have found this to be true. Main things I learned in Atlanta:

1) It is possible to fit 12 people in a Nissan Murano

2) Yes, you can eat Nachos with a fork

3) The New Zealand accent beats England or Australia any day

Highlights for me personally (as the coach):

1) Seeing my team huddle up for prayer of their own accord with Peter in the lead

2) Observing exemplary behavior from my team members throughout the competition. I never heard Lauren complain once about being the only girl on our team.

3) Seeing Sam smile at me (not just smile, but actually smile at me)

4) Trusting in Luke to handle all programming/robot problems without any help and seeing him succeed

5) Noticing Jon looking after the little New Zealanders (sure that they were lost in the park)

6) Hearing Jacob's voice loud and clear answering the judge's questions through the curtain (We had asked them to speak up)

Leaving Atlanta

We are heading out the door in a few minutes to make the long drive home. Many teams are stranded here due to the volcanic ash situation including two teams from England, Norway, Spain, the Netherlands (2 teams), Germany (the robot winner). There are probably others as well.

The German team won the robot design and robot performance award...that famous German engineering!! The overall winner was a team from NH that researched and created a device to detect whether someone driving a car was texting. Great job by all the teams and what a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all of us!!

Cool dudes

Finale Party

Our Final Day in Atlanta

We were hopeful going into the awards ceremony but unfortunately we did not receive an award. We had a wonderful time here and got to experience downtown Atlanta. Last night we visited the Georgia Aquarium (the world's largest) and this morning we visited the Coca-Cola factory. Both are within walking distance from our hotel and the Georgia Dome.

We are on our way out the door to Centennial Olympic Park for our Finale Party. The whole park is open only for us so it should be cool. There is a rock climbing wall and giant inflatables plus FREE FOOD!!! I will post later if I have time.

On the big screen