Change & Experiences !!!

Hey there, it’s Allison! It is late Tuesday evening, and we have only been here a little over 48 hours. I can honestly say in this short amount of time my life has forever changed. So far, this has been such a rewarding and eye opening experience. I have gotten a chance to talk to quite a few of the guys here, and it is amazing how much they have opened up, to not only me, but all of us. Their stories have inspired me, and their optimism through their hardships is truly admirable. Yesterday, we got to meet with a gentleman one-on-one, and then introduce each other to everyone else at the front of the room. I was paired with Rodney, who at the end of our conversation told me that I was going to change the world someday. Hearing that from someone who barely knew me was incredibly touching and motivating.  Today, during a life skills meeting, each of us had a group with four gentleman in which we discussed our biggest life struggle on our path thus far, and tools we use to cope with the frustration and anger of those struggles. It was amazing to have the guys in my group open up to me, a complete stranger, and tell me their struggles. Each of them told me how they cope, which mostly involved patience and faith. They are all so wise, and have taught me that it is never too late to change anything as long as you can be optimistic and have a good attitude. Aside from already having a transformational experience at the Father McKenna center, we have done some sightseeing in DC which has been absolutely breath taking. We are all incredibly blessed to have been given the opportunity to be on this trip, and it is great knowing we still have several days left to have many more life changing experiences.