2 weeks ago I came back to real life.....

Words seem to diminish the thoughts and feelings I have about this trip and the breakers. There are not enough superlatives in the English language to express my feelings about what happened from March 1- 7th, but I am going to try……

I’ve been back for two weeks from this once in a lifetime experience, and it still seems surreal. To be in such close proximity with seven very like-minded people for seven days was truly an amazing journey. We came from all over the country; we took a break from jobs, schools, volunteer sites, and every day responsibilities to participate in a very unique adventure. I discovered that the people on this trip: breakers, leaders, organizers and band members are all compassionate and caring beyond logic and reason. Though we all do something different, believe in different things, and sometimes don’t agree on everything; we all listened to one another, took each other’s life experiences into account, and learned.

I experienced firsthand that living in a small space with people is an interesting occurrence…shoes smell, beds have close ceilings, things get lost, and laughter is abundant. I saw more smiles, joy and amusement than I have seen in years. The breakers have a genuine want and desire to do good for the country and the world. I fell in love with seven people... I adore who they are, what they do and what they are becoming. I respect their different thoughts, beliefs, objectives and dreams. I learned about the southern part of this country, about the needs in Texas and things that happened during and after Katrina. I was inspired and saw that people in the country truly respect and love social activism and volunteers. This experience opened my eyes, and as a result it has changed the path I want to take in life.

Since the return to my “regular” life, I have been looking into what else I can do, what I can give and how I can help. I have kept in touch with my fellow breakers and care deeply about what is going on in their lives. I made new friends who will do amazing things over the course of the years that follow. I have a new found admiration for people who want to use their influence for good and for people who want to donate their time to charity work. I am anxiously waiting for a reunion with the breakers, crows, and people I met on tour…things are changing in all our lives…and I can’t wait to see what happens next.


LOVES,

Ashley