crossposted// reflection on our time in d.c.

alternative spring break//DC : written 03/24/2008
this is much more of a reflection than a recount so i will start by noting that i will try to say as much about the past week as i can with the fewest amount of words... i feel as though this week i have connected with and grown closer to a group of individuals i may not have been fortunate enough to encounter otherwise, as well as strengthened friendships already established. i feel that my eyes, heart and being have been expanded. i feel that we made a difference in the organizations that we worked with this past week as well as in the lives that these organizations impact. I found myself wanting to be able to do more, but it hit me midway through the week while aiding in spring cleaning over in fort totten at milestone transitional housing facility, that changing the world and making a difference comes in all shapes and sizes and that without volunteer groups like ours these organizations would not be able to accomplish all that they do. i feel as though our group has become more educated to further address these major issues at home and around the globe.
i know i have been humbled, motivated and have gained insight. Also i have come home wanting to push myself and utilize capabilities i know that i once had, and still believe are buried underneath my lack of effort and motivation, as i once again have found value in the pursuing of this higher education of which i am nearing the finish line. Tuesday at KIPP charter school in Anacostia we ate lunch with 7th graders who were already planning for high school and college. Students with teachers who believe in them and are committed, students who are striving to excel even though many of them came into the school in 5th grade at a kindergarten reading level. Being in D.C. has left me with a less bitter and more hopeful attitude towards our nation..Of course there were hindrances on our journey, when are there not? But we laughed quite a lot, and we grew through them.
The highlight of the week was certainly the dinner we hosted at YSOP Tuesday night. There were about 40 of us hosting, including the other groups from Madison. Brittany and i sat and shared a meal and talked with Melvin. you can learn a lot through listening to people. Melvin educated us on what it was like to be poor and in D.C. while encouraging us to live and experience as much as possible while young and independent. No matter where we are in life.. we are all one step away from being in any of these people’s shoes...unable to make ends meet.. needing a hand.
As far as our leisure time while we were there... Even through these times i found a high level of relevance and was highly impacted. Thursday after playing frisbee until we froze on the national mall, a group of us journeyed up to Adams Morgan via the metro and feasted on ethiopian food. Friday afternoon we stumbled into a Good Friday reflection service at the national cathedral. The building itself was monumental but even more magnificent than the architecture...there was a sacredness and reverence there i cannot remember the last time i experienced. it was intense and it rocked me.
Staying in the hostel, was a good experience in itself. Late nights down in the lobby exposes one to numerous conversations in an assortment of languages. Bernd, our german friend from the hostel spent a good amount of time with our group. The last night of our trip sofia, kirk, and i sat atop the steps of the lincoln memorial gazing out over the reflection pool, soaking in life. As much as those we helped needed us this week.. I needed this week to leave some things behind and step out of my comfortable surroundings and be immersed...and i am glad i did. There is so much more to be said about each memorable moment from the week but i am just glad i can carry those memories with me. D.C. you taught me a lot.. thank you. I miss you already.
//sarah mccartan