The week has blown by rather fast. All of us cant believe that today was the last day that we would serve the men that come into the center. Everyone was so appreciative about us being here and helping that its hard to say goodbye.
Today we made pancakes for breakfast and spent quality time with different people and hearing their stories. Before lunch there is a group at 11 every day and we got to sit in. Gary, the drop in center coordinator, told his story. It was very powerful since he wasn't shy about the things he has done or put other people through. He also made it real and showed that these are real problems people have and it takes yourself to make a change. He is a recovering addict and just wants to help anyone that wants it. Everyone in the group that was able to sit in on the group time, feels very fortunate to have heard his story and grateful for the things in life.
Something he said that stuck with me, "if you want something different you have to do something different"
After group we served lunch and said our goodbyes! Very awesome to see the people that were thankful we were here and sad to see us go.
From there we went sight seeing. The metro is still complicated but we find our way. First we went to see the cherry Blossom Festival and took our pictures of the pretty view. We then walked to the world war II memorial which was a sight to see. We walked to the Lincoln Memorial! It was pretty sweet seeing him sitting there. The last memorial we went to was the Vietnam one with all the names of the soliders that have died. Very emotional to see how many lives were lost. The last thing we saw on our last day was the capital! Nice to see all the amazing things you read about and hope you get to see!!
Everyone is tired but sad to leave tomorrow. This trip cannot be described with words what it has meant to each and everyone of us. Many have rethought career paths to try and do things that we have done this week. I am very grateful to have come with such a loving group and they will never know how much they have helped me change and become a better person. so i would like to thank them and the mckenna center for everything this week!!
-jade ertel
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