Doubt, Laugh, Trust, Live...Unforgettable

Of course my silly self just figured that each day of Junior Kairos had its own meaning and motto. The first day being doubt, the second being laugh, the third being trust, and the fourth being live. But the weekend has allowed me time to truly reflect on how much I appreciate the events that occurred while having that unforgettable Kairos experience. It seems as if Mater Dolorosa was some other area foreign to anything taking place in the nearby busy cities. Being there just freed me from everything that constantly pressed me and stressed me. The friends I've gained, the great times I had (although I was sick the experience was still priceless), the lessons I learned, the relationship that I strengthened with God, all affected me in the most positive ways. Then, the unthinkable happened. I never thought that I would be somewhat apprehensive to return home, yet I was on that gray Friday afternoon. I mean I missed my family and friends of course, but there was something inside me that just made me want to stay. I felt as if I was just being thrown back into the heat of the battle. I felt, and still do to some extent, that the retreat just protected me from everything that could possibly cause stress in my life and that the world outside the retreat center never stopped moving. I don't know if I was expecting some great change to happen at home because of the experiences that I had on Kairos, but I realize that nothing like that is the case at all. Coming home that day has shown me that no matter what happens to me personally or where I am, life elsewhere goes on. I don't mean to say that being home again is some terrible thing that I just hate to endure, but rather I want to stress how much I appreciate all of those around me that affected me in any way while on the retreat.

In conclusion I would like to thank all of those who helped me see the light while on the retreat, both those who were in my group (Joey, Andrew, Mike, Lamar, Brian, and Mr. Contreras) and also those who were just around enjoying the experience with me. I know the guys in my group are really chill people and that they undoubtedly feel the same way about the Kairos experience. I encourage all others who have the chance to go on Kairos and see what it does for you. In my eyes, Kairos consummated everything that happened this Junior year and I'm glad to have gone.