Leaving Camden - Coming Home.

As we pulled in last night to the Amtrak Station at about 9 PM - the group was surprised to be greeted by the sound of cheering. A small but vocal contingent of Camden alum were there to welcome us home. It was a lovely way to return to Williamsburg - to be met by others who had been there and know how special and sacred a place Camden is.

Our Sunday morning was pretty low key. We got up, packed and cleaned, and then spent the rest of the morning reflecting on our time of service. We talked about what it meant, what we had seen, and what we hoped to carry with us as we returned. The students laughed, and cried, and thanked each other for this time.

We left the house at about 11 AM, and walked the mile to the Cathedral. We were met by Fr. Mike McCue and were ushered into the 11:30 AM Spanish Mass. The music and energy of the liturgy were wonderful, and a trio of Walsingham students sang for the community after communion. The assembly applauded loudly.

After Mass we went by subway to the train station. We had about 20 minutes to scramble and get lunch before we boarded, and before we knew it, we were on our way.

We said goodbye to Mrs. Kelleher at Richmond, and settled in for the long (in time) short (in distance) ride to Williamsburg. The students were chatty on the train home, laughing over experiences, teasing each other, and enjoying their new found friendships and camaraderie. And then we were home. We gathered for our last final prayer, and said goodbye.

One of my favorite things about this Camden retreat is to see the children just come to life. They are doing meaningful work, work that engages every aspect of who they are - mind, heart, soul, emotion. And they are experiencing such a hard place, a place where life is not easy, and therefore the parts of life that matter so much - love, family, friendship, stability - take on a deeper significance.

There is a quality to the joy and laughter on these retreats that is different than anything else I know with these kids at school. It is a joy that accesses some deeper place - a joy that rises out of an experience of love, of community, of service. It is an experience of really being alive. It is a tremendous privilege to be able to share in this experience with such loving and beautiful young people. Truly sacred space.

We are very blessed to have this chance. Thanks to everyone who helped us get there, be there, and get home. Thanks to John Caccetta, Anne Zagursky, and Danielle Kelleher - what fantastic team.

Thank you especially to the students - for your courage, your openness, your wisdom. (And your dancing.)

Peace,

Mr. D