Emotion-filled Day

I often find myself wondering how I get to be so lucky. I am so fortunate to be able to not only spend six weeks in this unbelievable country discovering and exploring the lessons of life with the most incredible group of people, but I was able to celebrate my 20^th birthday yesterday—truly the experience of a lifetime.

Yesterday did not begin how most of my birthdays usually have in the past. We began with our first class, The Power Of Living. On any normal day, I could spend hours pondering the ways of the world, discussing what makes people “tick,” and attempting to figure out my purpose for countless hours, so it came as no surprise that I was thoroughly excited for our first lecture. Emotions ran rampant as we watched the incredible story known as “Darius Goes West.” Emotionally stirred, we left the lecture to head to an undisclosed location for an undisclosed activity. When we arrived and the gates opened, my heart immediately skipped a beat. I found myself amidst heaping bouquets of flowers that showered countless tombstones in a small Greek cemetery. I sat in silence, unable to control the tears falling repeatedly from my eyes. It all seemed surreal, speaking of life and death on a day that marked my entrance into this world, when suddenly I felt an arm slip onto mine and a head resting on my shoulder. And although I already knew it, hearing the words, “you are never alone,” made me so incredibly thankful for this incredible bond that we have formed, and will continue to develop, here.

As the day continued, the emotional mood shifted to one of pure relaxation and celebration, and by the time night rolled around we were ready to take our newest home by storm. As one cohesive unit, we all shared an incredible meal and an even more unforgettable night on the town. We ate, we danced, we sang, and quite possibly made fools of ourselves, but every single moment was absolutely perfect. I cannot possibly think of a better way to have spent my birthday, but more importantly, I cannot think of a better group of people to have shared it with.

Lauren Shuster