Hello everyone I have had one of the most extraordinary experience of my life; it was full of so many firsts. I was truly moved and inspired by so many people there. The aged range there from very possibly 8 or younger to 40 and up. I learned so much from all age groups, from the dedication from the young that absolutely loved going to Greensboro Alabama every year and making a difference. To the older people where they were either in the process of making a great change or already have done an act of outstanding proportions to the world or their own community.
Some of the people in Geensboro that we met had a great impact on me, like the little girl who was more excited to volunteer for this amazing Alabama project; then go to Disneyland. For me this just spoke volumes for me that this little girl valued the Alabama project so highly and was already making a difference at her young age.
I also got to listen and learn so much from Tom Callos and the amazing people he surrounds himself with. A lot of the time when he was talking he was always giving great praise to the people around him and completely thankful for what they have done and for what they have contributed to the team, to the community, and to the world. Tom Callos seems to me a man who was really happy in his life and wanted to share with everyone what he was doing, just absolutely amazing.
Another person I met was a very kind lady named Pam she seemed to me to be the heart of the operation. She was very kind and very helpful and on the day we traveled back she offered us to go to her place for a pancake breakfast. I was so appreciative of what she did for us and how welcoming she really was.
There was also a few incredible guest speaker that I got to talk with that made an impact on me.
Julia Butterfly Hill her story was truly inspiring. If you search her name you will find out why she was so amazing. Julia lived in a red wood tree for 2 years. Julia did not do it for press, not for a record, Julia did it because deep in her heart she knew that she was doing it for the right cause. Julia protected a forest because it was the right thing to do. I highly recommend looking up her name to get the full story.
There was another guest speaker that really got through to me as well, her name was Keshia Thomas.I also Highly recommend to look up her name to get the full story. Keshia said some pretty powerful things and the one that got me is when she explained how she was feeling when she saved a kkk member from a beating. Keshia was explaining that yes she thought what that kkk member was doing was wrong, but she did not believe that anyone deserves to be beaten up for their ideals. Violence will only create more violence and then nothing will be solved. What she then did was jump on that man and emanated love to try and protect him. Love will create more love. Keshia then said that she met someone that thanked her a lot for what she did and it turned out to be the son of that kkk member that she protected. Keshia created such a huge ripple effect of love, and what she got back in return was a lot more love; truly inspirational.
I also met many people there that soon became my friends and inspiration. All of there positive outlook on life and there amazing company really helped me become more comfortable around them. When I first got to Alabama Greensboro I was scared and very nervous. I do not handle to well in a public place with many new people I do not know, do to my social phobia. Everyone there was so friendly and so welcoming, when Tom Callos asked the group to speak in front of everyone to give their views on how our experience was going so far.When my turn came I almost cried because I could feel how emotionally driven and the support I could feel from everyone there and the positivity. It overwhelmed me a bit. I was reminded of the meeting we have here every month. All those people in Greensboro Alabama did not even know me but supported me, just like how are I Ho Chaun group is in our very first meeting. We may not know each other yet but we support one another.
I would highly recommend this trip to anyone just so you could experience what I am feeling right now. I became closer to Khona, Melanie, and Dan. I have made so many new friends; I have never made so many in my life. I have become energized and inspired to try and accomplish more. This experience is life altering and I could not be happier.
If by any chance anybody from the Alabama project happen to read this blog I just want to let you all know from the bottom of my heart you all changed my life forever and I thank all of you and hope to remain friends with you all in the future.
Anyways I had to re write this blog a few times and I finally think I have a good one here. I will see you all in the next one so remember everyone stay extraordinary.
Sifu R. Langner
Truly awesome!
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