Day 1

            Although this is technically my second Immersion, I find it immensely unique compared to my first Immersion to Immokalee with my RCC.  I know I will be encountering similarly heavy societal issues and learning and serving along the way but I feel that this trip has a much more dynamic personal experience in the sense that I'm really experiencing things outside of easily defined academia.  I'm making friends, expressing myself, and even exploring some introspective themes which I haven't visited in quite a while. This really feels like an extraordinarily memorable experience I'm already really excited for tomorrow and for the rest of the trip. That's saying something because I'm usually against anything that isn't sleeping.  

           This day was longer than any I've had in a considerable amount of time.  I don't mean to say it was tedious- just very active and productive.  However, I really don't find myself exhausted.  The activities we did today actually have me feeling a bit invigorated- particularly Cross the Line.  I have never done any activity like that and there is something so subtly wonderful about simply being quiet and reflecting on your position and experiences in life all while seeing people fall alongside you or alternatively, finding that you may be dealing with different issues and histories than many or most.  Even though the activity depressed the overall mood a bit, I felt it was personally very vital for me to do a little self-evaluation with the beginning of the trip.  I've been off in my Winter Break mind and have let a lot of my identity and fundamental Kristyn-ness escape me.  It was great to check back in and to also have a group experience that I do feel opened us up to each other- perfectly abruptly.  

          I’m awake writing this entry a little later than I would have liked to have been since I didn’t want to stop conversing with my roommates but I’m still excited to get some rest and wake up for another eventful day.   I look forward to what the rest of this Immersion brings and am genuinely enthusiastic about not spending another day being a sloth for a while.