16. Significant Experience

Two years ago I went on a Catholic church retreat with my cousin. No electronics, new people, and a environment I wasn't familiar with. I was told that the four day retreat was crazy fun and an experience I would never forget and little did I know it changed my life. The first day leaving my house without my phone I felt naked, unusual to the fact that technology has change me to feel lonely without it. The cabins were old, but refurnished and everyone looked forward to the first day. The teenagers listened and took notes while instructors talked about the word of God for 4 hours a day. Breaks in between were 30 minutes, but we did this for three days leaving everyone to complain and be disruptive. I thought to myself, this is suppose to be fun not another four days of school. The first three days were terrible, but as the teens of today judge a book by its cover we tend to give up or stop caring. The last day of the retreat was one of the most emotional days of my life and for the other teens as well. Three days passed of note taking and the fourth day surprised us all. We played games, ate tons of junk food, and talked about what we look forward to in our lives. Sunday was our last day and we needed to go back to the cabin to change for service. Finally, everyone walked down to the main room awaited to see our parents sitting there applauding to have seen us complete our retreat. When we finished service, our coordinators walked up to the stage and began to explain what we were going to do next. I listened as my heart sank, we were suppose to walk up to the stage with our parents as our named was called, take the microphone, and explain from the bottom of our hearts why we loved our parents and say sorry for any problems that we might have caused. The parents were to do the same after their kid. Seven teens before me with tears falling, and forgiveness in their hearts led me to see how and why we all need to express our emotions. "Carlos Curiel" my name is called out, I take a deep breath trying to hold in my tears knowing that I haven't been the most perfect son as well. I began and in the middle I stopped, tears were falling like raindrops and I ended telling my sorrows. My parents began and I now felt better to see that they had a hard time as well showing me forgiveness. The night ended with hearts relieved and family ties stronger than ever. This night did turn out to be unforgettable; my phone was now history.