Well I'm back in Oregon now...and all day I've been in a weird fog. I have never had such a hard time coming back from an ASB experience. I truly feel as though I formed a new family with 50+ people from around the country, and I'm sad to have to leave all of you! For most of you, I will most likely never see you again. But I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

For one week we came together in service and lived united. I feel so blessed to have served with all of you, to have learned from each and every one of you, and been filled with a piece of each of your passions for bettering our communities.

I return to work tomorrow to put my replenished passion to good use, mobilizing volunteers in my own community.

There is no doubt in my mind that we changed the world in a week. Not only did we touch the lives of individuals and agencies in Detroit, but we fueled the passions of 50+ young leaders from across our country. Young leaders that will return to their homes, and will inspire and mobilize others to Live United.

Five years ago I participated in my first ASB experience, and it literally changed my life. While a career in the non-profit world might not be for all of you, I know that you will all return to be a more active citizen because of the week you just experienced.

The only way the week you just experienced could fail is if you don't allow the energy of ASB 313 to ripple forward. Tell your friends, tell your family, tell complete strangers about how you Live United, let the amazingness that just occurred in Detroit echo through out our country.

Thank you for letting me Live United with all of you! You have truly touched my life.