As some of you know, last year I attended the ATI program EXCEL in Dallas, TX. It’s a 2-month, character-based, intensive course teaching young women to rely on G-d. The best description is a cross between a convent and military boot camp.
Anyway, my EXCEL team consisted of 9 girls: Rebecca Furlong, Anna Del Mul, Alicia York, Teresa Miller, Brisa Calderon, Han-nah Heo, Ruth Corduan, Masha Gebauer, and myself. 5 of us met up at the Dallas Ministry Center this weekend for a much-anticipated reunion at the place where it all began… there were so many memories of EXCEL around, from climbing the stairs (EXCEL girls don’t use the elevator) to strolling around Old City Park (EXCEL girls are required to walk 30 minutes every afternoon). Even though EXCEL was tough, in retrospect we seem to view it through rose-colored glasses - only the good parts stand out.
The five day trip included catching up on life, shopping (of course), enjoying authentic Mexican food, taking the historic Dallas trolley, watching and discussing Vision Forum’s production Return of the Daughters, sightseeing, a Shabbat Shacharit service, and… planning our next reunion! It was a wonderful time together.
We are grateful to Mr. Bell for graciously allowing us to stay at the DMC and extending his courtesy to us on several occasions; to Mrs. Bell for sweetly welcoming us back; to Claudia Martinez for taking time out of her busy schedule to drive us around Dallas; to Mrs. Del Mul for spending the day with us Monday and her generosity; to John Del Mul for entertaining us with his antics; to Anna Del Mul for coordinating and planning the event; to Rebecca Furlong for her direction and leadership; to Amy Bell for help with transportation; to Mr. & Mrs. York, Mr. & Mrs. Miller, and Mr. & Mrs. Squicciarini for allowing their daughters to participate in this reunion; and finally, our grateful thanks to G-d - we saw His hand in this entire plan, even in the smallest details, and knew His blessing was upon us.
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July 2, 2008 at 6:35 am
tess
Without doubt, much pesonal growth resulted from the original ATI EXCEL program last year. Even though it was tough, your words convince me you truly valued your experience there and have learned lessons that will stay with you your whole life through. To make friends with whom to re-unite is icing on the cake!
The reunion itself must have been so much fun! If the five of you began plans for another reunion, that’s proof that this one was a great success!
So glad you had a nice time in Dallas sharing memories with friends through those rose-tinted glasses. Hey, I could stand to have a pair of those!
much love from your “honorary” aunt tess
July 2, 2008 at 7:02 am
narnia95
From what I’ve read and heard, Morgan had a great and fruitful time at her EXCEL reunion, and we’re so glad to have her back at the house. We missed her so much… (not to say we didn’t have lots of fun without her
)
July 2, 2008 at 12:37 pm
smalltownprincess
I forgot to mention all the interesting people I met while flying to and from Dallas - especially on the infamous flight #1436 back to Charlotte! The flight was delayed for about an hour, so there was nothing to do but make conversation.
I *love* airports and flying.
July 7, 2008 at 10:33 am
Rebecca
I’m so glad the reunion came together so well! It was wonderful to see all of you again. I only wish I could have stayed longer, but those few days were great! Thanks for making the trip out, Morgan.
July 7, 2008 at 7:19 pm
smalltownprincess
It was so good to see you, Rebecca! You hardly changed since EXCEL last year.
I wish you all the best this fall, and don’t forget - next year at my house!
m
July 8, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Anna
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all of you girls again! I had to remind myself the whole weekend that it was actually happening! It’s still hard to believe we pulled it off in two short months of planning. Thanks Morgan, Alicia and Teresa for making the trip out here! There are so many fun memories that I won’t forget.
I love you!
Can’t wait for next year in Charlotte! <3
July 10, 2008 at 8:04 am
smalltownprincess
You did such a great job with the planning, Anna. Our team is fortunate to have several very organized people! The weekend was totally relaxing but also completely worthwhile - we made good use of the limited time together, I think.
hugs,
m