Assisi and the Pope

I don't usually like waking up early in the morning but this time it was worth it. Eleanor, Jeremy and I got to go to Assisi to see the Pope!

We got picked up by Leonardo's dad and he took us to where all the buses were. We got there and it was super-crowded with kids all over the place. After lots of searching we found our buses and loaded onto them, did the name check, etc. Finally we drove to Assisi and got off there. Then the huge group of us walked several miles to our destination. It was so crowded! It started to rain and our legs were tired from walking, but we got there and there were thousands of people already waiting in the grassy areas listening to the speaker and music that were provided. Then we walked around and hung out with friends for hours. Waiting and waiting for the big moment. I stayed with many of my different groups of friends and we played games or joined in with the dancing that was shown on the stage. There were so many people that you could not find anyone particular person from Todi after about two hours unless you called them. Finally the time came. We were all crowding, pushing up against the gates, trying to see him. Yes, the Pope. I, being short, had trouble seeing over everyone's heads and only got a couple of minutes' glance but that was still amazing.

The Pope came up to the stage and the cathedral and blessed many children who were disabled. It was very touching. You could see up on the screens how happy people were to touch the Pope or to get a kiss on the cheek by him.

After all the celebrations, etc. we headed back home. It was a great experience being there with 40,000 other people to see the Pope.

Love, Ashley