Second post - Berlin

My experience in Berlin has been much different than Osnabruck. The people here a bit more reserved, probably due to high frequency of tourists and there is a lot more to occupy my time with.
During the day we were taken on several different tours throughout the city. There were two moments in particular which stimulated some good reflection.
Our group had the opportunity to view a portion of the city which dated back to Frederick the 2nd. The important of this location is that it was were the first of many infamous book burnings occurred during the Nazi regime. Today, in the plaza their exists a small piece of glass no more than 6 feet by 6 feet. The glass is built into the ground and allows you to view a large room with many empty bookshelves. The public is free to view this room whenever, however there is absolutely no way to enter the room. People can forever view the mistake but do nothing to fix it. This is representative of the fact that actions cannot be reversed. What is done is done.
Later on in the day we were permitted to visit a local jail. What was special about this jail was that there was a room located near it which Hitler had used to execute political opponents. This room is far off the tourist track and it is a truly humbling experience to spend event a moment there. As soon as you enter the room you a greeted with a goose-bump inducing chill. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end as history truly became tangible. Many many lives were ended in this room. Men and woman who refused to fall in line with the thoughts of a monster were humiliated and murdered here. There was no Hollywood ending for these people. Good did not triumph over evil.
I took a few lessons from these experiences relating to myself and my role as a leader. First of all, it is paramount that I remain aware of how fragile the world is. My actions can NEVER be reversed. There are direct consequences for everything I do and I must always ensure that I am leading in a direction that causes the most good. I also came home from today's events with a much stronger awareness of the necessity of compassion and understanding. I should never stifle another persons opinions or view points. It is much more important to empower those around me.
As I continue my journey through Germany I learn more and more about myself and about how I must behave to become a better leader and person. Thus far this has been a truly rewarding experience.

-Billy Halaby