Because I was asked to teach the participants and interact with them every day, I think that what struck me with most force was the desire to make faith at least a little understandable.  For me, it is never enough simply to say:  "I believe."  Even though it is important to say "I believe," it is almost as important to articulate how I believe and how that belief has touched my life.  These men came from such different backgrounds of faith or lack of it, so that every day was a challenge for me.  I needed not so much time to read but time to reflect and to ask God's help.
 
At a more practical level, I was in awe of their ability to accept our life and to accept me and allow me to share in their lives.  Every single one of the men was open with me, and we were able to look at life together, even with our differences.
 
After time has passed, I realize how much energy I put into trying to communicate with these men, trying to help them understand how a monk would look at the world.  I still think that prayer is the key element in our monastic life, and I have made a commitment to pray for those five participants and for the film crew and the producers every day.