Hi, my name is Daena. And I'm your official blogger for tonight. Wow what a day! My mind has literally (not really) exploded from all the knowledge I've gained today. It all began with the Salvation Army Centre of Hope church in downtown Calgary. There we preformed the Lighthouse Everything skit that included Emery, Alyssa, Nikki D., myself (Daena), Rebecca T., Sydney, Gerco, and Nic. Also at the church there was a blind man that played the piano which we thought was pretty cool.
Afterwards we came back to the JLYS place where we are staying for an orientation and a testimony from a registered nurse from Vancouver who described to us the reality of how much the homeless peoples lives are not valued.
After the nurse talked to us our group split into two smaller groups and went on a hot chocolate run. This consisted of going around downtown Calgary and asking people if they wanted hot chocolate and started conversations with them. This was a stretching experience because we talked to complete strangers who live very different lives then us. Many of the youth really got talking with the homeless people and made special connections with them.
Right after that we went to a Recovery church for addicts and alcoholics. It was like stepping into an AA meeting because they were extremely supportive for each other and really cared for each other. It was a very different experience as we are so used to our safe community where our addictions and struggles are way different.
I think the best part of the day is when we all come together at the end of the day and all talk about what we learned as a group. Its awesome to see how each person in our group opens up a little more each day and feels more free to be able to share with the group. I love how we all pray for the homeless and say what is on our hearts. Overall, it was an incredible learning and stretching experience for each one of us so far, and it's only been the first day here in Calgary! Love you all!
