Summer's Almost Over?!

It's been a while since I've written or posted anything but I really don't want to just give up on this blog! I'm much less stressed in the summer so that's been my excuse for not writing as much, but I have just as much stuff to think about. I recently finished my internship at the Church of the Redeemer's Drop-In Meal Program and it's been quite the experience. You can read more about it here:
http://www.theredeemer.ca/Page/LunchProgram.html
My supervisor asked me to write a reflection for the monthly newsletter and I didn't know what to write so I ended up whipping something together last minute. So, here is a little bit about my summer:

I remember stepping into the Drop-In Centre for the first time at the beginning of May. Having grown up in a suburban, middle-class neighbourhood, I really didn't know what to expect in the next two months. I was extremely nervous on my first day. Sitting at the first table—the one second closest to the door—I asked a man if the seat beside him was taken and he had said, “No, it’s for you.” Seeing the amused expression on his face, I wanted to say something more, start up a conversation, but I just couldn't think of anything to say. What if what I said was offensive or ignorant? What do we even have in common that we could talk about? Instead, I kept quiet and just observed.

What I came to learn during and after that first day is that the people I met at the Drop-In are extremely honest and open. “I have a drinking problem.” “I have a mental illness.” “I used to be a painter.” I came to realize that none of the people I met wanted my sympathy or pity; they simply wanted a friend—someone to listen to their stories, opinions and ideas because there are so many. Never before had I been to a place where people are so open to chat with strangers and so passionate about what they cared about. I chatted with people about the same subjects that I’m studying, but I had never felt as excited about the same topics when I chatted with classmates. I also learned—about history, politics, art, sports and cultures. I've learned to start up conversations with strangers and to just listen.

One morning, I chatted with a man I had never seen before. He could seem to remember my name but all he said to me before leaving is that even if I have a terrible rest of the day, I should know that I have made one at least one person’s day better and that should be enough. The past two months have been an extremely rewarding and inspiring experience and I have learned so much more than I could ever give back.

“I think there's just one kind of folks. Folks.”
― Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird

Here are some photos from the book sale fundraiser as well: