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:

Psalm 143:8

I came across this verse this past week and really at the right time.

Let morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
   for I have put my trust in You.
Show me the way I should go,
   for to You I entrust my life.

Psalm 143:8

Here again

I'm here again. Sitting at a desk at Robarts on a Sunday afternoon. Trying to think up the words to type. For the right ones to appear on my computer screen.

Here's the first piece from this school year.

Let's go back.

Happy Studying Everyone!

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Somewhere like this

So, Wongfu Productions released a new video on Monday called "Somewhere Like This." It's beautiful, thoughtful and, as usual, drew me into the story of these two people. The short film was written and directed by Wes and the shots are stunning and kind of nostalgic.

Anyways, enough of my crappy reviewing, take some time to watch it :)

"Across clear skies. Among glowing stars. That's where I'll find us."

Let's pretend

I wanted to be someone different tonight. I tried something new.
A short draft turned into a long one.
More words than I had anticipated or predicted.
This is the first "piece of writing" that I have formally written not for a school assignment.
Although I suppose blog posts count, so it actually isn't.

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Feeling good and looking up

And knowing that everything

everything has its purpose and its time

and God--

He is the most perfect writer of all stories.

As for God, his way is perfect:

The LORD's word is flawless;

he shields all who take refuge in him.

Psalm 18:30

Today is just one page of mine.

I must say that on days like these, I am sure that He has a wonderfully plan for me.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding.

Proverbs 3:5

For there really is a time for everything.

A perfect timing.

Thankful for my team.

Thankful that I can't get too cocky about today.

March Break...

I admit I slept in this morning.

Not that late though.

It's now 1:16pm and I feel like I've already been up for ages.

If you're wondering, I got up at 10am.

but

only because I slept at 2am. So I think that's a good excuse.

On Saturdays, the dining hall has a lazy feeling. There is less chatter, less students and food is less appetizing. Orange juice cartons are always frozen on Saturday mornings.

Not completely. But thawed just enough to sound like a slushy when I shake the carton. I also found a piece of hair in my pasta at lunch. That's exciting. At this point, nothing that has to do with food on the weekends can surprise me now.

As I head out to Hart House to study. The back field is crawling with guys in blue shirts running around and throwing footballs in the snow covered grass.

Not to mention that they have music blasting from a bright blue Buick that has its doors thrown open.

I keep walking towards Hart House and one of the guys walks past me.

Tall.
Asian.
and wearing a frat shirt.

That explains everything.

As I keep walking, music becomes ridiculously loud as I'm passing the car.

I hear you.
No need to be so arrogant.

I finally walk into Hart House and expect to find the quiet, soothing, babbling noise usually found there. Instead, as I open the door to step inside, a campus tour guide walks out. I let her pass by and as I prepare to step inside, two more people come out and then two more and more and more people until her whole tour group is outside the side doors and in the archway. Blocking the entrance.

And I am still standing there, waiting to take two steps to go inside.

Awkward...

When they finally move aside to let me in, I stop by the side of the narrow hallway to let another tour group pass by.

As I walk to the Map Room, a third is stopped in the middle of the hallway.

And I'm thinking
it must be March Break.