The Sandwich Maker

                   So this is what you get when you try to make grilled cheese sandwiches in a panini griller... :3

The Very Beginning

         Internet! You have to come to me at last!
         I was really hoping I wouldn't have to make a desperate trip to Second Cup or Starbucks to start this blog. I'm happy it didn't have to come to that.
(this'll be a really long post. I have a lot to say, so bear with me.)

       A synopsis of this past week:

        So I arrived in Edmonton Saturday morning, and surprise! I was put to work right away. I spent the majority of my first day painting a 16 year old girl's bedroom. Good times.
       Sunday I went out for lunch with a few people from church and ended up staying about five hours talking about pacifism and the police force. (Welcome to Holyrood!) I bought some groceries, since there were only potatoes, a few carrots, some unripened pears and a few bags of pasta... and had supper with the MVS coordinator and his family.
       Monday I bought a fish. His name is Mr. Pinky. Did you know that thousands of beta fish are sent in tiny, triangular baggies from Thailand to Canada by airplane? They are there for an entire day. In these tiny baggies. Fun fact, learned on Monday.
       Tuesday was great because I had no expectations for the day whatsoever, but was saved from a day of boredom by my aunt! We went out shopping, had some coffee, and had a fabulous time. Then I baked some cookies. Which turned out horribly because I forgot to buy brown sugar. Note to self, white sugar is NOT a good substitute for brown sugar. Mmmmmm dry cookies.

       And today is Wednesday! Which leads me to my next topic:

                                              Me and the Mustard Seed!: Orientation Day

        I started my day with a good ol' tour of downtown Edmonton. In other words, I got hopelessly lost. I had to walk 13 blocks to get to the Mustard Seed Community Support Centre.

       I will never get lost again.

       Once I got there I had a tour of the Community Support Centre, and then I was driven over to the drop-in centre for a few more tours and overviews.
                      Now getting down to business.

       There are areas of the city that are considered "high risk," "medium risk," and "low risk." These three categories are given to neighborhoods based on the demographics: employment, affordable housing, substance abuse, minority ethnic groups, etc etc. I learned today that all of the programs the Mustard Seed runs are located in the same area, in the very heart of the "high risk" area of the city. I have been told never never EVER to take the bus by myself at night going home. I cannot walk alone. Even during the day it can be risky if you are not from the community. I was told today that even if I got to know a regular at the soup kitchen and they liked me, if I make someone angry and this regular had a choice between defending me and keeping up their profile in their neighborhood... well, they would choose the second option. Because they do not want to risk losing their life over someone who does not live in their community. I was told this only because it has happened numerous times before in the past, instances when volunteers and staff have almost been killed just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
        I have been advised to keep vigil at all times. To never let myself be cornered. Even a janitor closet across from the men's bathroom at the drop-in center can turn into a deadly situation.
        I am a bit scared after hearing all of the advice that staff members gave me today, I'll be honest. I've heard only a few stories, and I am sure to hear a lot more as the year progresses. Needless to say, I am getting a bit nervous. I know this will probably be the hardest thing I will ever do.
        This is what to expect at a drop-in and community support center, though.  There are certainly risks. But to focus on them would be to miss the point entirely. I know that focusing on the negative will not lead to solutions for the future. And that means taking on a positive mindset. And not thinking that everyone is after me.
        The world is a wonderful place. Despite the horrible things that happen in the world, there are so many people that are just looking for a second chance and someone to talk to. This organization gives so many people the dignity that they deserve and the basic services they need. I was also incredibly overwhelmed with the love and respect the staff displayed between one another and towards me as I was led from room to room. The people here are fantastic.

           And on that note, I am going to get the house ready for the GERMANS! The GERMANS ARE COMING! 

           Tonight!

                                              I will no longer be alone in this huge house!