Journals for Friday Morning

Thursday, April 28/11

KRISTY:

It is literally just hours away now before joining the 120 group. I have been feeling really excited about the experience yet anxious at the same time. I am hoping to experience in the some way what people go through on a daily basis that are homeless. I want to gain a better understanding of the reality they face. I also want to and look forward to connecting to those that I meet. Connecting to the community as a whole and to the group involved. I have not even begun yet, but I already feel more appreciative of the things that I have, all of which I am giving up tomorrow. It is sad to know though that I get to come back to all those things, while others do not have that privilege right now. I hope we can help to change that.

Friday, April 29/11

SAM:

Only one more sleep! I feel kind of guilty because of all the people down here will still be down here sleeping on the same streets. I just wish we could give them SOME hope that things are going to change and get better for them. I can’t even think straight right now. I’m drained, tired, hungry and sore and not showering is starting to kill me. I will be very happy to see my bed tomorrow.

SARAH:

I’m tired and dirty. Yesterday was a very challenging day for myself. I had to keep my obligations and go to my field placement. It started to rain/snow/hail all together. It killed me to think my friends and the new people I have met in the last few days were stuck in the weather. It was overall a very emotional, physical and mentally draining. I’m so thankful for everyone that is around me and it was an extra boost with Linda and Robyn last night. I feel extremely lucky to have my brother that cares and spends time looking for me. I miss the rest of my family and friends. My mind is all over the place so I’m saying good-bye for now. Cheers. Xoxo

ROBYN:

I’m exhausted, tired and a little delirious. I cannot believe that the rest of the group is on their fifth and final day! Challenge for myself next year: Get on the team for the whole five days!

BLAIR:

Today we were on the front page of the telegram and the group decided to sit on the street all day and collect donations. We sat on the street from 10am-7pm. It was the coldest day so far because we didn’t move much and the support we received from the community has been amazing! It rained for the majority of yesterday and the chill in the air felt terrible, breaks my heart that there are people who experience this on a daily basis. The spirits are high and we don’t have too much longer on the streets.

NICOLE:

I am physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted! Although it is almost over I still feel like its still so far from the end. I’m dirty, tired and my feet are actually ‘numb’ Yesterday was the hardest most trying day so far, it was cold, wet and windy and when night came it was worse. I never wanted to throw the towel in so bad in my life but because I saw the determination in my ever so close now friends I hung in there and kept going. I’m sure my family and friends wondered and worried where and how I was last night and I wished so bad I could let them know that I was safe and okay. As we walked the streets in the cold, wet rain, we wondered where the man who sits next to Junctions has taken refuge or the boy we named “A” scrambled too? The streets were lonely and deserted as we completed what hook or cranny we were gonna tuck ourselves into? XXX Zach and Ry, Mom will be home soon!

NIKITA:

The Fourth day the weather wasn’t the best and it was the coldest day yet and it was cold raining. There was a high for me though when we walked water streets and gave out breakfast sandwiches to the street people. We raised a lot of money and our spirits we high even though my body and mind were tired I still had to go to school to do a presentation. As we were sitting on the streets in the rain I soon realized that there is no emergency shelter in St. John’s for the homeless. I really think this is a service that St. John’s should provide for the people. I’m missing my bed, my mom and my boyfriend. However, I’m holding up much better then some of the others because I have been sleeping.

MATT:

Last night was another night that I had to work. I was really upset that it was raining and not the upset that you would think. I was at work and a young person said to me “you must be happy to be here and not out in the rain”. I said to him that I was upset because all the people I have become very close with were out on the street and I wanted to be with them, I wanted to feel what so many feel each and everyday. The feeling of loneliness, low self worth, hurt and so many more powerful and overwhelming emotions. Even though the young person at work at work, was very enthusiastic and had lots of questions. I still feel like my heart was downtown with the most selfless people I have met in a very long time. I’m dirty tired and everything that comes out of my mouth don’t make sense but our morale is still up and our spirits are good.

LINDSEY:

Just arrived at Choices for Youth to meet with the Sleep Out 120 tea. I have only been here for one hour, while most everyone has been out for four days. I have butterflies in my stomach. I don’t know what to expect today. I have never slept on the streets before. Everyone is super friendly and making my experience so far enjoyable. However, they appear very tired, hungry and drained. It’s amazing at how well they are doing. I guess I am nervous at what to expect today. I feel the cold. However, I am excited for this experience and I cant wait to see what the day will bring I am happy to know I am with a great bunch of people. It’s only early and I anticipate what the next couple of hours will bring.

KRISTY:

I’ve been here with the group for about an hour now. I am still excited for the experience and the people that I am going to meet today. This is my first day out so I feel pretty fresh, but looking around at the group I can see how tired everyone looks, but the spirits are high. I can only imagine how people go through their lives on the streets and how hard that must be. It’s warm today so that is a bonus for sure. Hoping to bring in lots of money today for Choices.