Well it’s 10:37 on the 24th of March, and we are halfway through the trip…what? To say that it has been a blur would be an understatement. However, this has been one of the most amazing experiences I can imagine. It is still unfathomable to me that myself and my cohorts are able to do this together…and I couldn’t ask for a better group to share this with, and for me that has been one of the most meaningful aspects of our time in San Francisco.
Personally, that was a big concern of mine. Coming from a communication studies background at Hamline, I have found myself being more aware of groups and the flow of communication – this knowledge created some apprehension in my mind about how all 12 of us would work out. Once we got into the trip and started, my apprehensions were completely dissolved, and this group now holds a special place in my heart. One of the most rewarding parts of this experience so far is the recognition that I have made friends that will last a long time outside of San Francisco.
One incredibly unique thing about this group of people is that we all want to be here, and we all have a passion for the issues that we are seeing this city. The things that we are doing here such as serving dinner to people experiencing low incomes and homelessness, the speakers and organizations we are meeting are all once in a lifetime opportunities, and I cannot be more thankful for them. As a gay man, this is one of the first times I have truly felt proud to be who I am, and to be a part of this beautiful and loving community of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and allied people.
With all of this group activity it has not lessened the emotional and mental impact this trip has had. Seeing the state of The Tenderloin, which is the area we are staying in, has been quite eye opening. I have never seen so many people experiencing homeless in any other city. Walking down the street, seeing someone sleeping on the sidewalk, looking for cigarettes on the ground, and begging for money has left a permanent feeling and understanding in my life. This makes me, and many people in the rest of the group when we walk around with fresh coffee in our hand on our way to find our next meal.
Last night we got to meet with an HIV/AIDS activist who has been a prominent force in that community for quite some time now. His story was especially meaningful to me, and a lot of the things that he shared have mirrored certain experiences in my life has been a very special experience and I will forever value what this person had to say, and the work that they did.
No comments:
Post a Comment