It's been awhile since I've last blogged and a lot has happened during that time. I've been busy with my volunteer placements, Thanksgiving was wonderful, going to Sydney was interesting (we went for the Alternative to Violence Project), and the break-in was pretty tragic. But i'm going to pass all of that and go to the present.

Recently i've been asked some very good questions that I thought it would be good to post on here. So it's going to be a Q&A blog this time.

Q: You mentioned the Verandah where you prepare food parcels. Do you do this every week?
A: No, I do not do this every week but I wish I did. So far I'm involved with the Verandah every second and third Tuesdays. I am trying for every Tuesday.

Q: How has this changed how you feel about your heritage?
A: Volunteering at the Verandah has made me more thankful for my family and appriciate all they do for me. The thing that has really stood out to me is how much my family loves me. The people at the Verandah normally don't have someone that cares about them, no one to hold them accountable. So if anything I've been more appriciative of where I come from. It gives me a soft heart for those who don't have what I have.

Q: Are you regarly working with the ladies at L'arche? Do these ladies have MR?
A: I go to L'arche every Thursdays and Fridays. Yes, these ladies do have Mental Retardation, just like the folks at Friendship Community.

Q: How have you felt your experiences have changed you thus far into your journey?
A: This year has stretched me in ways that I never expected. Let me give you an example: Walking through the parking lot with Moriah at the prison I was a nervous reck, but only someone who knew me well could tell, like Moriah. About 30 steps from reaching the front door at the prison, I turned to Moriah and totally freaked out. I said something along the lines of "I am about to walk into a prison of mostly males. How am I supposed to help them and talk to them when I already have my own issues with men. I've never done anything like this. Woman, what were you thinking sending me here! Do I look like I can handle this? Okay, deep breath... GO!" and I walked into the prison still a nervous wreck. Now, it's two months later and I'm walking into that prison like it's no big deal and talking to people like I talk to anyone. I inform people of Prisoners Aid and what we offer. Wayne, the guy who is training me, says "keep doing what you're doing... don't change a thing."

That's it. Thanks for your attention. Stay safe.
Ashley