Saturday, March 23, 2013

Our First Day in DC: Mariya



Our morning started insanely early, or, as some may look at it, insanely late. Van doors slammed at 3:30am, wheels up at 6:30am, and feet on the pavement by 10:00am. Walking, subway-hopping (done by most for the very first time), quickly eating, a few hours exploring, and meetings to discuss our upcoming Homelessness Challenge, which is a major topic on everybody’s minds. I’m struck by a lot of different topics however, all of which deserve some attention, I feel.

For instance: the DC area is absolutely gorgeous! The sidewalks are so wide and clean, and every building we pass is a masterpiece of architecture. So many of the major monuments and landmarks are grouped within walking and subway distance. Just today a part of our group, myself included, chose to visit the nearby Holocaust Museum—a beautiful building with heart-touching exhibits. We reconvened later met two incredibly inspiring individuals a part of the advocacy community, and discussed some of what it meant to experience homelessness. A portion of our group prepared dinner for us later and I, at least, set upon our pasta like a starving wolf.

Tomorrow begins our moderated experience with homelessness—without any of our typical resources, such as money or cell phones, we’ll be challenged to do our best to manage our situation on the streets, attempting to find ways to eat and take shelter, and even to use the restroom! Though many of us are nervous about the challenges and difficulties, and are wary about the implications of experiencing homelessness, our group at the end of the day has agreed: we will do our best to bridge the gap between our own fortunate lifestyles thus far and that of the individuals experiencing homelessness. Stay strong, everyone!

~Mariya Khan, DC Catalyst Trip

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