Coalition for the Homeless

I was nice having a slower morning and afternoon to reflect, recuperate, and rejuvenate from the intense work the last two days. It was also nice to have everyone being even more nice to me on my birthday. The drive home was smooth, the weather was perfect and cloudy, and the atmosphere was just mellow.
I was excited to learn about our Commitment Project, and I knew exactly what I wanted to do. The ZEEBags foundation has been in Zimbabwe for almost 3 years now, and I want to make it big at Rollins and in our surrounding communities. I think that America presents so many outlets for small entrepreneurial businesses, and sales here could have an immense impact on the HIV positive women that are trying to make ends meet.
Coalition for the Homeless was not what I expected. Working there as a Bonner volunteer, I had full attention from the people in charge of volunteer services (Marty and Kristen), and it was different doing a group project with the women. Obviously we could not have known what to expect; and neither could the women doing our jewelry making activity. I know a few of them thought we were going to teach them how to make intricate jewelry, and a few didn't eve know if was a jewelry making class. The thing that I saw the most was connection-building. A few women had made really beautiful pieces, but everyone in the room was talking; Rollins  and the Coalition. So often we take basic conversation for granitoid, and I've learned to appreciate it more working with the homeless this week. Although I try my hardest to remember how privileged I am to be living the life I do, this week has taught me that even without material things, and private duration, people are making their lives better in their own capacities. It is my job, as the ones with more resources, to help them one their way- "Hand Up, Not Hand Out"