ALSO Saskatoon Day 1 - Housing First

The Saskatoon ALSO group began their week at the Mennonite Central Committee Saskatchewan offices on Avenue C in Saskatoon. There they were led by Miriam Ullah and Kaytee Edwards in an activity highlighting our differences and similarities, and creatively retelling the parable of the Good Samaritan as it would happen today. The morning ended with a very powerful presentation by RJC Alumnus Deann Mercier about her work at The Lighthouse and issues of homelessness in Saskatoon. The question and answer time with Deann was particularly interesting as the students had some great insights and comments to make.

The RJC students re-wrote the Good Samaritan story to how it would have been told today. A lot of thought was put in by each group.

The new Good Samaritan story was then role played, complete with thought bubbles.

Myrian Ullah and Kaytee Edwards led the morning at the MCC office in Saskatoon.

The presentations and activites in the morning spawned a lot of discussion among the students during break and lunch. The MCC offices in Saskatoon are a great place for meetings and discussions like this. The facilities really lend themselves to learning.

Terry and Lyndsey in discussion about the presentations on homelessness in Saskatoon

The afternoon was spent in downtown Saskatoon at two agencies - Saskatoon Open Door Society for new arrivals to Canada and The Lighthouse. (hurrah for warm spring-like weather! I think we were warmer than the Alabama group today! YIPPEE!)  The students were divided into two groups and dropped off at one or the other site. After an informative meeting and a tour at each place, they had to walk to the next place and make observations about things they saw in Saskatoon, such as places advertising "help wanted" or "apartments available for rent."

One of the groups had a bit of an adventure by turning east instead of west and became completely turned around when the afternoon was done and they had to find their way back to the bus. Rescue via cellphone directions made everything OK.

Here the students are listening to a presentation about new arrivals to Canada at the Saskatoon Open Door Society.

The students watch an awesome video put together by media students at Evan Hardy Collegiate (a local Saskatoon public highschool) about The Lighthouse. It's worth the 6 minute to watch.

With homelessness involving many complex issues such as poverty, mental illness, addictions, unemployment (or under-employment,) and crime, often the question is asked what is the first step? A more and more common theme among governments and agencies is "housing first!" Get people in to a safe place to call home first and THEN they will have the ability to begin to tackle other issues they face.

The above video featured a resident of The Lighthouse - "Bear" whom the students recognized as soon as they entered the apartment block. Bear was gracious enough to share freely with the students some of his story - completely unplanned and impromptu. Connections made and respect traded.

"Bear" with the students at The Lighthouse.

The Lighthouse is undergoing a major renovation expanding their capacity for residents. They are making a major announcement on Friday regarding the status of their campaign. It will be exciting! Watch the news outlets in Saskatoon!

Deann Mercier took the students around The Lighthouse showing their facilities and some of the renovations that are underway to expand their capacity. This was the former hotel's swimming pool - which was never actually used as a pool and will be converted to living and exercise areas.

Deann Mercier with some of the RJC students.

A newly renovated appartment at The Lighthouse. Look out the window and you see the Galaxy theatre right across the road. It is a strange mix of clientele.

The day ended with the students journalling about their experiences and thoughts. Each day this week we will stop at the MCC Offices to journal and debrief.

Tomorrow the students will begin their work at either Habitat for Humanity or a downtown Saskatoon community school.

Cody and Toby are putting their thoughts and impressions down on paper in their ALSO journals.

Expedition to El Salvador

¡Hola Amigos y Amigas!

    And that´s about as much spanish as we know! So a lot has happened since the last blog! We managed to not lose Daniel or anyone else thanks to our new buddy system. The next morning, we had our orientation with Nancy, the MCC connecting peoples coordinator for Guatemala and El Salvador. After orientation we went out for lunch at an authentic Guatemala meal of fried chicken and french fries at Pollo Campero. (Not that we can´t get that at home or anything, but for the record, it´s waaaaay better than KFC.)

    After lunch we travelled to El Salvador and arrived at ANADES just in time for supper. As we walked in we were greeted warmly by a group of children jumping and waving, shouting ¨¡Hola! Hola!¨ It was pretty cute we must say, and it instantly made us feel welcome. We didn´t do a whole lot more that night other than sit around and play cards, journal, and braid Ryan´s hair. We spent the next morning getting a tour and learning about ANADES, which is a group that focuses on educating women and children about human rights for themselves and others. Unfortunately we were unable to see the children as they were away on a little field trip. Next we ate lunch before heading to a museum about Oscar Romero, who was assasinated during the El Salvadorian Civil War and is a huge icon to the people of El Salvador and Guatemala. We also learned some information about 6 Jesuit priests who were assasinated by the military. 

     Our next destination was a former coffee plantation now known as New Canaan. This farm is located near a very poor community called La Linea. This community was displaced from their only original location because of massive mud slides. They have had to scavenge materials to make make-shift houses in areas where most people do not own the land they live on. This community now has many problems with gangs and drugs. The youth are strongly pressured into joining gangs but if they are seen as active members of the Baptist Church youth group they are respected and not pressured. This youth group is run by Pastor Jaime who owns New Canaan. Pastor Jaime now farms the land around New Canaan. We spent the night at the farm and were treated to delicious freshly squeezed orange juice, fried plantane, and other delicious fresh fruits. Before supper we met the youth group and enjoyed a friendly soccer game where we all got beat very badly (especially the girls). We also were able to listen to each other sing some songs and they presented us with a delicious gift of coffee.

     The next day we woke up bright and early and went to Perquin to visit CEBES.  There we talked to the ladies about what they do. They have a co-operative in which they can sell their hand made products. They also have bible studies where they focus specifically on women in the Bible. After this we went to El Mozote, the site where a massive massacre took place. Here around 1000 civilian poeple were tricked by the army and then killed. Only one person survived the attack and lived to tell what happened there. In the evening we were involved in another concert. This time we enjoyed listening to a local band called Times of Change. The choir from the local Cathlic church also sang for us before we had the opportunity to sing for them. Ryan and Matt were interviewed for local TV at this event and had to talk about what the massacre had meant to them.

    Today we spent all day in the van driving back to Guatemala where we typed this blog (it only took us like 8 hours to get back here). We will try our best to keep you updated through out the rest of the trip when we can! In the mean time, ¡adiós!

- Laura, Alyssa, Ryan, Matt

     

 

ALSO Alabama - On to New Orleans!

Today we traveled between Memphis and New Orleans.  The scenery changed as we got to see houses built on water and travelled across long long bridges built completely over the water!  We spent the afternoon exploring the French Quarter.  The French Quarter was an amazing experience filled with new culture, food, and trinkets that a bunch of us hadn't experienced before. There was spectacular architecture all around and shops that had lots of art, jewelry, and t-shirts. The scenery and buildings were super cool and reminded us of France or somewhere very different from home. The streets, sidewalks and buildings are all original so they were somewhat in need of some care but it gave it a rustic feel and was really cool, if you didn't trip over a loose brick in the sidewalk. Musicians of all sorts were spread out all around keeping us entertained as we walked around. Even though it was cloudy and raining most of the time it was perfect temperature to walk around in and was a nice break from the cold of Canada! We were the only ones wearing shorts and tank-tops (even in the rain!) compared to the locals there in hoodies and long pants, so we got a few looks at that and our pasty white legs. The food was interesting too; there were alligator burgers, shrimp, craw and catfish, and a bunch of other interesting foods to eat, and sweet pieces of southern jewelry. We also noticed how Canadians walk all over the place but the Americans walk in a line, which was pretty funny, and how we politely wait for a light to tell us to cross the street -  got some more funny looks there, but oh well. Some people found all the noise and people stressful compared to the Saskatoon we're used to, but all in all it was a great experience.

-Dayna, Katie, Janelle, Kylee 

Some of the artwork displayed on the streets.

Some of the entertainment in Jackson Square.

Although it sprinkled on and off all afternoon we did enjoy the change in weather and some of the local greenery.

Mieke convincing everyone to give something new a try!

Here they are, Mieke, Tandy and Kelsey having their first 'gator' dog!

Hayley giving Cat fish a try!

This little guy entertained us with the his great rhythm using his hands and crushed pop cans under his feet for make shift tap shoes.

This guy had a fantastic voice and could sing any tune you wanted.

This evening we arrived at our motel just outside of Pass Christian, Mississippi.  We are looking forward to worshipping at the Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church tomorrow.

ALSO Alabama - Hello from Memphis!

We survived the first 36 hours straight on the bus!  It took 24 hours of driving south until we finally stopped seeing snow on the fields and in the ditches.  We survived a 2 hour delay at the border and a snow storm that lasted from Davidson, Saskatchewan until an hour outside of Kansas City.  Thank goodness for talented bus drivers, Les and Art who safely navigated through the storm.

Getting as comfortable as possible!

 Despite the delays we made it in time to Memphis to catch our tour of the National Civil Rights Museum.  The site was all a buzz as they were preparing for their grand reopening tomorrow.  There was a candlelight vigil tonight and a moment of silence at exactly 6:01 when Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated.

Sharing stories at the Freedom Sisters Exhibit.  Our tour guide shared stories how  racism continues to exists today.  She encouraged our students to 'just love one another' !

Brandon and Ryan check out one of the exhibits.

Emma and Mikayla check out the artifacts of the conspiracy theories.

The Lorraine Motel as it was in 1968

 Our second tour was at Sun Studios the birthplace of Rock and Roll.

Original guitar played by some of the greats!

Some of the famous faces that recorded at the studios.  Jerry Lee Lewis, Ray Perkins, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.

The students posed with the actual microphone that was used in the studios in the 1950's.  They stood on the very spot Elvis recorded his first record.

Tonight we get to sleep in an actual bed and shower under running water!  Tomorrow we arise early....very early and head to New Orleans to tour the French Quarter.

ALSO Greater Rosthern - Connections with Youth

Today started with a professional show at The Station Arts Centre by a group from Persephone  Youth Theatre. The students enjoyed a powerful presentation "Beyond the Cukoo's Nest" about youth living with mental illness.

Some of the girls decided to dress up for the theatre, and discovered a vintage dress on display at the Station Arts Centre. Thank you Station Arts Centre for sponsoring the event and making it available to students free of charge!

This afternoon the High River Alberta ALSO group and the Greater Rosthern ALSO Group sent each other off with the same blessing we have used at each sending service. After singing "They'll know we are Christians by our love"  we gathered in close to lay hands, pray, and speak the blessing.

Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks with
Compassion on this world
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,
Yours are the eyes, you are his body.
Christ has no body now but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks with
Compassion on this world.

Christ has no body now on earth but yours. (Teresa of Avila)
 

Special shout-out and thank you to Wildwood Mennonite Youth (Saskatoon) for writing a letter to each ALSO group before they left for their assignment. Today High River and Rosthern groups received their letters - and an extra note to each student working in Saskatoon next week as it was particularly inspiring for the Wildwood group that we remembered that there is need close to home as well.  Sometimes helping our neighbour across the street is more difficult. We still have much to learn.

We ask for your prayers this next week as each of our students and staff are actively and deliberately stepping out of our comfort zones to see Jesus among the marginalized in our society.

ALSO Greater Rosthern: The Hockey Night In Canada Edition!

With the Guatemala and Alabama groups gone, the students still in Rosthern engaged in some ALSO activities a little closer to home.

Some time was spent early in the day preparing for their journeys next week to High River, AB and Saskatoon.  After that, some students headed to Beardys/Okemasis First Nation to attend an Indian Residential Schools (IRS) conference.  The students who stayed back at RJC listened to a presentation from the Saskatoon Health Region about the 'Poverty Costs' campaign, and worked through the documentary 'Paycheque to Paycheque' which highlights poverty in North America.  They also spent some time completing some academic work.

The students at Beardys heard about the impact of Indian Residential Schools and the multi-generational effects from two speakers, Barb Badger and Cindy Deschenes.

Barb's impactful story of heartache and addictions stemmed "from growing up in a home of abuse."  This is the legacy of the IRS.  Barb eventually found healing in the Creator and is now sober.  "Don't be afraid to ask for help," Barb told the students. This message would be repeated later by Theoren Fleury.

Cindy Deschenes, an Algonquin from Quebec, lead the students in a series of workshop activities to demonstrate the multi-generational effects of IRS.  The crowd appreciated her interactive approach to teaching and learning.

On a lighter note, Kelsey E. won the $50 cineplex Odeon door prize and Alejandra won a $20 door prize!  After the presentation we had soup and bannock!  YUM!

Next on the agenda was a short trip to the Constable Robin Cameron High School gymnasium to hear the keynote speaker Theoren Fleury, former Stanley Cup champion with the Calgary Flames.  After a ceremonial entrance and some official welcomes Fleury took the microphone.

Fleury's family roots are originally in Duck Lake, and his great uncle Patrice fought alongside Gabriel Dumont in the Northwest Resistance of 1885!  Fleury shared about his childhood in a home of dysfunction, and about how hockey was his refuge.  He was never abused at home, but his parents were addicted to alcohol and prescription drugs.  As a bantam player he was drafted into the WHL and had to move to Winnipeg at the age of 16.  It was there that he was "raped over 150 times" by his coach and confidant.  This lead him to a life of addictions and poor choices to cover the pain, guilt, and shame from that abuse.  "The alcohol and drugs were like medicine to me," said Fleury.  Until then he had never touched drugs or alcohol because he saw the pain it caused his parents.  

           

His career had many highlights (World Junior Champion, Stanley Cup, Gold Medal, etc.), but nothing could dull his inner pain, the abuse which he kept secret.  His abusive lifestyle eventually lead to him being dismissed from the NHL.  A suicide attempt followed shortly after, but he decided to give life one more chance.  He prayed and in the morning he quit cold turkey, and has not had drugs or alcohol since.  That was 2005.  He has had to face the truth of his past and he wrote a book "Playing With Fire" where he tells his story.  He now sees his purpose to travel, speak, and encourage people.  "It wasn't until I asked for help that my life changed for the better, " said Fleury.  Since his book, over 500,000 people have confided their story of abuse to Fleury.  He has traveled to 82 First Nations, and has become a role model for many people, especially Residential School survivors.           

It was an honour to be at this conference and to hear Fleury speak.  It's not a message that our students will soon forget.

Welcome to Guatemala

Good morning from warm and sunny Guatemala City. We all arrived safe and sound after a very long day and a quick return trip to the airport to retrieve Daniel. Oops! We we are leaving at noon for El Salvador and will post an update the next time we have an internet connection. We are enjoying the wonderful weather and are excited for what is to come.

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