off on a retreat.
rented a car and leaving to enjoy myself. no real plans, no real destination except north (never been further than edmonton). 2 weeks for peace, or to be lonely....not sure how things will go down.

i used to go to a church in Connaught (westside downtown calgary) and i would always see young men standing on the street corners. this was a long time ago and i didn't have much for street sense at the time. then i got a job at a street ministry and i started recognizing people from the ministry standing on those corners then the realization came that they were male prostitutes.

i got to know some of them and their stories over time. some were my friends. then my church moved and i lost touch with the male prostitute district.

but i've always felt compelled to do something. build relationships. help people with an exit plan if they so desire. have a place for them to stay after a nights work. male prostitution is not a popular subject and i personally don't know a single person in Calgary that has touched the subject, at least no one compelled by the love of Jesus to reach out. maybe someone is doing something? i would love to know. i would love to brainstorm and learn more of the needs of those working the line and be involved in some capacity.

democrew

i can't say i've re-adjusted so well from my 4 months away...but am i supposed to?

i remember saying to myself so much in india that when i get home i will seek peace...nothing matters but living in peace for the summer... a reaction to having no contemplative venue or time.

but then i help run a youth program at a homeless shelter for the past 2 weeks (and another one upcoming)...everything but peace. i felt i made the biggest mistake by involving myself in this program until yesterday when the students talked about their experience. the youth got it. they got it that people without homes are not scary...they got to love Jesus is to love all people of all economic classes...they got it that they are a source of many peoples hope through their concern for others.

i love that when i help run these programs i don't just get to "lead" people in caring for others. i, especially this past week, have learned so much from the students - and those without a home.

i have a couple speaking engagements coming up at a church and a gathering. not looking forward to do these formal presentations on india. i would rather spend personal time with those concerned because a presentation requires a quick drive by that will likely end up with exaggerations on my end and miss conceptions on the other. i don't know how to communicate pleasantly that i hate kolkata. i don't know how to censor the fact that's it's so f'ed up and so full of injustice, pain, poverty, and death. i don't know how to romanticize something disgusting - as a friend said the" arse-hole of the world". i don't know how to explain the euphoria of having a day that you seem to fit into the culture, when things click. how, in 5 minutes, do i begin to describe the 60 ladies i worked with from the red light district that are the most resilient and inspiring people i know. God grant me grace...i don't know where to begin.

smile!

i love them.

Dhaka, Bangladesh

west bengal

i leave for kolkata in 1 day.