Shared meals & winter walks

Casey, Kirsi, Sam and I met for lunch today at Jubilee Church. We had the pleasure of chatting with Pastor Frank Kowal and his wife, Lynn, who are two or the most selfless and loving individuals I have ever met. Lynn shared the story of the church's humble beginnings and how it has grown into a strong and welcoming community hub for Kenora.

Several churches in Kenora provide a full meal at Jubilee every Sunday afternoon on a rotating basis, and Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Saturday evening the church is either open to provide a meal or to offer a warm space for patrons to spend time. It was amazing how many people came together today to share in a service, food, and conversation. There were people of all ages and backgrounds, and lots of people pitched in with set-up and take down. Just like the pancake breakfast, this visit to Jubilee allowed me the opportunity to meet some new people and reconnect with Frank and a few other service providers that I haven't seen very often since my first year with the health unit.

(I forgot to take a Jubilee photo to share, but I saw the picture above and it immediately made me think of the Jubilee Church community)

An additional surprise was being able to catch up with someone that I met through work with Right to Play Canada. Actually, it was that job that brought me to Northwestern Ontario for the first time back in 2012! He met the whole YPN crew and provided us with a very personal account of his journey from his home community to Kenora, where he now lives. In the conversations I've had with patrons since the beginning of the challenge I'm continually humbled by their openness and willingness to share their stories with us, even the parts that were likely really painful for them.

Sam and I shared a beautiful sunny walk on the creek today which gave us a great opportunity to reflect together on the challenge so far. I'm really struggling with feelings of guilt about the privilege that I have as a white, educated woman. Why is it fair that I'm here, in my current life, and so many of my fellow community members are struggling to get by day-to-day? This challenge is teaching me gratitude in an emotional and overwhelming way. Since the challenge began I have been constantly humbled by the warmth of volunteers and patrons that we have encountered, and the ability of individuals to give and give and give their time and love for others. I am so fortunate to lead the life I do and that the poverty challenge spans 5-days not a lifetime.

This whole experience would be lonely and significantly more difficult without community, friendship and the generosity of others. Lunch was provided by a hardworking group of volunteers actively working to support those living in poverty and I was able to enjoy it in the company of Casey, Kirsi, Sam and the Jubilee Crew. Thank you to Sam for sharing your company and donated Kraft Dinner with me tonight - it means a heck of a lot to me!

Be sure to check out Sam, Casey and Kirsi's blogs as well. It was a big day for all of us featuring a walk from Keewatin to Kenora for a sockless Casey!

Note: Eggs explode when you leave them on the stove to boil and then forget about them while you blog.  To my landlord who will 100% read this, I cleaned it up! 


Updating my budget:
Food - $23.50
Transportation - $4 (drove to skiing; accepted a ride home from a friend)
Cell phone - $12.50
Remaining - $15.00