It’s not that they’re related in any way, but I wanted to blog about them both in my entry.
So tonight I went to the “Best Buddies” meet and greet, in hopes of meeting the buddy I’ve been matched up with. For those who don’t know, “Best Buddies” is non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment. However, my buddy was not able to make it, so I had a good time carving a pumpkin with some new people I met. Originally, I had wanted to volunteer at the hospital or do something clinical this term, but when I learned about “Best Buddies” I was really interested. For me, I think it’s worth it to invest in relationships, and I feel like it’s something I can be “good at”:P All I have to do is be someone’s friend! I think that this would be an awesome opportunity to interact and befriend someone with a mental disability…I mean, I don’t really know how to “act” around them…but I know they’re just normal folk like me and you. Although I felt pretty uneasy walking in, I soon found it just a joy to be with the group. I didn’t feel like I was being judged, or that I was judging other people. There was this one guy who was just so thrilled when he learned he could take the pumpkin home that he didn’t hear the part about how he should get it at the END of the night….so he walked over to the table to claim his pumpkin right away. He was so excited - SO CUTE:)
Anyways, I had wanted to take the bus home from “Best Buddies”, but it only comes like, every 20-30 minutes. So I decided to walk to the next bus stop and check the schedule again. There was another guy at the stop with a bunch of groceries. I thought about how maybe I should strike up a conversation (maybe a God talk or something). But while I was thinking those thoughts, this guy in a black coat came up to me and started talking to me.
Guy: Hi, I’m Elder Pace. How are you?
Me: I’m fine, how are you?
Elder Pace: That’s good, I’m fine too. So where are you from?
Me: Toronto.
[At first I was confused because I was so used to seeing mormons with the white shirts and black pants...So this is where I look around for the second guy. I know Mormons usually go in pairs. The other elder is like, 10 feet away, too scared to make eye contact with me or something. Maybe he just doesn't believe in evangelism but was pulled into it. ]
Elder Pace: So we’re just walking around tonight talking to people about the Mormon faith. Would you like to hear about it?
Me: Well, I’m Christian and I go to an Alliance church. I’ve also had mormons talk to me before, and I have the mormon testament.
Elder Pace: Oh okay. How long ago was that?
Me: Like, a couple months ago…over the summer.
[Actually, it was more like Gordon had Mormons evangelize to him and I was curious so I borrowed his copy to see what this Mormon testament is about. So I sort of lied to him..oh well. ]
Elder Pace: I see..well, do you still want to know about the Mormon faith? I know you have the book but maybe you want to hear about it?
Me: No thank you.
Elder Pace: Oh okay, good night.
As I was walking, I noticed them approach another girl. Mormons are pretty in your face.
I think I sort of experienced what it’s like to be approached by a stranger who wants to talk about faith/spiritual stuff now (I guess I’ve been more on the other end, as part of C4C). It’s scary and awkward. I’m gonna try and be more “cool”..:P
Anyways, I guess I sorta wanted to evangelize to the Mormons too..”Hey, do you want to know more about my faith?” haha..Interesting stuffs.
Back to disease processes.
