Spokane

I have decided to keep the same blog for keeping track of my adventures during the year in Spokane. I have been here for about a week and a half now, but it feels like I have been here a lot longer. People had mentioned that Spokane was similar to the Midwest, but I wasn't quite sure what they meant. I think I understand what they meant though. There are certainly mountains (or rather LARGE hills) around, but for the most part the terrain reminds me of Missouri. The weather has also been pleasant in large part because there is no humidity :D
My housemates and I are settled into the wonderful Lavan House. We each have our own rooms which is wonderful since it gives us an opportunity to go to a private place if we need some time to ourselves. We share meals when we can, and spend time simply catching up on the day's events. We all work at different sites so we all have very different stories when we come together in the evenings. There is also another nearby JV house who we spend a lot of time with.
On to the more exciting news about my placement site. I am working for Catholic Charities at a homeless shelter called House of Charity (HoC). I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I arrived. Having only worked there for a week, I have already encountered a great deal. Most notably, I find it hard to recognize differences between myself and those who walk through the doors of HoC. In my house there is a quote by a former JV who worked at the HoC. In it he says: "When my tour of duty ends at the House of Charity, I will return home to ---. I have yet to find the differences between myself and the many people who pass through the doors of the House of Charity. But thanks to my time here, I will forever remember the similarities." - Matt Lavan.
Granted I have only worked at the HoC for a week, I already have some idea of what Matt was saying. I have met some people who are rude, but for the most part the people I have met seem to just be in a rut. The HoC attempts to show compassion to those who need it most. I imagine that the year will be challenging. In that I have no doubt. But I also expect to grow a great deal.