In DC

We have been in DC for 3 nights now. We have already seen and done some amazing things! We've helped prepare food at Martha's Table, participated in a blood pressure clinic at N Street Village Homeless Shelter which is located accross the street from the hostel we are staying at. Sharon, the nurse who manages the wellness center at N Street Village gave us all some eye-opening insight yesterday. She helped us learn how to interact with homeless and disadvantaged individuals in a non-threatening way. We really appreciated our discussions with her.

It has been rainy and chilly here the past few days. Each night as we walk through the city we see many homeless individuals sleeping next to buildings. Many are wrapped in sleepingbags, blankets, tarps, rain ponchos. I can't begin to imagine what they must be feeling. Everything they own is right there next to them. We often see them walking around during the day too, carrying all their posessions in stollers and bags, etc. I have been soaking in all that I see and beginning to process it. We looked at a book advertizing apartments for rent, and the least expensive I found flipping through was $850/month for a 1 bedroom! They only go up from there. It doesn't suprise me that people can't afford housing.

We have also been able to do some sight seeing in the afternoons. We've walked by the White House, seen the Lincoln Memorial, the Washinton Monument, and much more. Today we are off to do some health teaching at a junior high and community of hope. There is so much more to write about, but no time right now. We'll update more later!