Give a little.

I know this is completely off topic but I feel that I should share the day I had since it was so fulfilling.
Today I went to Scott's Mission that was located downtown Toronto. At Scott's Mission they feed the hungry, collect toys for the parents that can't afford any at Christmas, they babysit kids during the day so the parents are able to go out and work and they also do counselling to help people get their lives back on track.
Since I have already spent a day there last year I knew what to expect but the same effects came upon me as I had previously felt. The feeling of community flowed within me as I watched the workers that are there everyday, who continue to do everything they can for the common good. These people devote their lives to make others better. Every day they're there making food, washing dishes, setting tables, keeping the place sanitary, cleaning up, sweeping and many more tasks that are completed on a daily basis. They have two sittings every day and work hard to make sure everyone is satisfied and leave with that feeling of fullness so they have enough energy to continue their day. Not only are there people working directly with the public, there are people that sort toys into different sections. There are different age sections with very nice presents along with different sections that are generalized. The parents walk through and pick a multitude of presents for their children so they have a brighter Christmas and can have more normalcy through out the house on Christmas morning. People are constantly hard at work to ensure that others have a better day, myself and many other people can learn a lot from people like that. The silent heroes of Toronto that are hard at work without looking for credit or attention from others, but doing it because it is their way to give back to the community.
Not only did these amazing people dedicate many hours to strangers, they did it with a huge smile on their face! Every person that worked there was always in a good mood and very friendly and I had good conversations with many of the workers and volunteers! The staff was happy to answer any questions I had about the place and they were so open and shared different stories and experiences that have occurred through out their time being there.
Myself and others often complain when leaving restaurants feeling too full and our stomach hurts because we ate too much. Never again will I complain about that or anything related to food because I am sure that there are people out there that would do anything for that feeling of fullness. The whole experience is eye opening and I suggest that everyone donates some time to give back to the community. Not only time to give back but time to see how lucky you are for everything that you have and to witness the feeling of togetherness and fulfillment.
It is an incredible feeling and I hope that everyone gets to experience it through out their lifetime, you'll know what I mean once you get up and give back.
the toy room

My life just changed.

Yesterday was a day that changed my life forever. I have been consumed in the idea of a one year exchange for the past few months and decided to take the chance and fill out an application. Weeks passed and I received and e-mail asking to meet for an interview, that was to consist of my dad my mom and I. It was an hour and a half long filled with detailed questions of the challenges and accomplishments that I have been through in my life. Since I just recovered from the flu I still had a wicked cough. As I walked in to the interview with my mom (my dad was stuck on highway 400) I started coughing and couldn't manage to get a word out as they asked me questions. Luckily, I brought a water bottle but unfortunately it wasn't a very good one. It was the type that got water stuck in the grooves of the outer rim, as I rushed to drink it water dripped all over me and it was pretty embarrassing. However, I just laughed at it and then the interview continued and it all went really well and a lot of good connections were made. The two interviewers were very nice which made the process very easy and enjoyable.
I was so anxious after this interview that I could barely sleep! Days passed and my mom was checking her e-mail while talking on the phone to my brother about this one year exchange. An e-mail came in saying that they would like to see me for a second interview that was in two days. This time the interview was only 30 minutes long and I had four people interviewing me! It was very nerve wracking but I put the nerves aside and just went into it like I was talking to my friends and that helped a lot. Once again the interview went really well and I had a fun time as we all made great connections with each other! It ended with someone saying "you will know anytime this week or early next week our final decision."
Days slowly passed and once again I could barely sleep, I was too anxious! A week passed then news came that we will receive the news of the chosen one on Wednesday. There are two rotary clubs in Bracebridge but one had only been involved in this whole program. They had a meeting on Tuesday and the other Rotary Club voted if they wanted to be involved in this program or not. The final vote was that they were going to get involved also, so they were able to choose two people for this amazing program. Wednesday rolled along and I thought I would receive the news in the evening, so I distracted myself every way possible to make the time go by faster. The morning bell went for everyone to go to their first class, as I was walking to class my cell phone rang. I answered it and my mom said "you're in!" After saying pardon 5 times I realized what just happened. Since all my friends knew that I applied and had been waiting for the answer they were waiting for the news also. Leanne and Megan, two of my friends, were walking behind me and I looked at them and they knew exactly what my facial expressions were telling them. I had been accepted to leave for one year to go to another country. They ran and hugged me and we were all screaming in the middle of the hallway as people passed us. Strangely, it didn't really phase anyone that we were standing there screaming and holding each other. I immediately ran and told my friends and teachers, that have been waiting to hear the news as well. I can't explain the feeling that rushed through me as all of this had finally been finalized. I was literally shaking like a leaf as I ran and received many hugs of joy.
Many people have asked if I am nervous and to be honest the answer is no. I am too excited to be nervous at this moment but I know there will be a lot of emotions that come with this whole experience and I will be sharing them on here through out my whole experience.
In February I find out the country that I am going to and I can't wait to hear where they are sending me.
All I know is that I am leaving for a year, some country out there is waiting for me. Life is so exciting.