Day Twenty Eight

Most of my blogging has been basedon my home life, but there is so much more to it all. For instance, I am working at a shelter called Le Maison du Lauberiviere. It is mainly a men's shelter where they can come in and detox if they need to, get a hot meal, a shower and, with the help of the freindly staff, get thier feet underneath them again.

For the first few weeks, I was stuck in the "Bouanderie" or the laundry room. It was boring, but work at the very least. Recently, I got moved up into the office where my main duties involveopening lockers and looking stupid when I don't understand the french. On rare days, I get to do something useful.

Today for example, a man came in and said in plain, un-accented french "I need a bed, or a room." He clearly did not speak any French at all. My boss, Gil (a teddy bear, I am told) speaks even less English. The task of translation was delegated to the only person in the room who had a prayer of communication. I managed to get the point across to Gil, after which, he communicated to me about what information he needed from him. I felt very accomplished and useful. The useful feeling was a new one and a welcome one after spending three weeks folding laundry.

I also get to meet some of the most interesting people. New people are always coming into Laubriviere. Today a man named Yao Alla appeared in the locker room. Standing at atleast 6'4", and very black, he is hard to miss. He was born on the Ivory Coast, speaks three languages fluently, and studied in France and vacationed in London, England. He was a facinating person, and I could have talked to him all day just to learn his story. I never got the whole thing, just that little bit, but I know that he will go on to have more interesting stories happen to him. He's just that type of an energy.

I hope this blog is living up to what I had promised. I have never kept a blog before, and have had barely any number of people read my writing. It is almost strange to write an email, essentially, to the whole of the internet. I hope it is at least interesting over a coffee or in avoiding work.

I am emotionally drained today, so that might be why this entry is a little more meloncholy and less of my usual style. I promise that the regular and observant Irene will be back on track in time for the next installment of this...series?

Everyday is a new adventure, so no worries