Ontario

My time this summer gifted me a friendship with the directors of Urban Ex - an organization out of Toronto that "engages people of all ages and all walks of life o examine their perspectives by walking a mile in other people's shoes so that they can live more authentically, enabling them to make more intentional and effective change in their communities." The time I spent with them redefined they way I interact with the world around me. 

After the days this summer shared with Em Johnson and Alan Waugh, there has been an urgency to go to Toronto and walk with them for a bit. This past week was the fulfillment of that. I cannot begin to express the life experienced. As I was sharing a bit about the trip recently, someone made the observation that I looked very full. It was a much better account of how I felt than what I was attempting to communicate. My heart was full. And it has left me torn. And also left me in wonder.

The days spent in Kitchener and Cambridge were absurdly simple. Sharing meals, meeting friends, watching TV, driving, preparing, silly adventures, much laughter. And it was comfortable. Silence wasn’t awkward. Random conversations were in abundance. Deep questions and deep answers shared. Authenticity was given freedom. I believe it to be the type of community we are called to. The joy in the slow journey of loving and trusting is absurdly beautiful. My heart beat more fully.

My final day was spent in Toronto. And when I say day, I mean until 3am when we had to leave to go to the airport so I could catch my 6am flight. 

Toronto. Incredible. Life pulsed through my veins as we walked the city for 13 hours. Meeting people, walking intentional steps and experiencing beautiful moments. I would go many more nights without sleep for more times like that. Life. Again, as I walked in lifestyles very different from the one that is familiar, there was joy. A knowledge that the abnormal is where I am comfortable. Stepping into different cultures, countries, situations (sometimes less than safe) – I come alive and have peace. The moments I walk away with leaving the deepest impressions, would, to some, seem insignificant.

• Lunch listening to an accordion while observing an elderly gentlemen sitting close by, captured by the music
• Purchasing earrings from a gentleman who see’s the potential of the unwanted and discarded
• Walking the path of two friends who have abandoned logic and security to pursue a calling that is unveiling eyes one life at a time
• Imagining a reality other than the one before me as places and people were explained and referenced
• An alley of graffiti paired with a reminder that I am absurdly awkward despite the desire to be a little more free

          

• Coffee. A lot of delicious coffee.
• Watching films that demanded reflection on the unknown broken stories of the people we pass every day paired with painful memories of my own journey and gratefulness for healing
• A couple of hours watching a man work and speak. Work with intensity and passion as he carved soap. Speak with freedom. Freedom of revelation, joy, honesty and lack of self-consciousness. What a powerful display of life and beauty.

• Church. A sanctuary. Determination to never abandon the belief that all people are to be loved well. That the call to community was not accompanied with restrictions and limitations.
• The most intentional walk seemingly going nowhere. A few tears fell.
• Bright lights. Fountains. And more awkwardness. Which turned into so much laughter and fun.

• Good conversation shared over dinner – a deeper glimpse into the hearts of friends
• Walking the streets, observing the interesting, entertaining and at time stupid behaviors of people with too much time and money on their hand. And yet, in the insanity, your heart breaks for the emptiness that must reside inside if they feel compelled to such an unfulfilling lifestyle.
• Robert Thomas Payne. How can you not love this man? I have no doubt that one could sit for hours and hear the countless stories of the life he has lived. His eyes alone tell of quite a journey. Continue pressing forward, friend.

These are the moments I cherish. The moments I hope to relive once again.