My Last Day

*written at work*

Here I sit. In the Satellite Centre for my last day of Volunteer with Providence Row. I am so happy and yet so sad. I am happy to have been able to have had this experience. Getting to know my work friends, getting to know clients. Getting to the in's and out's of a fully functional Day Centre for the Homeless of London. From day one everyone welcomed me with open arms, trusted me to do a good job and treated me with love and respect. I was able to thrive in my volunteer position and be creative in how I was to accomplish my tasks. I am happy to have met and gotten to know quite of few of the clients as well. Learning there stories, building trust, nudging them into activities. Helping to build there lives back together in small ways.

I had one polish gentleman tell me yesterday.........

"Your so nice, this place is so nice. You always have a smile and it feels good to be able to come here and just feel normal for a little while"

I almost cried when he said this. My heart has been touched by this like you don't even know.

We got an email from the head of the charity today. She was telling us the results of the latest client survey. I was mentioned as one of the good parts about Providence Row.

I want to cry just thinking about this. I really did make a difference. They had a party for us today, a little going away "Funeral Tea" for me and another gentleman named John who was working here for 3 months. I am honored to be honored by them. They said nice words, and clapped and everything. The head of the Charity remarked how the participation was up by leaps and bounds in the programs since I have been here. There even creating a new position at Providence Row, sort of like a promotions person. Making sure people now about activities and pushing them to get involved.

I don't think the volunteers normally get a party. (in fact I've seen 3 leave so far who have been here longer than me that didn't get a party!)

What can I say, I have a winning personality. In fact, they said that. Its my ability to engage people that made me the right choice for this position.

So, My last day, proves to be an emotional one. I said a speech almost without crying.

I leave this place with a heavy heart.

Thank you Providence Row for giving me so much more than I ever gave you. My heart will always carry a piece of you with it. The lessons I've learned are more than I can even imagine right now, how this will affect the rest of my life we'll soon see.

I look forward to my two weeks off. But it is with sadness that I walk away today.

Jessica Ellis

-- Accomplished Volunteer

Last week of Volunteer

I can't believe its here.

Tomorrow starts my last week of volunteering at Providence Row. I've been there for 6 weeks and it feels like family. I am going to be SO sad to leave. Working here has brought me so many valuable lessons, new friends and a life of memories. I'm talking like its over already. 5 more days of work here in lovely London then....... HOLIDAY!!

Now that, is really something to look forward to. (you can tell I've been here too long, I've called it holiday instead of vacation) I am going to Devon for a weekend and Paris for 4 days. I'm am so thrilled I can't even believe its really happening. I won't be excited till the day before. Right now I'm like, "yea, I'm going to Paris, so what" but when I step on the plane I'm going to have a shit eating grin on my face.

Lets see, where shall I take you on this weeks rantings? First let me tell you how I made biscuits today. I made biscuits to bring to work with me and for all the people I've been trying to explain what we Americans call biscuits. To the Brits, its cookies. But they've never experienced the wonder of a huge plate of biscuits and gravy with eggs and bacon and grits and all the wonderful extras that make the people that inhabit the southern part of our country overweight. (including me)

The other day I came close when I had a proper English Creme Tea. Which is just tea, with a scone smothered with what we would call cream cheese and jelly. It really was a lovely experience and the creme was tasty. The scone was the closest thing to a biscuit I've found so far. Although a scone here is more like a roll but just as flaky as what we call biscuits.

ANYWAY. Biscuits this, biscuits that, biscuits call me every night.

Moving on from Biscuits.

HERE YE HERE YE, I've got something to tell ya.

We went to Stonehenge last Sunday and I bought a shot glass. I find this extremely hilarious. Such a place of wonder and magic, turned into a spectacle on the side of the road. They sell t-shirts with pictures of Stonehenge that so cleverly state "Stonehenge Rocks"

Do I need to say more? About their merchandising campaign I am finished. In regards to its placement. I continue. We hired a coach and we all went together, it was only about an hour and half away, maybe more. While your driving up the road you come around a bend and there it is. On the side of the road. You don't really have to get out of your car, its just right there. But of course we parked and paid the 6.60 to gain entry. Although again, you could just park and walk to the fence and take pictures. We were given free listening tour devices which no one told us how to use and had already missed the first 3 speeches when we finally figured them out. Then this guy is yammering on about stuff they just suppose about these mystical rocks and there's some music every once in a while and the sound of men carving stone. There are tons of tourist walking in a line to get in and the guys voice blabbing almost made me want to freak out, rip my clothes off, climb to the top of the stone closest to me and yell "I AM A GOLDEN GOD"

Of course I didn't do that, I mean I wasn't even drunk. So anyway, I stopped listening to the stuffy British guy in the little machine and found a nice spot where people were few and far between. And just started meditating. The minute I cleared my mind from all the madness, I instantly felt the power in this location. I got a vision in my mind of a circle and a cross and a diamond of light in the center shining out in all directions. I felt like I was this power and I slowly melted away and just let it flow through me. It was so powerful, the wind here was amazing, it could practically blow you over and its nonstop. I gave thanks for my awesome life and everything I have been able to achieve and promised to keep my mind still and to give as much as possible.

After this, I walked back into the stream of tourist heading out, purchased my shot glass and made my way back to the bus.

We then went to a town called Salisbury. There is a really old Gothic Cathedral there that was immense and amazing. I told my party I probably shouldn't go in since it is holy ground and I didn't want the building to fall down around us. I went in for 5 minutes had a look, it was beautiful and then made my way out. At which point, something did fall from the scaffolding located on the side of the church. Fell 4 floors down. Don't know what it was, but I warned them. If had stayed in there any longer, we would have had an international incident on our hands.

Then, there was the Magna Carta, a proper tea session and cider at the local JG Wigglesby's. (that's not its name, but that's what I call it. its a chain pub that serves cheap booze)

Oh right, a little follow up from the last post. I am still slightly sick. Every time I think I'm feeling better I end up in bed the following night. I don't think I allowing myself proper time for resting. But I only live once this time around and damn it, I'll sleep when I'm back in NJ.

My rash is finally disappearing. Only TWO weeks with stupid red bumps on my legs. Oh yea, I feel so attractive.

I haven't been robbed this week, so that's good. My replacement card made it here by Thursday. Although Gemma and the WCV folks were really helpful and made sure I had some cash to get me through.

I went out the last 2 nights with my awesome new friends from the US and from the UK. Over all I'm still loving it. Its hard to believe I've been here for a month and a half. It feels like no time at all. I wish I could stay here longer. I love exploring this city, there is SO much to do. Everywhere you look there's old architecture, new shops, some monument you need to see. There's food from around the world (except I've noticed a lack of Mexican food, we're spoiled with that in the states being so close to Mexico and all) There's good people every where you go.

Cheers to you London. For making this Jersey Girl feel at home. (that's NEW not the Isle of)

Stay classy Blog readers, Stay Classy.

Jessica Ellis

not so itchy Volunteer

OKAY, finally having some dark days

SO

they can't all be great.

Someone said that once, and if not, I just did. I've been here for 5 weeks and having a grand old time until the last few days. And even through a bit of choppy seas I am keeping my spirits up and taking it all in stride by thinking to myself "they can't all be great" I mean really, they don't have to be even Mediocre so I have been blessed with as many wonderful days here I think than a human is allowed and now I have had the unlucky task of remembering that I am a mere human and we have good days and bad ones.

It all starts with a rash I have on my calves. I think I picked it up on that lovely trip to Cambridge, whether it was an allergy to the grass I was sitting in or something at the river. I don't know. It still itches, it hasn't gone away, but it hasn't spread either. It doesn't make me feel very attractive I will tell you that. Although it just looks like razor burn. But what is a 32 year old woman doing with razor burn. (that's what runs through my head when I where my Capri pants)

Next we move onto me getting a cold. I have chest congestion, runny nose, sore throat and a cough. Right now in London Swine Flu is rampant. 16 people have died in the UK. 10 in London alone. Tower Hamlets (where I work) being the biggest hot spot. Hackney (where I live) currently having a large outbreak. Now, after giving you all these lovely facts I will assure you. I don't have swine flu. One of the most important symptoms is a fever with achy body which hurts like hell. And I haven't had a fever at all. Although I don't have swine flu, I still feel like crap. But I've gone to work and smiled all day and done my job and everyone is happy and then come home and fall asleep at 8pm and sleep all night. Hoping it will be gone soon. I've been taking an overload of vitamin C to help boost my immune and all I've been able to accomplish is to make myself extremely constipated. (this might fall into the too much info column)

Moving on, next my stalker situation. Its been handled, the gentleman has been banned from my work place. And it never got to a point that I was in danger physically. The gentleman in question has a slight mental illness and doesn't understand boundaries. I feel bad about it because he's not going to be able to get the help he needs from our organization. But they were right in cutting it off before it became too much. Now, I don't want all my loved ones worried. The guy is harmless really. And everyone at work is really being supportive and walking me to lunch and my bus stop to make sure everything is cool. Even though none of us feel it is necessary. But every once in all while my rational side jumps out the window and it just doesn't feel good. So, theres that.

There's more? You ask.

yes.

I had my wallet stolen. With 50 (i don't have a pound sign on my American computer) but it would be the equivalent of 82$ dollars. And my one bank card. (I don't have any other cards) It sucked. Felt like a total violation. It had to of happened either on the street on my way over to the Satellite Centre where I was running to bring the snacks and help run the Newsletter meeting. Or at the Satellite Centre which would mean it was one of the clients. And I knew most of them that were there that day. Except for 3 guys. So I am hoping it was someone I didn't know. I normally leave my bag in the locked office. But they were already starting the meeting and the office was locked. So I just went into the room with my stuff. Where I did leave it unattended for 5 minutes with another worker in the room. Then left the bag in an unlocked but closed cabinet for 10 minutes while I went upstairs to check on the art rooms. Or it could have been an old fashioned London pick pocket. These things happen. But MAN did it suck. When I first noticed I was panicking and yet still had to close up the computer lab and library room before I could RUN to the Tesco which was the last place I used it at noon to buy the snacks. They didn't have it. I check and rechecked both centre's. NO LUCK. I had been robbed. Providence Row offered to loan me money until my card comes, Winant and Clayton also said I wouldn't be without. Everyone has been so supportive and so nice.

Let me tell you. I HATE BEING NEEDY. I hate needing other people. I hate asking for someone to walk me to buy my lunch. I HATE borrowing money from someone. I have always lived life as a strong independent female who doesn't need other people. SO here is yet one more lesson for me to learn whilst discovering the wonders of London. How to need people. And how sometimes its okay, and sometimes its quite necessary. And in a small way it helps me to better relate to my clients. Because I can see in them that anger. And in some it makes them sad, and in others it makes them pushy. But it all comes down to this. We all need each other. Its the Human Condition.

Yet, these thoughts don't quite raise my spirits. So what did I do last night? A Friday night in London where I was on the guest list at an awesome dance club supposed to go with some girl friends?

I put on my pj's and laid in my tiny little bed in my prison sauna (that's my endearing nick name for my room in Sir John Cass Hall) and took some cold pills and threw the blankets over my head and told the world, its just gonna have to wait. And that, when I get back, it had better be a bit nicer.


Jessica Ellis

Itchy Global Volunteer

Tired in the City

Man oh man, today at work it was a doozy. I am absolutely exhausted from the go go go of working at Providence Row. Well, that combined with an extremely busy weekend of sight seeing. It all adds up to me being pooped in my little tiny dorm room wishing I had enough energy to go lay on a blanket in a park and sleep under a tree.

On Friday night a bunch of us went out to the Shoreditch area. Which, if your from here you would pronounce "Shordidge" We ended up dancing at a bunch of different clubs and running into a bunch of the other volunteers from the US at another place. Over all it was an evening of debauchery which lead to us being up till 4am which subsequently lead to us being late for our planned group trip to Cambridge. Much to the dismay of our coordinator Gemma. Who quickly got over it when she saw the condition we were in.

We took a lovely coach ride out of the city. FINALLY, a chance to get out of the little box called London I've been living and working in for a month. Its a big city, but I was so happy to glance out the window at a field passing by and then see wildlife and nothing for a short while. When we arrived in Cambridge we first stopped at a coffee shop who shooed us away from there outdoor seating area even after all 14 of us purchased coffee from there store, all because we told them we wanted it in To-Go cups. (called Take-Away over here) Having ordered the coffee for Take Away, they were serious about us getting it away from their store. Had we ordered in regular old mugs we could have happily sat there all damn day. Anyways, I'm going off on a tangent about coffee cups. I will now get back to the story. Cambridge. After what I will refer to from now on as "The Great Coffee Incident of 2009" we decided to start our day with the highlight of our trip. That was hitting the river and hiring boats so we could go punting. What is Punting you ask? Well its a long boat that can be as small for 3 or 4 people or as big for 12 and you stand on one end using a pole to push the boat down the river. Here is a diagram for you.....

Pictures of us on the boat are currently on my camera who's battery is dead and will need to charge before I can post.

It was so freakin relaxing, I think the first time on this trip I have been able to sit back and breath deep. Slowly going down river with our cute guide David telling us a bit of history about the buildings we were passing. Here's a pic of Cambridge for you, imagine me on a boat in the center of it.

After punting we all went our different directions to explore the town which of course brought me straight to a pub. Turns out it was one that the members of Pink Floyd enjoyed frequenting they even had a nice painting on the wall in tribute.

When we got back together we headed over to one of the Trustee's houses nearby where Peter and his wife Doris, opened up their home and even supplied a feast to boot. We all sat around tables in the back yard drinking wine and eating some of the best home cooked food I've had since I've been here. (that doesn't say much for my own culinary talents)

We headed back around 7pm. We got back to our dorm around 9pm, needless to say we were pooped. Me and my new friend Monica ended up drinking a few drinks and planning the next day before heading to bed.

When we woke up Sunday it was 9am and we were ready to tackle the Tower of London. Here's a nice aerial view of it for you, and obviously I didn't take this picture.

That's right, its that freakin castle from the 2nd video. Its a damn castle. Right in the middle of the city. You'll never see that in the US. The closest we have is medieval times with the fake castle facade out front. Anyhow, We arrived around 10am and walked all about this place till around 1pm. We saw the crown jewels, took a picture with a beefeater.

That's one of these


















NOT one of these


Walked down to London Bridge and checked out the Borough Market. Over all its been a really full weekend. On top of that I booked my travel for a trip to Paris for the last 2 weeks of free time we have. I am riding on top of the world and wishing to bury myself under the covers for a month.

That brings us back to Monday, today. Getting to work, all tired from the weekend. But that doesn't matter. I have to work just as hard and smile just as big. Although, after a weekend of Rough Sleeping (that's the term they use over here for sleeping on the streets) the clients come in on a Monday morning and I can only imagine not having a comfortable bed to rest on at night and seeing how nice you want to be to people. Monday's are tough. Some harder than others. Today was non-stop. There was even an incident where someone threw over a computer in a fit and the police had to be called in. But then there are the moments where I am flying high cause I am remembering everybodys names and we are connecting and I can talk them into joining one of the groups, or one of the clients comes to me with a poem he wrote that he's proud of and I encourage him to join the newsletter and another one comes to me with a problem and I am able to help them, not just refer them to the Project Workers.

Its really so amazing. How hard and how rewarding it is. Although I now have a stalker. So that would fall into the difficult category. I will go into that another time.

I hope this message finds you with a smile on your face and love in your hearts.

Be good to yourselves and others.

Jessica Ellis - Global Volunteer

Video #4 is finally here

Hello my pets,

Here is the next installment of Jessica Ellis Global Volunteer.



CHEERS

Jessica Ellis

Volunteer

London is fantastic.

Hey everyone out there in cyberspace.

Thanks for turning on your computers, connecting via your networks and traveling all the way to my little plot of land out here on the world wide interweb. I'm just being silly. Let me say I hope that all of you are doing well, I hope that you have smiles on your faces and this day brings you much joy.

I find myself in an almost zen like state today. I have just arrived home from a lovely boat trip down the River Thames where we stopped in Greenwich and ate lunch at the market there. Not only did we eat lunch, we sampled I think, a little something from every vendor at the damn market, there was Mexican, Brazilian, Italian, Japanese, Thai, Turkish, Polish. We went hog wild trying all the different delicacies. We had ourselves a grand old time and then walked to a Greenwich park and laid in the grass in the shade of a beautiful tree. Its summer time in London, where else would I find myself, but in a park laying in the shade. Seems that's what everyone does here SINCE THERE IS NO AIR CONDITIONING. (I believe I may have already discussed that point)

It was a long week.

Work was non-stop. All day long its something. One of the front liners was on vacation. The sister that runs the laundry is gone for the month. So this week I really stepped it up and helped out hard core. I even got an accolade at a meeting for how hard I've been working. (Did you expect any less) This week is going to be more of the same. My boss is on vacation. So I will be running all his groups and organizing all the activities. I think they have really put me in the perfect place. Because running things, its kind of my forte. I am starting up a client newsletter. I have a bunch of guys lined up to write for it. We have our first meeting this week. (this is me excited) Needless to say I have been so busy at work, then all of that busy makes me want to drink, I end up at a pub, and then by the time I get home I'm too tired or too sloshed to write. I know, its a poor excuse buts its all I got.

I have a few more videos to post. As soon as I finish editing. But I know you will love them.

OH, yesterday was 4th of July. I was in London. It was quite strange. I didn't even have a flag. I felt so unprepared and so out of touch with all my friends and family since I could see in my mind's eye what they each would be doing on that day. I love them so much. There's the barbque-ers, the stay at homer's, the go to the fire-workers. Everybody has there own ritual for 4th of July, but at least everyone is doing something.

You wanna know what I did? (Of course you do, you wouldn't have read this far into the blog if you weren't interested) I went to Hyde Park and attended the Wireless 2009 Music Festival featuring Basement Jaxx and Sneaky Sound System (the last being one of my favorites from Australia you never get to see in the States) SO, needless to say I was occupied enough to not miss home too much.

I danced my ass off, I drank Cider. Which in the States I would be deemed a pussy for drinking solely Cider. Yet here in Jolly old England, EVERYONE does it. You know what else, I like mayonnaise on my french fries. At home, people look at me funny for doing that. I really feel like one of the natives. On second thought, no one makes fun of me for my skinny cigarettes. I think I might just never leave. Although if I have to hear the words "top-up" one more time I might punch myself in the face till I pass out and have to go to hospital.

I am hoping that tomorrow after work I will have some free moments to catch up with loved ones, get the new video's edited and all that jazz.

I will leave you with this. You only live once, this time around.

Jessica Loveless

Zen Master / Global Volunteer

OMG

HOW COULD I FORGET TO PUT AIR CONDITIONING ON THAT LIST?



That's really the thing I miss the most.

Sweet, Cool, Refreshing, Relaxing, mood enhancing, outfit perfecting, Sweat Stopping, Good Ole Fashioned AIR CONDITIONING!!!!!


My lover, my sweet, my breeze

how I miss you the most.

Jessica Ellis

Sweaty Global Volunteer

things I miss

Things I miss:

1. My big bed
2. My beautiful Red Room
3. My car (if only I could just drive away from this city for a day)
4. Good Coffee on every street corner
5. BUFFALO WING SAUCE (who'd a thunk)
6. Diet Mountain Dew. Damn it, I need to Do the Dew baby!
7. having the option to take a bath if I want one
8. Having a couch to rest my weary bones
9. Watching TV

Things I don't miss:

1. Watering the lawn
2. Being to busy to stop and smell the roses
3. The Producers (that's for you mom)
4. The summer traffic in my shore town
5. The Benny's coming down from New York infiltrating my shore town
6. The East Coast Attitudes (everyone is so damn nice here)
7. The American accents (I'm loving the various British accents)

That's all I can think of right now,

I'm sure more will follow

--

Jessica Loveless

Global Volunteer

YOU ALRIGHT?

HELLO my pretty pretties.

Here I am eating breakfast after another late night out. I find this whole working for the weekend thing a bit nice. Actually knowing what hours your supposed to be involved and when you can walk away. That's pretty cool. Although I could see how it would drive me crazy after a time. Being so used to having so much time off then running into crazy hours and high pay.

A FUNNY THING

SO here, when someone sees you for the first time in a day, a proper greeting for us Americans would be "Hi, how are you" perhaps you would say "Hows it going" These greeting are so familiar and just the polite thing to say that it becomes almost mindless to ask someone how they are and expect the usual response of "I'm fine thanks for asking" But here, the popular turn of phrase is "you alright?" You can't even comprehend what this does to me. With one simple sentence my entire being turns to doubt and I begin to question everything. I will lead you along my thought process following what seems to be a simple question.

Steve: "You Alright?"

Jessica: "Uh, what? "

Steve: "You Alright?"

Jessica: "uhhhhhh............"

(in my brain) ....... I think so...... mmm..................at least I thought so........

........................Wait, why? don't I look alright?...... does he know something i don't?

do i have something in my teeth? is my mascara running? do I have bad breath?

..... WTF? he simply asked how I was doing....... dear god say something......

"yea, yea.... I'm fine How are you?"

(end scene)

when really it should be as nonchalant as

Steve: "you alright?"

Jessica: "yea you?"

Steve: "yup"

(end Scene)

So every morning when I walk into Providence Row and everyone is asking me If I'm alright, I have to toughen up and stop my brain from flying into a sea of doubt. (I know, its tough being me)

This brings me to a subject I am happy to begin. Providence Row. My placement. I think I am the luckiest volunteer on this trip. I think I got the absolute perfect placement for me, and I think the people I work for are so f-ing great and I feel blessed everyday for what I am doing. I felt the need to write a little bit about the work I am doing here, since so far from my blogs, you would think I have just been partying my ass off. Which is quite true, I will not lie to you my reader. I have been partying my ass off, I fear when I leave London it will be with a heavy heart and half a liver. But every Monday through Friday from 9am to 4:30 I am diligently working under a fine chap named Steve Huddleston (I'm his intern) He is a musician so we get along famously. He trusts me enough in my first week to stay late and lock up after The Bike Works Course. He has given me some suggestions on what kind of project I want to leave behind and he trusts that I will work something out. I really enjoy my job (volunteer position) I've already redesigned some of there posters advertising courses for the clients (homeless) I am working with Caroline from PR (providence row) to help get the women's group up and running. I have an appointment on Monday with a health counselor who will come to the group and do talks on sex health and HIV. I have to wait a few weeks, but they have a group here called the Warrior Women who come for free to do Self Defense classes. I can't wait to set that up. Since a large percentage of women in the system are street walkers. I think self defense is really important. I really hope I can leave them with a structured group for the lovely ladies of Tower Hamlets who just need to come together and heal together and grow out of the lives they have found themselves in. It makes me cry just to think about it. So needless to say I am on cloud 9. When you do something unselfishly for others, there is a feeling of euphoria that comes with it. You know what I am speaking of. Its just so good to help others, and it feels like flying when you make a connection with someone you never thought you would and in a small way you helped to give them a little piece of there dignity. There is one client there I will call her Sasha (names have been changed to protect the innocent) The first few times she saw me there she was cold and just like all the others, you see so many people and as a homeless person, most people don't treat you like a human being so your defenses are up right from the beginning. It took a few days before she saw my face everyday and I remembered her name everyday and she slowly started to smile at me when she came in. Now, In the morning I see her coming and give her a big "GOOD morning Sasha" and she smiles, she comes to me for help on the computers (they can sign up for Internet access for 45 minutes, you know, look for jobs, check emails, stay in touch with there families) Its little connection like this that just make me skip all day. Like I am really doing something that is meaningful and a positive and man, if I could live the rest of my life without making any money and just helping people. I would.

Let me describe to you a normal day at Providence Row

They have a hostile upstairs that can sleep I believe 53 people. So around 8am they serve breakfast to the people who sleep there. Then at 9:15 every morning they have a meeting to discuss how every body's day went the day before, was there any problems in the kitchen? Did someone act out? Was there any new registrations? Its great, everybody is truly on the same page then and so, say Cristoph was acting out the day before then everyone is aware and try to help him somehow, find out why he was behaving that way and what can anyone do for him. They know alot about all there clients, perhaps during this meeting someone will say, "well christoph's friend passed away 2 nights ago and he his in a state we all need to make sure he's going to be alright" Its so beautiful the way this small staff has a handle on there clients. SO, when 9:30 hits, they open the gates to anyone who wants a meal, its a wave of people hitting reception to check in and get a ticket for breakfast. They rush in to get in line for showers and laundry and sign up for the various internet times. There is someone on the gate letting people in a few at a time, there are usually 3 people behind reception checking people in, taking names for computers, handing out towels, shampoo, razors, soap, they accept mail for people so there's always a line looking to see if they have mail. They charge peoples cell phones, and act like a bank, holding onto peoples money and passports so it will be safe. These are just the things they do on a front line kind of way. Taking care of peoples basic needs. I've worked reception, the kitchen, the internet, but most importantly, they want me to just walk around and smile and get to know people, talking to people and promoting the groups they offer. I have been to the farm, ran the bike works, helped with the IT classes, helped with the Alcohol Group yesterday. There are so many things. I really want to make sure this women's group is off the ground before I go. But also, they want to set up a music studio in there Satellite Centre and I want to help them with that. I am currently writing a press release to send to the local papers to try to drum up instrument donations to get the program off the ground. Cause you know me! I am a firm believer in the fact that MUSIC HEALS. It has healed me my whole life, sometimes being my only friend in moments of weakness. I hope the homeless of Tower Hamlets can regain a sense of humanity and belonging through a music education class and a jam session. Its the little things baby. I AM LOVING THIS!!!

Side note: I need to marry a rich guy so I can travel the world on my philanthropic missions, little by little making the world a better place to live.

Side Side note: I guess I will just have to keep working hard so that I can at least do these once a year.

Side side side note: You should do it to. Everyone should do this. Besides helping people, you are in fact helping yourself. Learn, grow, change = good.

So this blog has once again become an novel, I will try to get another video out to you soon. Its just so hard to sit still. There are so many things to do, so many places to see and only a small window of time on weekends to try to fit it all in.

I will leave you with this note. Be good to yourself, and others. That guy you pass on the street and don't acknowledge could be you someday, or your brother, your sister. Homelessness happens, you loose your house to foreclosure, your husband leaves you destitute, the economy crashes and everybody looses there jobs and can't afford there homes. There are many different faces of homelessness. And it could be yours. So next time you see that lady on the corner or that man sitting in front of the bus station, I'm not saying give them money. But one of the biggest things you could do is the most simple. Just smile. They are humans too, who need to feel loved.

----

Jessica Loveless

Global Volunteer

NEW VIDEO

Here you go, I know the waiting was hard.




#3 in the Jessica Ellis - Global Volunteer Series

I apologize for my absence

Helloooo my lovelies,

I sincerely apologize from the deepest darkest most bottomest part of my heart. Its Sunday and I haven't blogged since Tuesday. Which I know must have just killed you. Well, fret not, I am here to relay you with some of my antics from the past couple days.

I can see by the last blog that you must have thought I was down on London and being here. I must assure you that it was with a heavy heart I did write those notes. However, that night, as I was gloomily walking down the hall back to my room I ran into some nice young chaps who invited me out to Brick Lane (which is a really hip section of town with kick ass bars and it also happens to be where I volunteer, yes I am quite lucky) after crawling back to bed at 3 am and then getting to the Centre on time and working hard all day with some really cool characters (some of the homeless folks I've met are pretty cool, I will get into that shortly) I am proud to tell you that my moment of weakness only last 2 hours. Those happened to be the 2 hours I found to blog on Tuesday.

I am loving it here, I am loving living here, I am loving helping people and learning from them, I am loving my co-workers, they are all so charming. So just in case I didn't stress enough, I LOVE IT. There are still moments of weakness, like when I look around my dorm and think "wouldn't it be nice if there was a couch" or "perhaps 2 working showers on my floor would be nice" and the ever popular "if only my room wasn't 3 ft wide".

But all of those things go away when I find myself here.

As I write this I am excited to head out today to Victoria Park for a free concert. FUN. I will give you a break down of my last few days.

On Wednesday I woke up a bit behind schedule due to the late night excursion with fine young Englishmen. I get to work and its more learning. Getting to learn the clients who use the centre's services, trying to understand the different accents, there's Romanian, Polish, Spanish, (from Spain, not like in the states where everyone gets called Spanish even though they might be Colombian, Mexican Etc.) Chezk and so many others. So just the simple understanding of requests is very taxing on the brain. I went to the Satellite Centre where Mark showed me all around. They are really excited about showing me all of there services so that I may find which department I might be able to help the most. During this tour I learned that they are interested in making a small music studio in the Basement. This is something I should be able to help with. Getting a music program up and running for the clients. I've seen a man with a violin come in for services and a couple guys with guitars. What a better way boost someones self esteem than with music. It cures all ails and mends every heart. Also on this day I learned about the Bike Works course they were hosting this day. I checked everybody in who was signed up and got to really mingle with the clients. There are some really nice people here. Some who have just found themselves at the end of there proverbial ropes. Some who just can't find work since the economy is breaking down right now for everybody. There are many reasons, and I am discovering these everyday. So I enjoyed another day at the Dellow Centre (Providence Row) I know I did something this evening, I just can't for the life of me remember exactly what it was. Perhaps that's how much fun I had.

On Thursday work in the daytime, learn more of there programs. Start packing up there art room which is moving over to the Satellite Centre. In the afternoon we take a few of the clients over to an Art Gallery where Providence Row is beginning to coordinate an exhibition of artwork done by these guys. They are hoping to turn it into an auction and fundraiser. I am in the right place. I can do this, coordinate and plan an amazing event? Who, me? Although the event is in September, I will try to do as much as I can for them. I really like this stuff. I am doing good work for my fellow man, and using my skills to accomplish this. (I'm patting myself on the back, you just can't see it)

I enjoyed drinks after work with some co-workers. I always bring people together, Its my gift. (God, I can't stop bragging, I don't know how you, the reader, reads this stuff) That night we ended up having crossover drinks with our fellow Claytons. You know the volunteers going to the States from here. They were quite pleasant and just as excited as we were the night before our big trip. We got to see Sian, Barnaby, Gemma and Elizabeth again. (the folks in charge of handling us this summer) And then we ended up at a pub around the corner.

I think all my stories so far and probably the rest of them will end up with me at a pub.

Friday. I got three guys to sign up for the City Farm program, where clients can go for 3 hours every Friday to learn gardening and assist in projects for the farm. We planted seedlings, and stained the floor of a new Poly Tunnel they had just installed (green house)

Drinks with co-workers, then had dinner with my friend Katie from the U.S. That was quite a night, getting to see my friend who is my sister by default (her sister Laura is my Best Friend since I was 11) We ended up hanging with some nice blokes who all work for higher ups in the Labour Party.

So far, my experiences here have been broad, from feeling trapped in a tiny room in my dorm, to feeling the freedom of traveling the world to meeting and enjoying the company of the homeless of London to random meetings with Political masterminds. If I think to hard about it my brain might explode.

I miss my friends and family, but I LOVE IT here. I need to go before I force you to read an entire book just to explain a few days of my life.

Be good to yourselves and others.

Jessica Ellis - Explorer

I thought I was tired before

First off, Let me start out by telling you. I invested in a fan and now have a bit of air brushing by me in my tiny little stuffy room. I also purchased a small black comforter. The bed sheets provided were something out of Miami Vice and I didn't think I could handle 9 weeks of that. So now that I am bit more comfortable. I find myself tired not only in body but in spirit. I will explain, but right now its because I am tired of being a stupid American.

Now, don't get all hot and bothered. Everyone here is nice and not one person has been bothered by me being an American. I can't begin to describe to you the differences in language, culture, technology, etc. Its so freaking weird that we all speak English and yet I can't understand a large percentage of whats going on. And I don't mind asking and they don't mind helping. In fact the Brits I've met have been nothing more than helpful. But if you know me. I hate to feel helpless and I like to know what I am doing and I like to feel in control. This whole asking for help thing and needing to ask people to explain what to them is simple makes me feel stupid. And that's the one thing I hate to feel.

So tonight, I am down on myself. But luckily my girl Arie (another Winant Volunteer) and I went out to dinner. We were able to commiserate these sentiments before striking out on a crazy grocery shopping experience. I almost had a melt down. Once again, being a world traveler, the worst part was feeling like I'm not able to blend. All the food products are different and called different things. (I'm going to do a video montage on the weird little things I find) Here's the thing, I am on a health plan, or was until last Thursday, but as I walked around the Lidl which is there version of Aldi's. I almost had a panic attack, I am totally unaware of how to understand the nutritional information on the back. The fat is written in percentages. And its all different and strange. I was thinking, I don't have enough money to eat at restaurants for my stay, and I don't have the wherewithal to continue shopping tonight without crying. SO, Arie and I left the cheapo store (with a bottle of wine and my new black comforter) and found a Tesco down the street. I would equate it to a Stop and Shop. And this is where I actually shed one tear. When I walked down the freezer section and next to the burgers, they had Quorn products. When I found the fake bacon I so love, and fake chicken and fake ground beef. I actually shed one tear. Cause even if I can't read the damn label, at least I know this stuff is in my diet plan.

So when I got back to the dorm, I put my jogging outfit on and went out for a quick jog. I needed to expend some energy since I was in a bit of an internal hurricane only an hour previous. This is when I met a few of the really cute Brit boys that are also staying in my dorm and for some reason, I don't feel so bad anymore. Even though they thought I was saying everything weird and asking me about James Dean movies and 1950's shopkeepers attitudes towards teens playing dice on the side of their stores. I explained since I wasn't alive in the 50's that I wouldn't have a clue on the mind set of a shopkeeper during that time period. Although I could explain the game they were playing. So in some way I felt a bit useful. I know I will get the hang of this.

Its funny, I've spent my whole life trying to be different..... and now that I am..... All I really want is to just blend in.

even more tired

It was a long day. We started our placements bright and early. Volunteered all day. Then took the bus home only to move to our new "summer house" if you will. Its a dorm style set up. I can only imagine going to college and this being life for you, tiny rooms, paper thin walls, getting thrown into the mix with a bunch of strangers you begin to call friends. (I never went to college) Even though the accommodations aren't what I might call quality, I am not complaining. I am not paying so who can say a word? I'm living in London. That's super damn snappy if you ask me no matter where I lay my head. Its interesting for me, having been a world traveler for quite of time, to feel the patience of living in one place for so long. Going through most towns with a band means you see the bar, venue or club and perhaps a hotel room. You don't really get to know a place to well. So it feels good to be able to unpack my bags and have the patience that I will be able to see things, do things, experience life from this vantage point. I am SO tired after not sleeping well last night. But my first day went well. Me and Arturo (another Winant) helped worked the front desk at Providence Row. I was sorting out client mail. (Mail they accept on behalf of there homeless clients) (and no, client isn't what it means in the states, we assume client means your paying for a service. Not here. I can only imagine the use of the term brings a sense of dignity to those in need of their services) I was also introduced to my supervisor Steve. Whom I will be shadowing for the most part while I'm here. I will be his intern and he will help me learn the ins and outs as well as allow me some freedom in using my skills to help to improve some areas where ever that may be. So I am just getting the hang of the job right now. Tomorrow I follow him to City Farm. Its supposedly a farm smack dab in the middle of the city. Well, its actually in Hackney which is where our new dorms are located. That's quite convenient. On my schedule as well is helping out with there bike program, trying to update there newsletter and if I'm up for it, trying to start up a woman's group for the women who use their services. Its a lot to take in on my first day. But I know when its time for me to make a move to create something or to really throw in my mojo, its going to feel good. Just like with everything else in life, I won't force it. It will become clear just what it will be that I can do to make a difference. I just have to have the patience to wait for it. So now I am getting philosophical because my eye lids are drooping. I have to tell you, today was pretty eye opening. In regards to what you think a homeless person looks like. I'll get into that another day. I will leave you with this.....

They don't believe in A/C over here. I didn't know this. I don't know how I'm supposed to exist. I don't even want to believe that its true. Of course I will adapt. Like with anything. But I'm just warning you. If you like to be cold or perhaps even tempered. Think twice. There is NO air conditioning. (okay I'm being dramatic, but if there is any, its not anywhere I have to go) As I write this I am sweating in my dorm room even as it is cool outside. WAH!

That's it for today. I am happy you're reading this. You bring a smile to my face.

Jessica Ellis -- Volunteer

I'M TIRED

Good Morning my Lovely's,

How you must have missed me. I wanted to write a little before I head off for my first day. I am excited. In a way like when you start a new job, you don't know anybody, you don't know the protocol, you don't know how long it takes to ACTUALLY get there on time. You know, the pre-new job start jitters. SO, that resulted in me waking up every hour on the hour last night to make sure I wasn't over sleeping. Hey, you know me. Or maybe you don't. I am a go getter, I want to be the best. I want to be prepared (like a good girl scout) and start out smart and work my hardest. So that's where the nerves are coming from. I know I will be great. I always am. (I need to work on my self esteem a little, huh?) But I just wanted to let you on my pre - game. Its me not sleeping and packing last night (since we move to a knew hall after work) to be ready and tossing and turning due to of all the unknowns.

On that note, I'm going to find myself some English breakfast on my way to catch a coach. (thats bus for all the Americans)

Miss everyone. Wish me luck on my first day.

Jessica

Here it is

Part 2, Video 2 or Installment 2. Whatever you want to call it. Its here and its exciting, there's a ghost and everything. So enjoy. I am working on the next one. I want to have it done before tonight. Although, I need to pack my stuff up since we are moving to our permanent summer housing tomorrow after OUR FIRST DAY. (that's cool, my first day)





Thanks for checking it out.

I'll leave you with this....

Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.

Gandhi

(I like that)

Jessica Ellis -- Volunteer

MADE IT

Wow.

I'm in London. Sometimes that's the only thought going around in my head. Its been a whirlwind 2 days since I've arrived. When last I left you, we were in NYC for our orientation. Our first day together was alot of fun. Getting to know everyone I'll be spending the summer with. Right off the bat you can see who's going to be hanging out together. Some people just click. But we all were getting along. They took us to a pizza joint in NYC for lunch, and funny thing, they took us to a pizza joint in London for dinner. I don't know if perhaps they think we must really love pizza or that its probably the most cost effective dinner plan.

So a couple things, I'm pulling a Madonna. I've already started with a bit of an English accent. You guys at home are going to have a field day with this. I'm really enjoying my first weekend. I've been out both friday and saturday nights having a bit to much fun. I've met Gemma, she's our WCV (Winant Clayton Volunteer) Coordinator. I can tell I'm going to have a lot of fun with her. She's good people. She's all nice and British. She's been helping me figure out our communication differences. Its SO strange to speak the same language and not be able to understand each other. Our orientation over here was very thorough. We took a coach from the airport, the Tube downtown, saw the Tower of London from the gate. (its a castle, right there, staring you in the face, a big ass castle just sitting there in the middle of the city) And crawled the pubs. I would say its was a most eventful 2 days.

I start my placement tomorrow and am looking forward to a bit of boredom. I think, anything but going to a pub for a few days would be nice. I feel like I've said pub way to many times and its starting to annoy me. I apologize to the reader. Pub this, pub that, pub calls me every night.

Anyway

I've started my first VLOG. (thats video log for you dopes who don't know the lingo) and here is the first installement of JESSICA ELLIS VOLUNTEER.






I hope you enjoy, I am looking forward to many more because I want you to come along on this journey. I want to share it with my friends and family and anyone who wants to view. Giving back to humanity is not just work, its fun. I hope that watching my adventures will perhaps entice a few more folks to get out there and do something for some one else.

Thanks for reading.

Jessica Ellis - Volunteer

Just got back from NYC

A Nice Reception at St. Barts



So today I took a train and a subway over to St. Barts Church in NYC where Winant and Clayton Volunteers are
based. It was my first time meeting the other volunteers I'll be traveling to London with. I found out there are 11 of us going over in various placements. It was nice, they had wine and cheese, I just so happen to love both.





There were WCV Alumni there to welcome us and to tell us about the time they spent overseas. To pass the torch if you will. We also met a nice man named Rivington Winant. The son of the man the program was named for. He gave a speech. We met the lovely Margie who came over from
England as a Clayton and never went back. Then we all introduced ourselves and told each other about our placements.




It was a cheery 2 hours spent in the company of new friends. I learned that I will be spending the summer with Arturo. He's from Puerto Rico. He and I will both be working with Providence Row during our stay. (and we happen to be the only smokers, so that works out nicely)

Then I took the subway to the train to NJ and now I am finishing my packing and going to bed. Its going to be a long day tomorrow. We have orientation for a few hours and then off to the airport for our Trans Atlantic flight.

That's all for tonight. Gotta get to bed. I already miss everybody.

Jessica


Below are some pics of the rest of the folks, some of which your sure to see more of in my blogs.

Packing

HI its just me, packing. Don't be alarmed by those few items of color over in the corner. I still wear all black. I saw some colorful socks at the store and thought they would really spruce up my wardrobe for the summer.

Getting ready to leave

Good Morning my lovely's

I am packing the morning away. I'm almost ready to hit London Town with my bags full of cloths and hair products and jogging pants. I don't know if I remembered everything, but what ever I forgot I will simply have to find when I arrive. I am meeting my fellow volunteers tonight when I meet them at St Barts in NYC. I have my first picture to share with you, its of me packing. It really is very interesting.

This is my initial blog here on Blogspot. I needed a more interactive blog for my readers. I hope you follow me on my journey as I cross the drink to help my fellow man (and woman) in Jolly ole England. Don't forget about the Scavenger Hunt Challenge. There will be another section for that. I need you to send me on a crazy hunt around London. Its bound to be hours of fun.

So Once again, I say thank you for reading and caring about what I'm up to. Also, I am still taking donations. Since this is a volunteer trip, I've been collecting donations and I'm am still in need of about $300.00 to finish up. So open those pockets, even a couple dollars. Every little bit helps. Check out the donate page on my site.

http://jessicaellisvolunteer.wikidot.com/donate