It has been almost six weeks since I took part in the MAGIS weekend on homelessness. I think it had more of an impact on me than I realised and it is only now, in the last week or two that i have really begun to act on it, take it to heart as it were...

For one, I am much more aware of homelessness in general, it is now 'on my radar' and because of that I see a lot more homeless people than I did  before. I notice them. It is amazing how much we can filter out if we want to. It is sad to realise there are more people living on the streets, in B&Bs and hostels than I was previously aware of, but it is reality and therefore much better to know about it, so we can try and so something about it, and be a more compassionate society.

I was privileged to get a chance to take part in an experiential weekend on homelessness. It touched me more than I would have thought. I hadn't had much contact with homeless people or homeless issues before it, but what it did do was give me a chance to literally walk around in the shoes of a homeless person and get a real insider's account. The most important thing that it gave me was simply seeing homeless people as human beings first and foremost, people just like myself, with the same thoughts, emotions, desires, dreams, fears and pains and most of all, people with dignity.

Day 1: Friday Eve 29th Jan: The soup run

It's 2.05am, and we're all just settling down in our sleeping bags on the floor for the night. Probably we won't sleep brilliantly, but its all part of the experience - an effort at solidarity. We try to grown in awareness by experiencing a very small part of the physical discomfort. It almost feels pathetic but, its not. Its something.

The buzz was great  as people gathered at 7pm after work, lectures etc. for a meal and then out on the soup run with Teach Mhuire. Got back at 12 midnight and despite the lateness, had a really engaging MAGiS circle lasting 1 hour. It felt really good to get into the MAGiS circle again - reflect as a group on the experience.