Well after 2 days of being in London, as a group we have spent a lot of time getting to know about each other. On the first evening we participated in icebreaker games so that we could get to know who each other was in a very fun style, instead of just learning names. We then celebrated our first mass together as a team to give us a spiritual understanding of what the program will be about. On the second day we started our team building which was a good amount of fun because it involved us playing a game, holding different items such as a pool ball represented a power source. And this activity followed through the day whilst there were other activities to play.

Jonny

Well it seems that when writing a blog it is important to begin with a ‘well’ (see above entries) so here we go….

Well after our first day of manual work I feel rather painty and worn out. We spent the day at a church that is being transformed into a centre for refugees and I have to say I was quite shocked by the amount of disrepair. I wondered what difference we could really make in a day. However, by the end of the day I was pleasantly surprised and pleased with the work done, from painting rooms (and each other) to chipping off plaster in the toilets. There is a real sense of teamwork and working towards a common cause in the group and it has been great getting to know everyone and feel like we’re contributing something to the community.

Kat

Well I think everyone is already getting worn out on SOS2 and we haven’t even started work yet! We’ve been getting to know each other so when the work begins tomorrow we can really work as a team and do the best job possible. We’ve played some mad games including a snake-like game in the playground which some of the local residents witnessed to their amusement. This afternoon we ran around like the small children whose school that we are inhabiting and had loads of fun in the process. We’ve  already shared so many stories, so much joy and so much laughter and even though it’s only been a couple of days I can already tell that this is going to be yet another amazing SOS experience.

Ann

Team building succeeded at making us aware of various aspects that make us a team. Sandy and team have guided us well throughout this experience thus far. Aside from the smells from the paint, cleaning and preparing rooms for the new hospitality house for the Catholic Worker was very satisfying and I hope their site can aide many in the future. Yesterday, the “fun day” with the children was tiring but rewarding (and an excuse to be like kids again). Our community is really taking shape and I am grateful for each member of the group.

Fredy