A New Connection by Amanda (a pilgrim)
Today we spent most of the day on Toronto Island on Lake Ontario. There were so many scenic paths and interesting sights to find on the island including a garden maze and amusement park. We played on the beach and rented bikes so we could get a good view of the entire island. As a group we enjoyed a picnic lunch in the shade (which made
it feel much cooler than it really was.) Some members of our group were brave enough to go in the water, but they got out about 30 seconds later. We were all tired when we returned happily to the University for a barbecue dinner.
After dinner we were each given a letter from home. Some of us cried; some of us realized our parents really care, some were simply happy to hear from family. However the letters made us feel, they all had the power to open us up with our emotions and help us connect. We discussed what our parents wrote. Some of it was humorous, some of it
was sad, and all of it came from the heart. The letters helped us connect to each other and maintain a connection throughout the night. All of the girls stayed up afterward and wrote letters back home to our families. Our goal was to make sure that our parents know that we love and miss them as much as they love and miss us.