July 19th

Today was a typical Sunday, woke up traveled an hour and a half to church, played with the primary kids (one girl peed her pants twice in 20 minutes) and then after church came home. Once home I hung out at the flat for a few hours and then later in the night Sarie and I went over to Hyde Park to the Speakers Corner. This is a gathering where everyone is welcome to come and voice their opinion about things that they are passionate about. There are a few rules to keep it under control however. I thought it was so interesting. There was a very large turnout and there were so many things being talked about (ranging from homosexuality, religion, and even transvestites’ rights). Sarie and I even got involved. It was so funny we found a few guys that weren’t doing any arguing at all, all they were doing was holding up signs that said “free hugs.” We went over and gave them a hug and were talking to them for a bit. One thing led to the next and before we knew it we were holding the signs as hundreds of people came to give us hugs. It was so awesome. Everyone asked why we were doing it and we just said just to be nice. It was one of my favorite parts of the trip. It just goes to show that no matter what language you speak, what religion you belong to, what nationality you are; a hug generally means the same thing across the world. It is a sign of kindness and it was fun to be a part of that tonight.