We arrived at the house of the Colorado Vincentian Volunteers around 4:30, where we were greeted by former volunteer Katherine. She was very welcoming and seemed excited to have us. She showed us around and told us some history about the house. This house was used by other volunteers in Denver for a few decades. We were able to see picture of past volunteers, and it made us feel part of a bigger community. 

After we got settled in, we walked down to safe way where we were challenged to buy tonight's dinner and breakfast for the next 5 days, on a food stamp budget. We did this to put ourselves in the shoes of people with severe disabilities, who might not be able to provide for themselves and have to live off food stamps. As a group, we decided to put all of our money together to get a more nutritious meal to feed all 11 of us. 

After coming back to the house, we made dinner, sat around the table, and talked. We answered some ice breaker questions in order to feel more comfortable around each other. After that, we had some time to reflect as a whole in the chapel. We discussed what challenges we may face and how we might overcome them. We talked a lot about awkward situations and how to deal with the nerves, discomfort and excitement we are expecting to feel this week.  

An impact we want to make is being able to be fully present with these individuals and fully understand and see them for who they are not overlooking them. 
Overall, we are feeling a little nervous stepping into a new community and environment but mostly excited to see what we might learn and takeaway from this new experience.