We started by entering into a neighborhood circle.

On the afternoon of April 14, twenty of us gathered to share stories and break bread on this afternoon. Invitees included individuals from the Boulder Police Department, the Boulder Library Foundation, the Denver Foundation and their friends, a journalist from the Boulder Reporting Lab, a photographer, students from CU Boulder, students from Naropa University, and a number of individuals currently experiencing homelessness.

David from the Denver Foundation asked us to go around and share something that made us smile that day.

David from the Denver Foundation asked us to go around and share something that made us smile that day.

Once everyone had a chance to share, Michael Green, a friend and mentor of David, paired us up and asked us to spend five minutes in which we identified a gift or talent that we felt we possessed.

Once everyone had a chance to share, Michael Green, a friend and mentor of David, paired us up and asked us to spend five minutes in which we identified a gift or talent that we felt we possessed.

We then broke up into groups of 5. Each table was led by one of our illuminators (individuals currently experiencing homelessness who we hired to identify the gifts and talents of those living in Boulder who are also experiencing homelessness).

We then broke up into groups of 5. Each table was led by one of our illuminators (individuals currently experiencing homelessness who we hired to identify the gifts and talents of those living in Boulder who are also experiencing homelessness).

In the map exercise, the facilitator asks everyone to trace their history as a trip through life using a marker and the world map before them.

In the map exercise, the facilitator asks everyone to trace their history as a trip through life using a marker and the world map before them.

Each person is encouraged to write their initials on the geographical place they were born and to then trace a line connecting all the places where they have lived right up to their arrival at the place they currently live.

Each person is encouraged to write their initials on the geographical place they were born and to then trace a line connecting all the places where they have lived right up to their arrival at the place they currently live.

Peoples journeys are always so endlessly amazing!

Peoples journeys are always so endlessly amazing!

We hear of births, deaths, marriages, divorces, recovery and healing, special gifts and embarrassing moments, miracles of love and rebirth.

We hear of births, deaths, marriages, divorces, recovery and healing, special gifts and embarrassing moments, miracles of love and rebirth.

This work requires time! It is the slow, steady, essential work of building friendships, making connections between people who would never otherwise know each other. Bringing together people for no apparent reason but simply to fall in love with each

This work requires time! It is the slow, steady, essential work of building friendships, making connections between people who would never otherwise know each other. Bringing together people for no apparent reason but simply to fall in love with each other provides for safety, comfort and the seeds of deep change that is needed today more than ever.

On the afternoon of April 14, we came together and got to know each other. Seeds were planted, people made connections and love was present in beautiful and remarkable ways.

On the afternoon of April 14, we came together and got to know each other. Seeds were planted, people made connections and love was present in beautiful and remarkable ways.

One of the invitees, a restaurant owner who has two wonderful restaurants Gemini and High Country on Pearl street in Boulder, was unable to join us due to work issues. But prior to the event he shared two of his favorite recipes with us! We tried to

One of the invitees, a restaurant owner who has two wonderful restaurants Gemini and High Country on Pearl street in Boulder, was unable to join us due to work issues. But prior to the event he shared two of his favorite recipes with us! We tried to follow his recipes as best we could and I will say people ate, experienced joy and laughter, and many folks lingered -- they didn’t want to leave.