Day 9

Hey Team

Today we got up at our usual time of around 7:15, but had to leave for the dining hall early because we were going to Angel Island. After a quick (but still delicious) breakfast of chocolate chip pancakes, the whole group met by the bus stop. Anne informed us that one of our buses had unfortunately broke down, so we had to all pile into one bus. Once we arrived in Tiburon, our group loaded onto a ferry, and Mike and I picked out a beautiful, yellow, Tuscan style house as our favorite. Once we arrived at Angel Island, our group was met by a park ranger who talked to us about the island's history. Then, we began the long, hilly, 144-step climb to the detainment center. Us native San Franciscans struggled a bit with the hills, because we hadn't had to face one in a week. Needless to say, our whole group was very excited to reach the detainment center. Our tour guide, Lynn gave a thorough introduction to the detainment center's history, and its importance to immigration history.  I found it interesting that Lynn believed Angel and Ellis Island had fewer similarities than I thought. Angel Island was more of a detainment center, meaning people ended up staying on the island as opposed to passing through. Our group then split up into two, because we couldn't all fit into the detainment center at once. Our group walked through four different barracks, made up of rusty, three storied bunks. On the beds, the Park had put replicas of belongings of people who lived there. Lynn also pointed out the poetry carved into some of the walls of the barracks. I though these pieces of art demonstrated the genuine fear those detained had. I couldn't helped but realize the similarities between poems by parents separated from their kids and the current immigration system in our country. After the tour, our group switched with the other group and ate lunch before heading back to the ferry. After returning to Sonoma State, we had a bit of time to change before dinner. Dinner was delicious. I continue to be amazed by the quality of food here at Sonoma State, because I have heard some traumatizing stories about dorm food. That night, we talked to Bishop Barry Beisner, who is the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California. Like Bishop Katharine, Bishop Barry (to quote Ryan) is dope. He shared three readings with us from the Bible, all which had the message of treating humans as humans, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation. He did a great job engaging our group in meaningful conversation, and it was apparent the importance he had to the diocese. For our evening activity, we watched Coco (yes I cried at the end). 

I have really enjoyed the activities and conversations we have had during the week. The people here are also so much fun to talk to, and I have enjoyed talking to them about school and interests. 

Lizzy