Feb. 19, 2010

VANCOUVER, Canada  -- A Chinese man looking for Crystal glassware.  A Mexican man who works at an Italian restaurant, just wanting a hot drink.  An American woman on a bus needing directions to an Olympic venue.  These are just a few of the many Olympic guests that Community Chaplain Ed Hird talked with as he spent time in and around Vancouver today. 

“I had many interesting conversations on my first shift”, reports Hird, who is volunteering with the “More Than Gold” network of Christian faith communities during the Olympic games.  More Than Gold volunteers distribute hot chocolate and coffee, and offerwhatever help or directions people ask for throughout the day.  Hird talked to a group of people waiting in the long line-up outside the Russian pavilion, learning the stories of some of the visitors, and telling them a bit of his story as well, while singers and guitar players played – in Russian beside the queue.  Hird also bought a pen from a City Stop employee, and conversed with her about her faith journey as well.

“I try to be available to answer questions, give directions, and talk with people about whatever is important to them,” explains Hird, one of dozens of Community Chaplains serving during the 2010 winter Olympic games.

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