Denby, 
Great Article !
"It was a strange, different and oddly relaxing way to spend an evening"
.
I think that many people will come away with a similar realization. The "oddly relaxing" thing - i think will be common for some. People naturally fear what we do not understand. When we interact with "those people" and get the opportunity to truly communicate, we learn, they are just people too, with real struggles. Apprehension becomes understanding, and only once we understand can we make impact.