News
Truly lucky and remarkably grateful
January 19, 2010
Last Monday, the Service Club went to a local church to help prepare and serve a hot meal to the homeless and poor people in the area. We cooked a delicious stew, mixed bowls of salad, and made tons of desserts. When we arrived at the church, the dining room was completely empty. The only people there were us and the minister (our teacher's husband), along with a few other helpers. Finally, after two hours of rolling silverware and lining up plates, people started pouring in.
The experience was at once startling and humbling. People of all ages and ethnicities came in, some with their families and some alone. There were quite a few mismatched outfits, thick southern accents, and, occasionally, defeated looks or surprising conversations - one girl announced to a helping church member that she was moving away because her roof had caved in. However, through all of the misfortunes, there were many smiles. Almost every incoming individual thanked us warmly. It was amazing how appreciative someone could be for one bowl of food. The experience of personally handing someone the only meal they might have seen all day showed me how much ten high school kids can brighten someone's mood. It made me feel truly lucky and remarkably grateful.
