DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.

Critical Journal for Volunteering of 7/29/15

            Today I volunteered for the Wednesday soup kitchen instead of the Friday one, because I need additional hours to fulfill the twenty-five hour requirement, and I got to work with some new volunteers; Keren, a volunteer who is originally from Nepal but is earning her Doctorate’s at the University of London; Seth, a volunteer I met for the first time; and Priscilla, a student who is in my class.  I really enjoyed spending time with them and getting to know them, because, once again, I felt like I got to know a whole array of a different type of people.  Working with Priscilla was especially rewarding, because she talked about herself and what kind of person she was, and I felt like I made a new friend, with someone I have shared a positive experience with. 

The people that came in for food were especially cheerful today.  What I have been noticing when I give out food to them is that most are very polite and eager to receive what is given to them.  Some of them tell me to put the plate down in front of them, but some are more polite and take it from my hands with their own hands.  I think this polite way of taking the plates always leaves a smile on my face because it makes me think that even though the food is free, the people know that a lot of work went into preparing it, and this creates a tone of respect between the volunteers and the people that come in for food. 

The atmosphere of the dining hall was especially pleasant today.  There were families, and drifters, that came in towards the end and took to-go plates, but Frida, the leader of the soup kitchen, made it clear to everyone that they were welcome, and she worked hard to make sure everyone got plenty to eat, and through the efforts of everyone there, including me, the conflict of hunger throughout the community was resolved.

DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.