Followers

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Saturday 23 April 2011

Pay it Foward

Every other Saturday morning I get to spend time with a diverse group of people. I volunteer in what you could call a soup kitchen. We serve breakfast to people who maybe need a bit of support in their day to day lives. Some have problems such as alcohol or drug addictions, homeless or mental health issues. We cook a basic breakfast, beans, tomatoes, tinned ham or corned beef on toast. There is also a choice of cereals, jams and spreads and a hot drink. We also have a clothing store, where our clients can have a bit of “retail therapy”, without the cost of course, and provide toiletries. But just as important, I believe, we offer someone to talk to, without judgement.

I really enjoy working there. Sometimes it can get busy and my feet ache at the end of the morning but you get so much “job” satisfaction. I posted a while ago about a candle one of the ladies brought me and today I got a box of chocolates from another lady to say thank you. I have learnt a lot too, one of the men has travelled all over the world and has marvellous knowledge of where chocolate comes from and different tribes, another shares a similar taste in music to me. Sometimes there can be a bit of trouble but luckily nothing too bad when I’ve been there. You can get attached to people and worry if you don’t see them for a few weeks. One lad who I had a bit of a soft spot for hasn’t been seen for months and unfortunately we don’t know where he is.

I did have a bit of a think about whether to carry on a few weeks ago. I managed to get to my first meeting (they are normally arranged when I am at work) and thought it would be nice to meet the other volunteers’. The meeting left me feeling uneasy. The thing is, that it is run alongside a church. The church kindly lets the organisation rent a room at the back. It is Christian run. What I like is that the mission statement is everyone is welcome regardless of believes. Unfortunately I felt at statement didn’t extend to the volunteers’. I don’t belong to any religious practice but try to lead a good life and help others where I can. I was surprised that prayers where said at the meeting as to me the idea of us gathering was to plan how to move the organisation forward. I also was surprised by the attitude of some of the other teams, they don’t want to actually speak to the clients and are unwelcoming of new volunteers (this was briefly mentioned). It did make me think is this was right for me to do but I have decided to keep going, I hope that in a small way I help make someone’s day that bit more easier and put a smile on their face.

5 comments:

Dannie said...

Sounds like you are doing a wonderful thing Rainbow child and something you clearly enjoy and are appreciated for.

Its a shame that they have this attitude and aren't more accepting of willing volunteers. Perhaps you can keep going and just see how things go and perhaps you will be able to move forward with it.xx

Unknown said...

It made me think about the story of the Anonymous Christian. Someone who acts more like a Christian in their deeds than someone who goes to Church and through the motions.

If there is a God and Jesus did exist he/they would be proud of you, remember Jesus was said to welcome everyone.

Sft x

Unknown said...

I meant to say that you are doing an amazing thing.

Thank you for posting all about it. It's really made my day.

Sft x

Dannie said...

Thats a good point SFT, i have no partiucular conotations but sometimes the most Christian people are those who do not need a church to express their beliefs or be good to others.

Rainbowchild said...

Thank you both for your comments. I do enjoy it and just have to think of the clients and not get bogged down with all the other stuff.