D.C. Day 2: Tuesday, March 17
Today we had an awesome experience. We started off the day working at “Wider Circle” where we helped the organization distribute furniture, household linens, and clothes in an area where individuals could come by and get things in their homes. When we were first there, the day started off slow because we were folding linens after linens. It was when we went upstairs and we actually saw individuals come by to sign up for the help was it real. Watching these families come in and get things we don't even think twice about (beds, chairs, blankets), was an overwhelming experience. I peaked at some of the criteria that these people had to meet in order to qualify for the help and what I was picking up on was that they were families making $12,000 or less a year (and this was an average household income from my understanding). The average family helped was a household of 4 and to me that was NUTS. How can ONE person live off of $12,000 a year, let alone 4?! A “Wider Circle” has not only been recognized nation wide by their fight for poverty, and the volume of people they helped on a daily basis is remarkable.
The next portion of direct service we did was the dinner. Tonight we made dinner for roughly 40 homeless and hungry individuals. Growing up in west side Wichita, going to private schools, and living a comfortable life, this was the most moving experience of the trip so far. I know I said that the work we did earlier made everything real, but this, this was real. I sat at a table with 6 people tonight and each of them had their own story to tell. Each of them has gone though more of life’s obstacles in the last month then I ever will. Khia (one of the woman I met) expounded to me the various shelters in the area and food pantries that she visits, oh, and the park she sleeps at. She soon had to leave because she wanted to go the library before it closed (a habit I noticed that most of them did because it was another safe haven for them). I watched person after person carry ALL of their personal belongings in one single bag, put their pride aside, and open up to us. Some opened up more then others, but each of them moved me. I witnessed history lessons, saw family pictures, prayed, and listened to exceptionally intelligent people explain life to us.
When I started this night, I thought I was just going to be another body to them. Someone to feed them, talk to them for a little bit, and listen. But in actuality, I learned SO MUCH from them. When they left I was overwhelmed with anger, emotion, and sadness because I wanted to personally go out and help each of them. I emphasized in reflection that this whole experience was a mystery to me. How do I explain to my friends and family what I felt at that moment. Sure, I can tell them the stats, maybe a few pictures. But I want them to feel what I feel. I want them to be moved like I am moved. I guess when I come back home I can honestly say that this was a life changer. I will learn to love each moment of my life and make it my life goal to make sure that I can share those moments with others. Peace, love, and good vibes.
– Kim Do
Our experience today was emotional, informative, moving, honoring, equalizing, and eye-opening. Spending a day amongst a community that has a fierce population of homeless and experiences poverty on a scale unimaginative to our minds was beyond words.
No matter the service, whether it is preventative measures, distribution or food service, the opportunity to serve others was a true life experience.
Having dinner with others that are less than fortunate was proof that “the struggle” is real! No matter the individual, we all have our own struggles and we all become equal when we realize this.
– Stephanie Merritt