This first one was made when our groups (1 and 2) were at the Food Bank warehouse separating food. The food was piled in large bins next to a row of metal tables. Our groups were tasked with removing the food (which was not organized in any way) and placing like items into boxes, labeling and stacking them. As we got into a rhythm, the job went better. One repeated problem was when people would place a food into the wrong pile for boxing. For example, someone might put applesause with vegetables. In John's case, people kept putting different types of beans into his "vegetable" pile. He had to repeatedly remind EVERYONE that "BEANS ARE A PROTEIN" and needed to go into that pile...... After a while, as soon as he started to say it, we ALL chimed in.
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The New York Mission Trip was an eye opening and very positive experience for me. As one of the older members I spent time just watching our youth and young people. We can be so proud of them. They were so eager to help, so kind and fun with each other and a real joy to be with. From the youngest members (eight years old) to the oldest (fifty-plus) I observed respect, caring and love for one another. Working together for the good of the hungry people of New York City was very rewarding and humbling. I just want to say thank you to everyone that went on the trip and everyone that supported the trip. It was very worthwhile and honoring to our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Diana Botner
"You don't have to be homeless to be hungry" is one of the most memorable quotes from the trip for me. I first saw this in a video that we all watched before work began on our first day at the Food Bank. Throughout the week as we had various opportunities to serve, I noted that those on the receiving end of the food lines were individuals who truly represented diversity. There were young and old. Some had homes and jobs, while clearly others did not. Some smiled, while some chose not to make eye contact.
Some were hungry for food, while others were hungry for other things. Some people needed a smile, or an act of kindness (like helping them to a chair with their suitcase or bags, or taking the time to listen to a story). It reinforced the idea that there are many types of hunger, and one need not be homeless or poor to experience it. Many of the guests who were served at the Senior Center, and in their homes, seemed hungry for someone to visit with them. Five minutes with someone could mean a lot, and in some cases, it might even be more helpful to their spirit than food.
This led me to think more about those in need. Those at the Senior Center and in soup kitchen lines are in need of something (sort of self-identified), but the world is full of people who are in need of food, attenion, compassion, love and kindness, etc. Even those in our church, schools, neighborhoods, and offices could be hungry for a kind word, or random act of kindness. After all, you don't have to be homeless to be hungry:) Yep... that's my favorite quote of the week.
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