Washington D.C.

In going to Washington D.C. my eyes where opened to both a new group of people and way of life. Within few minuets at the soup kitchen I went to with my smaller group, I realized that the people that worked or volunteered at this place where so thankful, appreciative, and excited that my smaller group of four students came to help. This first made me feel incredibly welcome and safe.

In all of the service I partook in over the course of our trip to D.C. there where two main themes that stuck out to me. One was that a smile can go a long way, whether it was to a homeless person sitting on the side of the road, or passing a lunch out to a person who needed one. A smile brightened there day just a little. Also treating any other person as if they where a human being. In serving the meals with a "hello" or "enjoy your day" the person on the other end of that plate realizes people do care!

The importance of both a smile and treating the people like they where human really hit me when I was walking down the street with a few other girls. A homeless man was sitting on the sidewalk asking for money. Unfortunately we did not have an loose change, but instead we looked the man in the I and said with a smile "Sorry we do not have any chain, but we hope you have a good day!" In return this man said "thank you for your kind words." This made me realize that the people living without a home or a meal have life a little tougher, but in the end all they want is took be acknowledged.

All in all I feel that over the course of the Washington D.C. service trip I have truly realized two different things. One is how blessed I am with a healthy and loving family that can afford to live the way I do. Secondly that I really enjoy helping out and being able to brighten up someone's day. Even though I am not solving anything, in just helping out a little a lot can be accomplished.

Thank you so much to Mr. Gustave, Mrs. DiChiaro, and Houda!

Best,
Eliza Jalbert