We set out two weeks ago, October 1st, without an official club title, to serve sandwiches and snacks to the hungry and homeless in Harvard Square. We went over some safety information and ground rules before setting on foot to Harvard- approximately a 10-minute walk. As a small group of only 6, we started discussing how we approach someone in need and more importantly, how we know they are in need. Can we ever really know? Are we just assuming? This is something we continued to struggle with on our walk, but decided we could either: a.) do nothing or b.) possibly make judgements. We chose the latter.
Within 5 minutes, we met a sweet, middle-aged man with glasses...who happened to be very drunk. We soon found out he was a friendly drunk who was more than willing to tell us about his life experiences. He immediately got emotional, which struck a serious nerve in all of us. Mid-story, he taught us our first lesson of the night: all you need in life is food and shelter. Nothing more.
We ended the experience by thanking our new friend, telling him "We wish we could bring you more." "More?" He said. "You have brought me such a gift already."
We debriefed on the steps of a church, trying to find answers to why some people have to suffer so much while others have nothing to worry about. We are still searching for this answer.
We learned more than how to make bag dinners that first night. We learned how lucky we are.
Our first experience was an amazing one, which left us with sadness and a longing to do more. We found the motivation we need to venture back out and connect with these people again, our new friends.
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