Today was our second day of service with Community Servings! We arrived early today, washed up, and were immediately put to work. While yesterday morning’s task was chopping vegetables, the first part of today was devoted to pies. In an assembly-line style setup, one person would cut a pie, the second would scoop the slices into containers, and a third would seal each individual container.
Although many of the kitchen duties are mechanical enough not to require mental engagement, the pies were an exception: it took a great deal of concentration to make sure that each slice came out looking presentable and not crumbled or dilapidated. As I produced serving after individual serving of pie, I reflected on the other end of our process. Although the appearance of a piece of pie does not affect its taste, the presentation of the meals that we prepare certainly has a psychological effect on the clients who receive them. By taking special care to make sure that each slice is visually appealing, we were making an important impact on Community Servings’ client base. Even though we have not had direct contact with the clients, in this way, I was able to feel connected to them.
Throughout the day, I had the opportunity to meet several of the other volunteers working in the kitchen, including a local priest who comes to the kitchen twice a month and a student completing requirements for a degree in nutrition. These encounters were both interesting in themselves and a refreshing reminder of all that exists outside the college “bubble.” There is a multitude of reasons why people from all backgrounds and walks of life devote themselves to service like that which were are performing at Community Servings, and yet within the realm of the kitchen, we are all on an equal playing field.
After dinner and reflection, most of us headed out to downtown Boston for a scavenger hunt! We split into the two teams and raced to complete tasks including taking photos with monuments, hugging and dancing with strangers, performing in T stations, and even proposing marriage! Overall, we bonded as a group, explored the city, and came to realize how friendly and accepting the people of Boston can be.
The time is already passing so quickly- it’s hard to believe that our service is almost halfway done! I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Wow. Your reflection on how taking the time to attend to all of the “small” details in community work (such as the aesthetics of a pie) really struck me. As did your comment the diversity of people participating regularly in the kitchen. There are so many connections to community in a place like Community Servings, and you are never aware of the” reach” until you are a part of it. What an amazing place to experience. Can’t wait to hear more !
Julia,
You’ve touched on a concept I find very important in service, yet often overlooked: dignity. How can we treat one another, our friends, our classmates, our superiors, our homeless or hungry neighbors, with dignity, kindness and respect? As you described in your pie-packaging task, it takes time and patience to focus on these values. If we all took the time to put these values into our everyday practice, we could have a positive impact on the people we encounter, even if it never happens face-to-face.
Thanks so much for your service, and for your thoughtful reflections on pie :)
Amber