Generating Hope

Today was our last day volunteering at Community Servings in Jamaica Plain, MA.  This week has been thoroughly exhausting both physically and emotionally.  What I feel is incredibly unique about this organization is the fact that we as volunteers were able to put together and make the meals for those in need, and also got to see where all of the hard work was going.  I think this is what made our work so rewarding–we saw the direct effects of what we were doing.  It was wonderful getting to work with people with completely different backgrounds, all brought together through a shared interest: doing one’s part in helping community members.  Though it was a short trip, I think that each of our team members developed meaningful relationships, not only among each other, but also with those who we worked with at Community Servings.  I thought it was really great to see the enormous impact that this service has on those living throughout the Boston area.  It provides hope for those who otherwise might feel hopeless, and allows people to give back to community members.  I loved having a role in this process, and loved even more the time I got to spend getting to know my fellow Lafayette students.  Overall, an incredibly rewarding experience that I know will stay with me long after I return to campus.