Day 60: Drop In Center

Today we went to the Drop In center in downtown. This was my third time volunteering there. Hero Project sang songs and it was a really nice experience to sing to the people there. If I haven't mentioned already, the Drop In center is where people go when they don't have a place to stay. Those who have problems with themselves and with their lives (drug addicts, alcoholics etc..) are allowed to stay (there are exceptions with their conditions) as long as they don't violate their rules.

I became upset with myself today because during lunch, I felt grossed out. I didn't have the appetite to eat and I didn't want to use the utensils. I only enjoyed the pudding they provided. Why? A thought came to my head that those utensils were used by the people there. And all these thoughts about whether or not they wash the utensils good came to mind. Then I lost my appetite. I mentioned this to my friends and one told me how "closed minded" I was. PSSH WHAAT? I knew just how stupid I was acting towards the food and I knew I should feel blessed, but no offense, when you see people whose faces and whole body are covered with dirt, there's just something about the human nature that makes them feel grossed out. I bet you felt the same. I was upset that I thought that way but I bet I wasn't the only one who had that in mind.

This doesn't mean I hated being there. Don't get me wrong, it was a good experience to have because it reminded all of us just how lucky we all are. I'm grateful that they have the Drop In Center. Being there was a little hard, because I know someone who went there one night. And seeing the sights again and thinking about the thoughts and emotions that person had that night? I was nearing into tears as I sang. It's not a pleasant feeling to see so many people having no place to stay. I didn't come to judge, it was just a thought turned into a feeling I couldn't control.