As part of my second project, I’ve been assigned with helping improve the Sewa shop in Birmingham. Before today I had never seen the shop and after hearing many stories about it, I thought I would be in for a tedious day, but I was wrong. Today involved me helping making the store look more presentable, talking to the volunteers and listening to their stories and spending time learning about the way in which the shop’s administrative side is managed. It was very informative and will aid me greatly for my project.
However, I was not prepared for what was in store for me in the evening. Dipvandana took me to feed the homeless in the city centre. She’s been trying to get involved in more community projects and I feel this is something that all of us should do in our local area.
After getting slightly lost amidst the one way systems in the city centre and because of road blocks, we parked up on a side street and walked towards the car park where the food was to be served. When the food arrived, a swarm of people surrounded the car and I immediately thought, ‘what have I let myself into?’ but the people were courteous, kind, generous and in good spirits despite their bad luck. What struck me the most was that they were all willing to help each other out, ‘that’s the only way we survive’ Tim said. Another homeless gentleman said, ‘this is the nicest curry I’ve ever had.’ This struck me hard. The meal served was only daal, bhaat; the simplest Indian meal you can get and one which we all take for granted. It made me realise how unappreciative we all are and take the simplest things in life for granted which for others is a God send. It’s absolutely throwing it down with rain tonight, I hope Tim and the others find a safe place to stay.
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