UBUNTU

ok! thought you'd appreciate my most favorite idea and kind of unofficial life philosophy:

"Africans have this thing called UBUNTU. It is about the essence of being human, it is part of the gift that Africa will give the world.
It embraces hospitality, caring about others, being able to go the extra mile for the sake of others. We believe that a person is a person through another person, that my humanity is caught up, bound up, inextricably, with yours.

When I dehumanise you, I inexorably dehumanise myself. The solitary human being is a contradiction in terms and therefore you seek to work for the common good because your humanity comes into its own in belonging". - Desmond Tutu

Thanks to Carrie for sending me the above passage.

Yesterday, I delivered canned goods that had been collected by various groups at my church to the Open Table in Concord. This wonderful organization provides a free dinner to who ever shows up, no questions asked, every Thursday night. They also give each guest a bag of food to take away with them. (I would say take "home" with them but you can't assume anything)

I showed up to make my delivery at the allotted time to a nondescript looking building. I knocked and opened the door. There were floor to ceiling metal shelves filled with food all sorted by category and volunteers of all ages talking and laughing and sorting donations. My bags were whisked away, contents distributed in proper places. They were also filling bags to give away later that day.

Here was a well run organization making a direct difference in the lives of the ever growing population of people in need.
I talked at length with Marilyn, the volunteer coordinator and was amazed at how the whole town appeared to be organized to help. Churches, schools, scout troops, moms, dads, kids all help in ways they can. The high school had a cereal drive, the Garden Club collected cans of vegetables. You get the idea.

A few donations of food from many people each week really make a difference. I told Marilyn I'd be back soon to help and I'd bring my daughters along.

Is there a food pantry in your town?