Jessica and Manna

     Today was our first day volunteering. We woke up around 6:45, got ready and took the subway to our destinations. My group went to Manna of Life to help make lunches for people who couldn't afford it. When we got there, the people at the hostel were so thankful we were there. They were short handed and when 17 of us showed up they were absolutely ecstatic. They told us we were "miracles."(: We made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and tuna fish sandwiches and then put them into paper bags with juice and some fruit. People young and old came in and got a cup of soup and a lunch bag. It was such a rewarding experience to see the smiles on their faces when they received something as simple as a cup of soup. They would respond with a warm smile and a "thank you" or a "God bless you." A couple of people came in and actually had conversations with us. One man in particular told us how he was working and then got fired because they were hiring newer, younger employees. He started going to Manna of Life every Saturday to get lunch and now he is working for a charter school. He said he never appreciated money and his old job when he had it. Now that he knows what its like to lose everything he appreciates all that he has. He told me he's at work an hour early every morning because his job is important to him. He kept telling us "everyone has a story," and whether its a good or bad story its still our story and we should share it.
      I find it so ironic that these people who dedicate every Saturday to helping people in need, could call us miracles when they are miracles themselves. As soon as we walked through the doors you could tell these people were good-hearted, wonderful people and well, miracle workers. Mirna the Vice President of Manna of Life Ministries was one of the sweetest ladies I have ever met. Talking to her made me feel like the laziest person in the world. She has a family to take care of and a little granddaughter who she loves. She worked until almost midnight the night before and then came in at 6:00 Saturday morning so she could make soup. It was such an amazing experience, that made me think about what I'm doing with my life. Today also made me really appreciate what I have and realize how lucky I actually am.
-Jessica Schell