Runda Feeding Trip

On Sunday, February 17th, I went on another Runda feeding trip. We met at Java cafe at 10:30, and arrived back at 1:00. Only a few people were allowed to come to runda feeding this time, as too many had shown up previously.
When we arrived at the site we helped unpack bread and other foods, setting up the containers and choosing posts. I decided to hand out milk again (partly because no one else was willing to).
Before we started giving food to the kids we piled up plates with food and handed them out to the elderly men and women, who accepted them with wide smiles and twinkling eyes.

By now there was a long line of children awaiting food. They came slowly at first, and then more and more of them pushed their way towards us. I was handing out milk faster than I would've thought possible. Though there were times when I received a 'thank you', most children didn't give me a second glance as they received it. Some even shouted for more, calling me a 'mzungu' and shooting me contemptuous glances over their shoulders as they walked away.

This went on for a while, children of all shapes and sizes eagerly holding out empty plastic bags for me to fill. Some kids carried a small baby on their backs, while others wore glittering dresses.

After everyone had been served there was some small commotion as children (and even the occasional adult) ran up to the shelter, trying to get more food for themselves. The men working with the Runda feeding program had sticks, and beat them against the walls to drive the kids away. There was an awful lot of shouting and noise, but eventually it died down.
The day ended as normal, with a thank you and a prayer.

I feel that this runda feeding trip was productive and eye-opening, telling me how desperate impoverished people can become. They see the food and it is all they can think of, driving them to take extreme measures.
I am glad that I got to help out, and I definitely feel more appreciative of the comfortable life I lead. I can't imagine how terrible it must be to have fight each day for survival, and knowing that you may not have a bright future ahead of you either.
I feel that Runda feeding is a meaningful and important program, but it can be extremely shocking.

(Photos coming soon)