Interact Club - Runda Feeding Trip

We begin to hand out plates to the elderly
[I am in the grey shirt and blue shorts]

On Sunday, November 17th, I went to a Runda Feeding trip. We all met at java at 10:30, and ended at around 1:00. This time we finished a little earlier, at around 12:30, because less children showed up. There were around 15 of us on the trip, and it felt really good to be going back. I haven't been on this trip for a while now, and I wanted to see if things had progressed, and how everyone was doing.

The kids wait for the food to be handed out

We managed to all fit in the cars, and when we arrived at the site for the feeding we all immediately set to work. Most of the food had actually already been unpacked, so we only had to tear open a few bags of candy and mandazis. However, after this had been done we put the food on various bowls and then carried it out for the old men and women. They smiled gratefully at us, but seeing their living conditions I felt really awful for them all. Their houses smelt strongly, and they had a single bed in a little cubicle. There wasn't any privacy, and it was grey and dark and empty. I hope that one day we can possibly arrange to go and do something about this, but I think there's a little too much going on at the moment right now.

After we'd finished this there was already a long line of children outside the little shelter. The line winded up all the way to the gate, and even extended out onto the road. For once, I didn't hand out milk - I decided to give out candy and lollipops. I had small butterscotch type sweets, and I was told to give two to each child.

Piles of bread ready to be handed out

At first, the kids came in slowly, and it was all very organised. I've always found it slightly disconcerting that none of the children smile or say thank you when you give them the food, but I noticed that far less of them were rude or pushy this time. I did receive a few promptings to hand out more candy, followed by annoyed clicks or shakes of heads, but I suppose it's to be expected - these children are pretty desperate, and I'll never be able to understand the extent that they are forced to endure. I can only hope that I make a positive impact.

This went on for a really long time, and the crowd grew as the time went by. There were points where there were four kids holding out their bags to me at once, while a mass of other people writhed just behind them. It was all very overwhelming, but we managed to get through everyone fine - we even had extra food at the end.
As usual, there was a wee bit of disarray and disruption at the end - people came back with more empty bags, and kids and adults alike tried to reach the extra food. It was clear that the people who run this are well versed in how to deal with this, because the crowds soon dispersed.
We finished with a prayer, and people made comments about the day.

Sweets we were handing out

I can never fully describe the extent that these events affect me on this blog, it's not a feeling that can adequately be captured in words. I know I've said it already, but it really does make me so appreciative of all that I have, and the opportunities that have been presented to me. These kids have already been exposed to so much, and I really hope that these feedings make things a little easier for them all.

In this trip I was able to increase my self-awareness, and knowledge regarding the community and country that I live in. I was inspired to start something like this myself, and I really admire the founders of this event - especially for their commitment and compassion.