Sunday, January 10, 2010
1:48 PM | Posted by
Dan RuemenappThroughout my time here in Madrid I have been volunteering at a soup kitchen (el comedor) as a part of my sociology class. Yesterday was my last day there, and its just another part of this wonderful place that will be hard to let go. It was a great opportunity to meet good people, practice my Spanish, and also help out the community of Madrid as I studied here for the semester. One thing I noticed in particular there is that usually the same people come every day for a meal. This just goes to show how these people aren't just having a bad day, they are really in need of help. Another thing this has taught me is that these problems that we find throughout life happen all over the world, and even worse in some places.
The people that volunteer at the soup kitchen are generally retired from work and come in every day to lend a hand. One lady, named Carmen, uses the soup kitchen as a way to give back to the community but also to find company seeing as she lives alone. There were also some people, like in all places, that took advantage of the system who clearly didn't need to come to the soup kitchen but just wanted a free meal. Some people weren't grateful for the help they were given, but the majority seemed very happy to have people like us give them some nourishment. The majority of the people who come to the soup kitchen are either immigrants, the poor, or people with drug problems. Spain has grown into a country of immigrants, similar to the United States, and these people are placed with the same problems as those American immigrants who have a difficult time finding work.
The volunteers at the soup kitchen function as a family and all have their own part into helping run the place. It was truly a blessing to meet, make friends, and work with these people. They wondered if I'd ever return to Madrid, and I told them that if the opportunity ever presents itself, I will return to the comedor to help them out again. I ask that you all stop and see what you can do to help out around you. Even something as small as a smile can brighten someone's day. If each of you can do that, then we are all going to be okay.
"Build me a home from a cardboard box / Many windows never locked / This is how we used to play / Shorter nights and longer days / With faith we would not fade away."
Friday, January 1, 2010
2009 was a good year, and the 2000's were a great decade. 2010, however, looks like a very bright future ahead and I am very excited to see what is in store for me and the world. Let us not forget the past. We must remember all the good times we've had and learn from the bad times to try and make the future that much better.
To sum up 2009, here is a video and song done by DJ Earworm featuring the top 25 pop songs of 2009. All these songs give me some sort of memory of the past year and I think it's a great way to pay homage to the year and all the good times that was 2009.
"I've got a feeling / Oooh, oooh / That tonight's gonna be a good night."
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