On Saturday, January 10, Professor Bateman, MaryKate, Jennifer, and I arrived at Project Angel Heart a little late, but still ready for the delivery adventure. We walked into the building - a blank one-story building with a poster proclaiming that this is where Project Angel Heart was greeted us. We walked through the doors and meet one of the organizers. After seeing the 90 other satellite sights on a map of Denver, we proceeded to a room to sign some documents. The documents stated that you could not greet a person that you served food to but that you had to wait for them to greet you first. Also, you could not tell the neighbors why you were at a client’s house. I was surprised by how serious they were about the confidentiality of the people served. It makes sense that they need to be this way, but I would not mind saying hi to someone that I gave a meal to. It just shows that this is about the people we are helping, not so much about us. It is important that clients feel comfortable with this organization because it is their lives at stake and they should have control over who knows about their health.
After putting the meals in the car, we set out to find the first house on Wheeling Way. I looked at the map, wondering what lied beneath these addresses – who would greet me at the door? Would they be excited to see me or disappointed that other person has to see their suffering? Would all the people answer their doors? Jen and I found the two bags for the first house. As we walked up to the door, I felt as if someone already knew we were there. A dog started barking. Jen went for the knocker, but before she could figure out how to use it – it didn’t work very well, the door opened. An older African- American woman greeted us. She seemed happy to see us. We carried in the food to the kitchen as she asked us how we were feeling. She seemed like she craved someone to talk to and I felt like I wanted to stay there longer, but I knew I could not. We smiled at her and left. When we entered the car, MaryKate commented on how quick it was, which was the exact thought that just crossed my mind. Professor Bateman commented on how most volunteering is anticlimactic. It was an interesting and true observation. In most community service activities, you are just asked to do easy tasks that you would normally do at home. We have to realize that this is all that is needed; a little bit of help to get a person’s day moving – what our parents, family, and friends give to us.
At the next house, MaryKate and I knocked on the door. Again, we did not have to wait long. Everyone at the five houses we went to seemed to be waiting for us and excited to see us. Although I was walking into complete strangers homes, I felt so at home. It was like I was just part of their family and bringing in the groceries.
I learned that through small acts of kindness, like greeting a person with a smile, can really make a person’s day. I mean it made my day to see the people I was helping give me a smile. It helps to know that other people care about you even when they don’t even know you. Whenever someone takes care of me or I help them, a special bond is formed and love is exchanged . I also learned that it is normal to feel a little nervous when you start something new. But, most people are there to help you so I almost feel no need to be nervous. With each act of kindness, I feel a little bit more comfortable with myself.
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