Food for Sharing

What would food be like without sharing? 

Last night I volunteered at the Davis Interfaith Rotating Shelter. My volunteer shift involved bringing a main dish to serve 20. I chose, an old favorite, Mexican Lasagna. The version I served last night involved white and blue corn tortillas, black beans, fresh spinach, cheddar cheese, enchilada sauce, and topped with green onions. I made it to the shelter with only half an hour to prep and cook! I knew it would be fine, I just needed the spinach to cook and the cheese to melt. But they didn't have a can opener for the beans! Eeek! After 10 minutes of searching, someone came with one and 5 minutes of prep meant 15 in the oven. It was fine. The dinner was late anyways because of transportation for the clients who are sleeping and eating at different churches each week in Davis throughout the winter. 

I reflect back on this experience with little memory of the food, but more so of the people. People who came for nourishment, warmth, comfort, both people living without homes and volunteers with spare time they wish to share. I was struck by the community, in both groups. Though there was a divide, perhaps an acknowledgement that the groups couldn't entirely relate to each other. But food brings everyone together and the chicken, chocolate chip cookies, chips, and Mexican lasagne were all eaten equally. Food for my soul.