Before we address the day's events, we would like to take a moment to explain our extremely clever title so as not to leave anyone in the dark. We realize that some of what we say is clearly only relevant to team members, and as funny as we are, we want our beloved readers to be in the loop. Therefore...explanation.
So, Kent is an animal. This is a truth because today at DCCK (DC Central Kitchens) he displayed beast-like abilities to open and sort burritos. Therefore, Ben claimed "Kent is an animal" during a specifically insightful moment in reflection tonight. And Sara is a "boss", because apparently she just "stands around", according to our friend Eric. This is not a truth, but enjoyable nevertheless.
Another aspect of our ever-changing blog life is the addition of a TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT (idea copyright: Sarah Rose Parkinson..also known as "Lil Mama"). We figure the best way to do this is to start with our Senior Project Officer...Kelly Gronemeyer. Please check the following blog post for this beautifully composed mini-biography.
Day 7
We started the day at somewhere you may have heard of, DC Central Kitchens. This was our third time to work there, and we've really gotten accustomed to the employees and the work expected of us. Because of the overwhelming adoration we have of these people, it's only appropriate to include you, the reader, in their awesomeness (that's a word). First, we have Chef Dorothy (known as Dot by most) in charge of veggies and salads. Chef Dot graduated from one of the first training programs at DCCK. Helen, Mike, Brooke, Kelly, Caitlin, Katie and Sarah worked on a Waldorf Salad under Dot's sharp eye. Sara, Charlsie, Katelyn and Kait fell in love with Ernesto while Kent just worked with him. Ernesto was consistently calm and supportive in the kitchen, traits greatly appreciated in a sometimes hectic atmosphere (note: if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen).
Our second shift of the day was at Capital Area Food Bank, which is exactly what it sounds like. We had a very informative orientation and spent the next three hours sorting food donated by local supermarkets and the like for three hours. We experienced a very small part of the organization as a whole. CAFB has several programs that concentrate on nutrition, from an urban youth garden to programs that educate and train people on the importance of eating heathily. On a side note, we were entertained to find while sorting an eclectic assortment of items. Let's just say, next time you're cleaning out your pantry, nobody your expired German chocolate with apricot filling.
One part of living at the Pilgrimage is sharing the space with other groups who are also particpating in similar service opportunites. A group from Virginia Tech came last Friday and is staying until this Friday. So last night, team Apple Sauce from BSC and team Hokie from Tech joined forces to create a masterpiece known as "Brinner" or Breakfast for Dinner. It was an epically delicious meal.
Day 8
Today! Headed to DCCK again. Sara and Kait vied for Ernesto's attention which was given sparingly with a classic fist pound. Chef Dot's group groveled for her approval which was also given with similar rarity. After another delicious lunch provided by DCCK, we had the rest of the day to ourselves. Groups split up to see the Library of Congress, a couple of the Smithsonian museums among other things.
Needless to say, all of the work has been catching up with the team and sleep is a wonderful luxury. We just learned that the blog is a bedtime lullaby for some of the team (and perhaps you too), so we'll try to stay consistent. For now, good night!
Sleep tight,
K and H
