I followed a friend to help out in a soup kitchen yesterday. The soup kitchen is a place that provides hot meals for the old and needy. The elderly will come into the kitchen with vouchers. Each voucher will entitle them to a bowl of soup, a cup of tea, 2 small pieces of bread and about 4-5 pelmeni (russian dumplings). Some choose to eat at the kitchen while others prefer to tabao. It is quite sad looking at the containers they use to pack the food. Some came with more decent boxes while others just made do with used coke bottles to contain the tea etc.
While they are not the wealthy lot of the city dwellers, many are certainly a happy bunch. They came to the kitchen, besides to get some free hot meals, they also enjoy the company of their friends. One even told me that she hoped I find a good boyfriend and be blessed with good health. Many are also grateful of what they are eating and do not complain about the quality of the food (maybe they did but I cannot understand). Seldom you see any wastage left on their plates. I guess this is what they mean by happiness is not measured by how much or how little you have. But rather, is accepting and be contented with what you are already been blessed with.
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3 comments:
one may feel that these people are an unfortunate lot who needed handouts but they might juz turn out to be the happiest and wealthiest people.
pity those who pity them.
well said wanzhen!!
wow wanzhen, i like your "pity those who pity them"! I agree with eng that happiness is counting our blessings and be contented with what we have been blessed with.
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