Personal Narrative: A Homeless Experience At Home

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When I was fourteen, I participated in a homeless event with my church, which taught me to be grateful for what I have. A friend persuaded me to participate, for I was hesitant at first. However, after some prodding, I finally agreed. Who knew that this would teach me one of life’s basic lessons? When I arrived, several other teens, in addition to my youth leaders, were already there. Although it was a cold November night, only a few burning barrels, the clothes on our backs, and blankets for warmth were provided. Large boxes of cardboard scattered along the yard located at the end of the church’s parking lot. With everyone crowded around, bundled up and shivering, we were in for an icy experience. The night began with people hanging out …show more content…
Clothes, shoes, and blankets sat on several, while sandwiches, potato chips, and cold water bottles sat on others. Soon, with all the items set in place, the only thing that remained was to wait for homeless people to arrive and claim them.
Not long much time passed before many homeless families began to arrive. I watched as they looked at the clothing items laid out on the tables and took what they needed. I watched as they took their share of the meal provided them. While I watched them, I noticed how joyful they seemed, despite their circumstances. They were grateful for the meal, and they showed it by how they treated us as we served them. They were thankful for what they had in that moment.
Soon, lunchtime had passed, and it was time for the church event to draw to a close. Reloading the church vans, we traveled back to the church. Shortly after returning to the church, my parents picked me up and drove me home, and I was relieved. I felt exhausted from lack of sleep, and I had a massive headache from spending the night around the smoky burning barrels. Never in my life had I been so ready to sleep in my own warm

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