Osama: Journal 8

Day 8 (November 9):

Today we went to the Sparrow's nest to serve lunch and clean the kitchen. I think this was one of our most valuable experiences because, while we were there we were able to directly interact and speak to people there. The Sparrows Nest does a great thing because it separates the women which I found let them express themselves so much more. During our visit to Cherry Street, we did not see women talking and doing whatever they wanted. At the Sparrow's nest, I feel like the atmosphere was so much more open and free. I know one lady's name was Star and she was really nice. One of the reasons she was there was because her sister died or something. A different lady was being very inspirational with a mini speech she gave to us about how she got there because of drugs. These women were not what I expected them to be. The Sparrow's Nest has been their only home and the only place that accepted them. One lady had been there for three years! Shows how good of a job they are doing. She doesn't even want to leave. Anyways, the women were given pretty good lunches and I was happy to help serve to them and keep things in order. It was a very meaningful experience and I would be excited to go back and help some more.

By: Osama Alkhalili