Linda and I were so happy about having access to water to wash up. There was no hot water but we didn’t mind. It was water out of a basin and that was how much we had for use. It was not for a bath or shower, it was enough to wash up and that was just fine.
We went to Seva Cafe for dinner. Seva Cafe is also supported by Manav Sadhna volunteers. All proceeds go to social projects. There is a board which shows where the money went to, how much, who it is benefiting. One of the family being supported by this system in the slums is an elderly mom who is taking care of a disabled adult daughter. The place is completely run by volunteers except for a hired cook.
It is at the top roof of a building. The place only feeds 50 each evening and is only open in the evenings with the exception of Mondays off. When that number is reached then the place closes down for the night. It is done this way so there is no waste of food and so each evening, food is budgeted this way.
The menu is listed on a chalk board and every evening the menu is different. You can order what ever you like and as much as you want. In the end there is no bill in the envelope for your check. This is based on the concept of gift economy. What you have eaten that night have already been paid forward by the kindness of someone else before you. The meal was not free and is not a donation. However you can pay it forward for someone else who comes after you out the joys of your heart and make it possible for someone else to eat. Aside from the delicious vegetarian food you had the night you also experienced the joys and gratitude of others who make this possible for you to experience.
You can see an actual clip of it www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0V1XVzD7ik
