Last weekend, we held our monthly Karma Kitchen.  We had a great volunteer crew, including Sadan Nasir (a ServiceSpace intern, who returned back to the area after 8 years!).

As is part of our process, we did a circle of introductions and then read the KK bill aloud so everyone is clear on what happens here. Christina volunteered to read it out.  About half way through, she became so emotional that she teared up. It began when she reached the part that began, "But there's more." Several times, she had to stop and compose herself. I think this is when it hit her, what this is all about.
 

In the spirit of generosity, someone who came before you made a gift of this meal.  Now, it's your chance to pay-it-forward for a future guest and continue the circle of giving.

People often ask, "How much did this meal cost?" Well, every week at Karma Kitchen requires 100 volunteer hours and $650 in food costs.  But there’s more.  It takes the collective trust, support, and creativity of the community to continue this cycle of generosity.  How much is all that worth?  What is the value of experiencing a gift-economy?  We don't know, but Karma Kitchen is a place to ask that very question and connect with the pay-it-forward spirit within.

What we do know is this -- all monetary contributions from today will go towards serving guests next week; if there is a surplus, it's donated to other generosity-based projects. Sometimes we make our costs and sometimes we don't, but overall it's been sustainable and we’re grateful to have this opportunity to be of service.