It is really hard to leave Portland, Maine. This part of the country has really touched my heart. Aside to its beautiful landscape and peaceful scenery, I really consider it a privilege to have the chance meeting and exchanging ideas with some part of the vibrant community here, who showed me that it really takes the whole heart to assist those in need. . Such a highlight it was to have joined Preble Street Soup Kitchen as volunteers with my IVLP fellows and served free food to the homeless people. It really amazes me how the members and volunteers take their daily time to serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner to the unfortunates as part of their efforts to fight hunger, poverty, and homelesness. I really enjoyed my time here and am aspired to do more of such work. Besides the soup kitchen, Preble Street does a varied range of works, including safe shelter for homeless women and children, youth center, and put forth coalition work to assist and protect victims of trafficking. In doing so, they work closely with other civil society service providers, the government and law enforcement agencies. . I cannot be more grateful to participate in the program and treasure such experience of meeting and getting inspired by people who do the real works! ❤️ . . #IVLP #portlandmaine #PrebleStreet #endhunger #endpoverty #endhomelesness (at Preble Street)