I took Lacey to the Vet yesterday and man, oh man what an ordeal. She is the biggest baby ever and had me feeling really sorry for her. A few injections, a blood test...not to mention that whole taking the temperature thing...test results for liver malfunction won't be back until Tuesday because of the holiday, so meanwhile she's on three medications and a bland diet of boiled chicken, rice, cheese, and frozen vanilla yogurt.....hmmm.....I'm starting to see a conspiracy here, especially when I saw the Vet wink at her as he collected my $270.
My son Erik rolled into town yesterday on Amtrak. He's leaving to go down south with some friends. He had great stories about his little journey here. He had to ride a hot bus half way before he could catch Amtrak the rest of the way. He was sandwiched in between a few inmates dressed in matching grey sweats who had just gotten released from prison. He said they were a rather vocal bunch. He had been reading his bible and a couple of them wanted to discuss theology with him, so it made for an interesting ride. We just never know when or where we might be called on to share God's grace and I found it very interesting that the exact same topic (false idols) of conversation came up again while visiting with my downtown friends.
Erik was able to go with me last night and it was very enjoyable. Religion comes up nearly every time I visit with them, but not by me. They are often confronted with people who have an agenda and while I certainly don't have anything against voicing a passion about Jesus Christ (it has to start somewhere) I really think taking the time to show them is much more effective. The person who drops off food and wants to pray and then leave is missing out on the most precious stories and friendships that are developed. I introduced Erik to Earl because I knew Earl had nonstop fantastical stories that Erik would enjoy and in the midst of storytelling, Erik discovered that Earl had ran out of his low dosage aspirins that he is suppose to take daily, so this is something I can pick up during the week for him. I sat with Rita, Mark, and Amanda and they asked me an interesting question. They said, "Why do people walk right by and intentionally hold their head at an angle so they don't have to see us?" and they have actually heard parents tell their children "Turn your head, don't look at that." I told them my honest opinion. "Some of you talk to yourselves in public and behave in ways that it makes people overgeneralize and think all homeless people are like that and it is easier to turn a blind eye than it is to extend a hand." They realize some people ruin it for others, but it is a frustration getting tossed in the box of rotting apples. Overall we fed about 16 people, some new, some of the regulars, all of them sincerely appreciative. Each visit I learn a little more, some of it good, some of it not-so-good. The main topic amongst themselves last night was they couldn't believed Jack-in-the-box down the street was going to start charging them 27 cents for a cup of water. They asked me if I could bring jello with fruit in it next week and of course I am a believer...Ask and you shall receive.
17 comments:
When I read your posts, my heart swells with happiness that there are people like you in the world. I say that because I couldn't do what you're doing, and I don't know for sure why. This does not mean I don't care. I pray every single day for the homeless, the helpless, and those who try so hard to be independent but can't be for whatever reason.
I'm glad your son was able to go with you and meet your friends. I'm also happy that you were honest in answering the question about why others look at the homeless as they do. In addition to that, I think there are some of us who just don't know how to react or what to say. I suppose in my case it has to do with my late brother who, although he always had us, would become lost and at times it took a while for us to find him. Okay, I'm gonna cry now. But, thank you for all you do. God bless.
What a sweet and honest testimony you have Joni. I am so glad that you have the gifts you have and can use them in such a special way. Eric too has special gifts and I can feel him growing into these each time you talk about him. Thanks for tell us about your day and your friends. I don't have any insight into the homeless except what I see on T.V. I know we must have homeless people here in this small town, but I never see them on the street. You've made me want to look deeper into what our city does and what I can do. I don't have a clue right now, but maybe I can talk to some people who do know and see if there is something I can do.
I LOVE YOU JONI.....
thats all I need to say, besides how VERY BLESSED I AM TO HAVE YOU FOR A FRIEND SINCE THE 3 GRADE!!!!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Nettie
p.s. Isnt it funny how the smallest thing like jello with fruit in it will make their evening supper complete. I bet they'd enjoy watching you do the jello dance.....=) (I'm NOT beinging mean either)
once again, joni...sweet words about feeding one anothers souls....so nice that erik could go with you....i know from the visit he made months ago, that this is something he holds dear also.
love and sweet thoughts dear friend,
kimberly
I LOVE hearing of your journey with feeding those in need. You just never know where this is going to go, you just never know who this is going to reach or how it might be "payed forward" someday. But the example you set is just beyond measure. You have a friend that feels blessed for knowing you since third grade, I feel blessed for knowing you just three months!
Sally, I am blessed by your comment. I believe we each have the power to make small changes for the better...for each of us it's different. It's a very good thing that you were there for your brother. Love is comforting.
Phyllis, Erik does have a gift and he inspires me with his daily walk with Christ. He is the one that encouraged me to take action...to follow my heart. I do hope you check out the homeless situation in your hometown. Buy an extra bottled water sometime and offer it to someone, start small and see where your heart is led.
Annette, I'm not too sure what a jello dance is, but I'm pretty sure you won't catch me doing it...I would never inflict that kind of abuse on anyone.
Kimberly, you're back! I hope your get-away was fun and relaxing, can't wait to hear all about it.
Lisa, I do believe goodness expands and you are right about not knowing where this will go...I've started a sleeping bag drive for the winter months and I just know my husband is afraid I'm going to bring some of them home with me...lol...I've reassured him I won't...but my wheels are turning for Thanksgiving...my house just isn't big enough...unless I didn't invite the usual relatives...hmmm...just kidding. And I feel blessed at having "met" you as well...you provide interesting insight through your experiences and I thank you.
Joni, can you feel this big hug I'm sending you? You renew my spirit each time I visit and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I thought I'd feel mad at the inmates at what they'd done, but I find a few are pulling at my heart strings each day. I too, have had hopes of volunteering for the homeless. You are helping me find the nudge I need to "just do it".
EVERYONE deserves food and a roof over their head and a safe place to sleep at night. It's just not right that they don't have it.
such a simple request. Isn't that amazing? Jello with fruit.
You have a great and brave heart.
p.s.....hope lacey is doing better!
xo
kimberly
my p.s. I forgot to say I was sorry to hear about your baby not doing well. I hate it when I have to take the dogs to the vet and come out with a bill larger than the national debt nearly. But I can't NOT take them. I wish there was some way to know in advance what the bill is going to be, at least close....a warning of some kind. So I hope all is well with Lacey and you get good news soon.
I JUST SAW THE JELLO DANCE, I know you can do it, you will need to research the internet, look at it a couple times and I bet you will get it. Just had to come back over and tell you. I can not believe after reading that comment I saw it!! funny, funny funny!
I could never do what you do. I'm just not brave enough. More power to you in touching the lives of these people!
I am so happy that you do this. I wish there were more people like you in our world.
xoxo Nita
I there angel Joni.
It is so nice to read about your homeless friends and the things you learn about them. I am happy your son went with you. Did they just love him?
I am glad to hear you were honest with the answer you gave them about why people turn there eye to them.
Can't wait to hear more about them.
God Bless You
Patti
Hi Joni,
I loved reading this. You have such a heart for people and it sounds like your son does too. My hubby and I used to take our kids to feed the homeless when they were younger with our church and it is something they remember to this day. Have a good week.
Wow that is so great. 16 people is alot to feed. Makes me want to go thru my cupboards and help you out.
Joni you are such a light of God.
Your friends' question of why people look away is very thought provoking. It is so hard to not generalize. I see some people without homes here that really do need help and then others who sit on the corners and appear to be in better shape thant some people I know.
A few weeks ago during a youth event, we stopped for dinner and I gave each of the youth money to go to one of the 4 fast food places near by to get their meal. Next to the golden arches was a very sad that had obviously seen better days. A large handful of our kids sat and talked with him, prayed with him, gave him their money, and a fwe gave him their meals that they had purchased and went without. 10 minutes later when I walked in his direction he called to me asking for help to make $5 for a meal. I sincerely and softly reminded him that it was my teens who had done so much for him just 10 minutes ago and he told me I was off my rocker. He said no one had done anything nice for him all day long.
That was hard for me. I tried to keep telling myself that maybe he was in a position that caused him to really not remember events so recent.
I am not sharing all of this to be a downer. I think that the experiences that you are telling here are wonderful and I appreciate them so much.
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