The last two times visiting with my downtown friends have been very enjoyable. It's the end of the month so none of them can afford to have any "extras"...so I get to have meaningful conversations with them! Never have I laughed so earnestly...they are truly the highlight of my Fridays. I never imagined this little project could evolve into what it has. Tonight Earl let me take a picture of him. It's the first time I've braved taking my camera with me, but I knew he might be leaving this week so I tried my luck. So world, meet Earl. He has been homeless for many years. He prefers to travel around, doesn't stay in one spot for very long. He lost his wife and two children in an accident several years ago and has been on the go ever since. He has non-stop stories to tell and he has a heart of gold. A few others preferred to not have their pictures taken, but a few more said they wanted to "clean up" first, so I should bring my camera back next week and they'll be ready for me. I'll take it, but next week is the first of the month and they'll never remember having told me that! Tonight I had a special request to serve Tuna Casserole (of all things!) and I have to say, it was the first tuna casserole I have ever made...but it turned out I guess because they loved it! I have to tell you though, when I first pulled up I saw how many people were at the park and I thought I would never have enough food, so I whispered a little prayer and mentioned to God I thought this might be one of those fish and loaves times and lo and behold I have no idea how it stretched as far as it did, but everyone received food and some had seconds, so it was truly a blessing (again).
Never underestimate the power of prayer.
13 comments:
Thank you for sharing Earl's picture. He looks like he has a heart of gold just like you said he does. I sense it in his eyes. Has he said where he is moving on to?
Joni you are such a joy.
My heart swells each time I visit. Since starting my jail job, I've felt compassion I've never thought I would. I should direct it to someone other than criminals, but quite a few are there because they are homeless and have no where else to go. Breaks my heart.
You, Joni, received answered prayers because you are doing God's work and are an Angel!
I see "Earl" every day at work and I recognize the eyes...
Once again I am in awe of you, Joni, and your gigantic heart. What a blessing you are to those folks. What a blessing you are to all! I am learning so much from you as I struggle along in my own quest to be more kind and giving. Thank you. And may God continue to bless you.
I see many hard roads in Earl's face but I bet he can be a character. Prayers for your continued safety as you continue your quest.
It's a pleasure to meet Earl. I wish him well on his journey; God love him.
Joni - not long ago my brother told me that he sure missed tuna noodle casserole and his wife doesn't make it. I told him I would! That was a staple at our house growing up.
You are, indeed, a blessing to all.
Tuna is, after all, fish! God has a way of stretching fish.
To Debbie, some of those people are in jail because they made a poor decision, maybe didn't quite think it through all the way.
I'm sorry to hear that Earl is on the move. I guess when one loses all that is dear to one, you aren't comfortable in any place for too long.
You are an angel, Joni. When you give from the heart is more like receiving than giving isn't it?
I hope what I said about poor decisions didn't come off too hard. I meant it as we all make poor decisions and sometimes timing makes a poor decision a really bad result. They are not necessarily a bad person, just a mixture of bad timing and a poor choice. Hope that clears it up better.
Why is it Saturday night and I am just now getting to you. You know I so look forward to these stories and I am mad at myself for not reading it yesterday. WHERE WAS I?????? I just find this so honorable, I love hearing the tone in your voice, the happiness it brings you. The love it brings to them, and the nurishment too. I love that Earl let you take his picture, he let us meet him as well. I am thrilled you were able to feed them again something they wanted, and that it was able to fill them. I am in such awe as to how God has used "one little woman" in 2008 to do such great work. You are truly the blessed one, I believe you, but I hope you know, I hope you understand the difference you are making in this world one little dinner at a time!!! I love you and what you are doing. Hugs to you my friend!
Joni, I came across your blog a while back, added to my 'roll'..meaning to get back here to read. So, tonite, I chose yours over all the others I wanted to read...And am I ever glad! What an amazing woman you are, and your heart has to be as big as Earls! I now need to read more!
May God bless you!
this made my eyes water! and I got chills, you can see the sweetness in his eyes! you've made some true friends here, my friend, but then again...whats there not to love about you?
I LOVE YOU
Nettie
There is a song that says, To be loved is all we really want, it is what we are all seeking. And To be accepted. I think you are doing a great job.
xoxo Nita
i love what nita said.....and it must fill your heart to impact this special circle of folks by showing such sweet concern, care and acceptance for them....i am sure their heart is full also.
love and hugs dear joni....
kimberly
O Joni I have been away tooooo long. I have missed so much on your blog. Earl looks and sounds like a very sweet soul. IT is funny that they requested Tuna huh? That is very good for them though and praise the Lord for helping you make it stretch. I am pleased to hear that you have a helper now. It is nice to have help and someone there in case of danger. It sounds like they are becoming really close to you and I love hearing abut all of them.
Love your funny friday doggie and I love your praying manthis picture, did you take that? Wow!
Sorry you have to change your avatar but you know some of these pictures we use are not watermarked and have been passed down forever. Honest Mistake right? The new one is just fine.
Thanks for keeping my husband in your prayers. He is scared and very apprehensive but we will get through this just fine. We will be leaving for Portland on Oct 5th for surgery on Oct 6th. I will keep you posted.
Hugs
Patti
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