My Friday evening visit with my downtown friends went well. They always make me smile. I only served about 12 this time and there wasn't any episodes of violence...thankfully. I did have a helper this time and he was intrigued by my "system of operation". He said his heart was touched by the relationships I have developed and he couldn't believe I remembered all their names! I thought that was funny...why wouldn't I remember their names? He asked if he could help again and of course I thought it was wonderful having an extra pair of hands...so I said, "Anytime!" So we'll see if he shows up next week. We served, as per their request from last week, Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni, French Bread, and I took a container full of sliced up cucumbers and carrots...not a very popular choice! They actually kind of made fun of me for trying to sneak vegetables in. Silly me.
Here's some interesting tidbits about my homeless friends:
Several of them sleep in the cemetery...eek!
They all have real names and street names to "throw off" the police.
One of them volunteers in the homeless shelter from 8am-5pm M-F.
Most of them have families who don't know where they are.
Two of them are mentally challenged from motorcycle accidents.
About half of them drink but refuse to do drugs.
They really don't like white t-shirts. They get dirty too easy and they are easier to spot in the dark.
This has been a blessed adventure for me. I love getting to know these individuals. They are full of personality and their stories break my heart and/or make me laugh...sometimes both. I have never had to experience any hardships that compare to the ones they face regularly. I don't have to worry about where I will sleep, or where my next meal might come from. In due time I'd like to help them make contact with their families somehow. For right now they only have each other and I guess that's enough.
a little side note:
This is my new Avatar. I had to say goodbye to the cute little cottage icon. Back in July 2007 I found the image somewhere on line and really didn't think too much about it....oops....won't make that mistake again! I was informed of its ownership yesterday and I still apologize profusely for using it "without permission"...it was purely unintentional. I really wasn't trying to steal it or be sneaky about it...so learn by my mistake and be careful about the images you are attracted to. I really dislike negative energy and prefer to avoid drama and delve in peaceful simplicity, so I guess I'll have to settle for one of the free simple Avatars until I get time to create something myself...who knows when that will be! This Avatar might be more appropriate for me anyway.
Books and coffee...two things I can't live without.
This is my new Avatar. I had to say goodbye to the cute little cottage icon. Back in July 2007 I found the image somewhere on line and really didn't think too much about it....oops....won't make that mistake again! I was informed of its ownership yesterday and I still apologize profusely for using it "without permission"...it was purely unintentional. I really wasn't trying to steal it or be sneaky about it...so learn by my mistake and be careful about the images you are attracted to. I really dislike negative energy and prefer to avoid drama and delve in peaceful simplicity, so I guess I'll have to settle for one of the free simple Avatars until I get time to create something myself...who knows when that will be! This Avatar might be more appropriate for me anyway.
Books and coffee...two things I can't live without.
Shalom.
12 comments:
Well I am thrilled to see you had a helper on Friday, I feel better about that. And the vegetables, I laugh at that too. Did they make a request for next week? What do you do with the left over food or is there any left over? If you plan for 18 but only serve 12 do you just give extra helpings?
I wonder how many of them want to have contact with their families? Often they prefer to stay where no one knows where they are. Or many of their famiies no longer want anything to do with them due to their alcohol addictions. Your heart is just so big and I can not say it enough, I truly admire who and what you are and do.
I am also shocked that someone would not let you use the cottage picture on your blog. First I am surprised they even found out, and secondly, why would they care? It is not like you were using it to reach millions and to make millions (are you?)So that is disheartning. But...you know what? The books and coffee cup is so bright and cheerful and cute, and just sooooo you!!!!
I just love how big your heart is and I'm betting that your homeless friends love that too.
I also think it's silly that you couldn't use the cottage, as lisa said, you weren't using it for profit. I would be so proud that someone thought my work were nice enough to use.
Continued blessings for what you are doing, Joni, to help out the less than fortunate. You are an angel. As for the picture, I agree. How the heck did anyone even realize you were using it and then to get their panties in a wad over it is - rediculous. I love your coffee cup and books....they ARE two of life's greatest joys, are they not??? Have a wonderful weekend, sweet gal! : )
VB
that probably was a nice change, having a helper? someone to share this journey with and touch someone else who then in turn.....the ripple effect. when we serve the homeless from downtown, so many don't accept anything that is hard....due to the many problems they have with their teeth....but you can't quit trying for those veggies! :)
and i will always think of you as the little cozy cottage amongst the green and flowers.....but change is good too :) and as velvet brick said "two of life's greatest joys" and know they are a big part of YOU!
hope you have a relaxing saturday, getting to do something you love to do dear joni!
hugs,
kimberly
God bless you, Joni. And thank you for doing something about a need you have seen. Most of us just ignore the homeless and drive on by, turning our heads the other direction. You are a saint to actually be doing something about it.
I think it's very funny that your new friends didn't eat the veggies! If you gave them ranch dressing to dip, do you think they'd eat them? My grands will eat anything smothered in ranch! How about fresh fruit? Will they eat that?
Love your coffee cup, although the cottage was awesome too. When we were traveling full time I used the little travelocity gnome.......only for a short time. One day it was just gone.....don't know how they pulled it, but it was just gone!
God's blessings on you and on your chosen work.
Strangely enough, I don't even remember the cottage avatar... this one does seem appropriate. All they would have to do is read your blog to know you meant no harm.
It cracks me up they gave you grief about the vegetables. They like mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and maybe green bean casserole as vegetables. You might try a broccoli salad, it has raisins and nuts.
It's nice to have a helper. It's good for people to feel and be useful.
Joni,
Yes, you may add me to your list of coffee friends. I am honored. And I will add you to mine. I've read through quite a few of your posts now, and we are very much alike. I read down your list of things you love, and I agree with about 95% of them!
Have a blessed weekend.
Marge
one friday night I'd love to go with you, when I'm off on Saturday. I'd love to meet your new friends, and this way you have some help and your not alone. I like your book's and coffee cup it's you!!! but you could add a picture of an angel and it would be you as well! I'll chat with you later, I'm off this comming saturday....
I love you
Nettie
I found your blog through Road Sage, and I wanted to tell you how much I like it. I love the beautiful piano music, "Be Thou My Vision" as it is one of my favorite hymns :) What a lovely, peaceful atmosphere you create!
Oh well, I love the coffee cup and books. Definitely my two favorite things as well! I think it's really neat that you're getting to know the real people behind the homeless stereotype. I know you have brightened up their lives in so many ways.
Joni, I have thought so much about blankets for the homeless lately. With it coming on Winter...
I really want to do something for our homeless shelter where I live. I have not been able to because of finances, but will figure something out.
You have really inspired me to do something.
Sending you love, Nita
Joni, thanks for taking a peak this morning.
I don't think I've ever known anyone who does for the homeless like you! Can I ask WHY or HOW you got started? It is a wonderful thing you do!
And, yes, we do share in the love of coffee! I've wondered since I started this in May, why I didn't choose some coffee name..
Hope your weekend is wonderful!
Barb
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