the final Earl update

I just received confirmation that Earl made it to his destination. I have the biggest smile on my face right now. I actually was able to talk to him and he said people helped him along the way and even paid for some of his meals! When God makes provisions for us, He doesn't mess around. Earl's family is so very happy - I could hear the celebration in the background! What a joyful day!

sending Earl home

I am so sorry, I forgot today was the Brenda Photo Challenge. The last two days have been really busy for me and it completely slipped my mind. Between getting Earl situated and helping another friend organize a memorial in the park for her boyfriend who passed away - I've been a little preoccupied. Homeless people can keep you very busy you know!

Last night went well. I found Earl under a tree and he was upset that someone had ripped him off (again). He had become quite an easy target I think. So we visited and I asked him how he'd like to go home TONIGHT. I could tell he was searching my eyes to discern if I was serious or not. When he realized I meant right now - his eyes filled up. So we left his blanket right there beneath the tree for someone else to find. I brought him home with me. My neighbors stared as we got out of the car and I wondered what they were thinking, but I really didn't care. I showed him around my home and let me tell you...if you ever want to regain appreciation for the things you take for granted, bring a homeless person into your life. I had fixed a dinner I thought he might like with roast, mashed potatoes, and corn, but he wasn't hungry and settled for sweet tea. After a while he took a shower and got all cleaned up and I washed what clothes he had in his backpack. He repacked everything and I made him a bunch of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to take with him. Without refrigeration his choices were minimal, but he was graciously appreciative. We arrived at Greyhound in time to wait for about an hour and finally the bus rolled in. Getting him all checked in with only a confirmation number and password was easy, but when I reminded the driver that he needed assistance with his transfers I was confronted with one of the rudest people I have ever met. The driver informed me he had too much to remember and if I wanted my passenger to be assisted I should be on the bus with him. We exchanged a few more "pleasantries" and then a young man who overheard my dilemma volunteered to help Earl out at his first transfer. Thank goodness. Now I only pray that he will have a little guardian angel all the way to his destination. I don't know if Greyhound has checkpoints where you can call to confirm transfer success, but tomorrow I will call and see if he made it to where he's suppose to be by then. Bless his heart, he's such a nice man and his family is so excited that he is coming home. I called his daughter when I returned home and she was waiting up for the call (3:30 a.m. her time). We talked for almost an hour - she had so many questions. So goes the Earl saga. His daughter promised to let me know if he showed up at her end. Last night was kind of bittersweet and yes, I did get a little tiny tiny tear in my eye, but the joy in my heart outweighed everything else. Oh, and Annette...he said to tell you bye - "my friend with the pierced nose" - Bon voyage Earl....we wish you a happy reunion, but maybe not so many adventures! Now....have I ever told you guys about Byron??? Ha, ha...just kidding. Maybe.

the Earl saga...

Today has been such a blessing. I cannot really describe in words the things that have transpired since my phone rang this morning and Earl's daughter was at the other end. Actually, evidence of God's grace has been showered upon me all week and it took this for me to realize my heart was being filled up, my spirit being replenished all along. If ever I needed to be reminded of God's grace and mercy - it was now. So...I tracked down Earl tonight and gave him the good news. He was very happy, although you can't tell by the picture! He was able to talk to his daughter and it was really cute. He was very nervous and his words became somewhat jumbled, but he managed to carry on a short conversation. He found out his mother is still alive and that too made him very happy. After I got back home I received a phone call from a different daughter and she said the family phone lines are buzzing in Ohio - everyone is so happy - son, father, and grandpa is returning home. We talked and talked and a bus ticket has been purchased for tomorrow night at midnight. My son is home for the weekend, so he will accompany me to the bus depot to see Earl off. Our bus depot couldn't be in a worse location and I would never go there that late for any reason, but I know God has had his hand in this from day one, so I will trust in that. I will stay until the bus pulls away and then I will come home and call one of his daughters to let her know he is en route. His trip will take 2 days, 12 hours, and 30 minutes. He will have 3 transfers and supposedly the bus drivers will give him transfer assistance. Tomorrow evening we are going to pick Earl up a bit early and clean him up somehow. Not quite sure about the details on that yet. I have never brought a homeless person home with me before, but I see no other way for him to get cleaned up on such short notice. He doesn't know he's leaving tomorrow night. Another surprise awaits him...lol. Please pray for a smooth journey with no complications. I'm stuffing every one of his pockets with important information! This has been a long time coming. Earl is one of my favorites and I will miss his big smile and southern charm, but I am so very happy to be putting the pieces back into place. I am not sad in his departure, but very honored to have crossed his path.

update on Earl

I am soooo happy.

Guess who I finally found? A few days ago I printed Earl's picture on a postcard and mailed them out to all the Angie Hill residents I could find in the hometown Earl described to me and lo and behold....Angie called me this morning! THE Angie - the one we have all been looking for for so long. God is good. We talked and talked about her dad. She shared that she thought he may have died and they had put out a missing person's report on him a couple of years ago, but nothing ever happened. The best part is that she loves him and wants him to come home. We now have each other's contact information and tonight when I feed my Friday friends - someone is going to have a big surprise! I'm even going to call her so she can talk to him while I'm there. See? Being patient does pay off! All praises need to be directed to the ONE who made it all possible though and I thank each of you who posted Earl's picture on your blog. I feel like together we did a BIG BIG thing. This is a beautiful day, is it not? I'll keep you posted (hopefully with pictures) on the travel arrangements. That may prove to be the most difficult of all since he doesn't have any identification. God is so good.

a flower withered

The first time I met him he was face down in the grass with his own saliva puddling beneath him. He eventually stood up and staggered over to me so that I might serve him food. His wife was angry with him for passing out. She vented to me as she braided my hair with her rough hands. Her words were sharp, but I felt her devotion to him. The second time I met him, he came up behind me and reached down to give me a hug. My lack of familiarity caused me to cringe as I wasn't quite sure if it was going to be a choke hold or a hug. That's the day I began to develop trust. Our third meeting, I found him crumpled up as a child, sobbing, soiled, but not entirely intoxicated to the point he wasn't aware. My heart went out to him. I sat beside him on a park bench with food and kind words. I let him use my cell phone to call his wife. When their conversation was over she wanted to talk to me...she just wanted to know if he was alright. She was at her little part-time job and he was lonely for her. She was his strength. There have been occasions when my daughter has accompanied me to feed the homeless so when her ambulance received a call to take a man to hospice, she recognized their faces. He is dying of liver failure and his wife is by his side. I am reminded of how small the world is and just how often our paths cross, and for me, it's in the most unlikely places. I'm convinced none of this is by accident. I cannot tell you everything I have discovered about myself (and others) just by looking past the dirt and the alcoholism. I have learned the true value of a simple quarter. I have learned to see beauty in a smile with no teeth. I have learned to abort judgment and rely on instinct. I have learned that unconditional love has many obstacles. I have learned that I really can shop and cook for 40 people in less than two hours for under $20 every time. I have also learned that men with opposite status can die in the same hospice room. There is much irony in life.

a la carte

On the menu today:
turkey burgers with all the fixins' and good advice:
don't pee in public.
I love my homeless friends.

a heart for the homeless

Some of you have asked if I still feed homeless people on Fridays. Yes, I do! Even when my schedule is incredibly hectic I know they are counting on me to show up, so every Friday, rain or shine I trek on downtown with my basket of goodies. I have minimized my cooking though because there has gotten to be so many people (40 last week). It's easier on me to make sandwiches and with the weather heating up I don't think they mind. Earl is still hanging around. Last week I took him a map of Chattanooga Tennessee so he could see the surrounding towns, hoping it would boost his memory. I just love to sit and talk with him and some of the others. Pretty soon it will be a year since I started doing this...a gentle reminder that while everything changes, everything stays the same.

soiled but sweet

These are a few of the homeless people I feed on Fridays. They bless me with their stories, their smiles, their hugs, but mostly for just who they are. Some of them are alcoholics, addicts, lost souls and outcasts...but they are also victims of public judgment. They sleep behind dumpsters and in abandoned buildings. They all have a story of hardship, but any one of them will readily tell you how God has blessed their lives. Of the twenty or so that I regularly feed, these and two or three more not pictured (including Earl!) are my favorites...but in my heart, they are ALL special.

morning s-t-r-e-t-c-h

I am so enjoying this break from school, except I am beginning to get my schedule out of whack...staying up later and sleeping in longer. I've been reading more, writing more, and just enjoying not having any obligations. The weather has been so nice and I've had the joy of experiencing the sun on my face, warming my bones...it has even inspired me to get back into a yoga routine and I feel so much better. When my body feels better it motivates me to eat healthier too, so it's a win-win situation. Last night there were more homeless people out, more than I was prepared for, but it was nice to learn a few new names and offer what I had. In our area, many of the homeless congregate around the public library because there are covered places to sit and eat. When our time changed I began arriving earlier to avoid being in the dark, but the library is still open to the public and it has been very interesting to me watching "normal" people respond to the homeless groups as they leave the library. Sometimes I wonder if they think I am homeless too. I have seen people nearly trip over themselves avoiding a path and I have seen parents pull their children near and have them look away. I know in my heart that is part of the problem...too many people look away...and of course I understand the mentality behind their actions, but I wonder if God does...I pray harder for those people than I do for those who don't know where their next meal is coming from. Next week: an extra pot of soup and pictures in the park. I'm excited to share some of those sweet and soiled souls with you.


Aren't the Koi located on my sidebar so darned cute?! I got them here. So just sit a spell, listen to the music, and enjoy feeding them (click anywhere near the fish)...very relaxing....or maybe I'm just easily entertained...lol.

i Heart Faces Photography Contest: this one's for you Earl

Yes....it's Earl again and most of us know he is one of my favorite faces coming from the homeless community and what a challenge it has been to help him locate his family. My friend Debbie introduced this wonderful new photography blog to me called I Y Faces and I thought it might be an excellent opportunity to share his face with more people in hopes of someone recognizing him, so I am entering this photo in the contest (that's why I'm re-posting it). Thank you Debbie (great idea!). So wander on over and check out this new photography site!

friday's update

It's cold outside. I keep reminding myself I live in California and just because I have to put on a sweater does not mean it is really that cold. Tonight I visited my downtown friends and since the shelter has opened I have had fewer people to feed. I think I fed about ten tonight and I gave out 3 sweatshirts I have managed to collect. I haven't seen Earl in two weeks, but we have been giving each other messages through the grapevine. I have provided one of the ladies who sees him daily with a list of names of people he may be related to. I am hoping to make some phone calls this week to a few leads that have surfaced. They say he is not communicating any better, but I might try to find him over the weekend myself to save some time and see for myself. Many people are very generous this time of year so they really have plenty to eat and they tell me they have dry places to sleep. From week to week not much changes for them. They share the latest events with me. One of them steals library books, reads them and returns them in the night depository. I told her she shouldn't steal them, but she pointed out she really was just borrowing them. I guess she is right and there are far worse things she could be stealing, and maybe she is, but she didn't share that part. It really makes no difference, I do not judge her, I only care if she is hungry or not and most often she is. Tomorrow is the first day of winter and I am just very grateful it does not snow here, I already have enough to worry about....but more than worrying, my heart is just bursting with appreciation for how God blesses my life....in the day to day happenings there are so many things that do not get shared here for one reason or another, but one thing I can say for certain, without reservation, is GOD IS GOOD.

looking for Earl's family

Tonight I went downtown to visit and feed my homeless friends and much has transpired this week. Some of them are using the shelter and some of them have been hired to be bell ringers for the Salvation Army...but there were not as many as usual...but what is weighing on my heart is Earl...do you remember Earl? I posted his picture once and told you all how delightful he was and he is so full of lively stories, but always the gentleman and always appreciative. Well, Earl had a stroke at the beginning of the week and he spent a few days in the hospital, but he is out now and I knew instantly that something had happened to him when I saw him. To make a long story short, I am going to make every effort I can to find his family...he needs to be with them...that's where all of you can help if you so kindly would. I asked him if there was someone I could call for him and he said yes...but he doesn't remember their number and he is having major difficulty with his speech so I cannot make out what he is saying. I tried to get him to write for me, but that didn't work out either. I believe he wants me to help him by finding one of his relatives so I am making up an email to send out with his picture and I am asking all of you to do the same. His name is Earl Hill and I know he is from Tennessee, but I think he also has family in and around Phoenix, Arizona and somewhere in Washington state. He's such a sweetheart and it breaks my heart that he is "stuck" here when he really needs his family. So please copy and paste his picture and send it out in an email to anyone you can think of and just maybe someone will recognize him and provide a link. You can add my email address as a contact person and you can even put his picture on your blog (or just mention it) if you think it would help. There are times when the world really doesn't seem that big and I'm hoping this is one of those times and maybe this won't work, but at least we can give it a try?

promises kept

I am ever so gently reminded that while things are constantly changing, they also stay the same. The weather is getting cooler, the time change brings the darkness in about 5:30 and people are forever regretful and apologetic for having done something they wish they hadn't. Last night I went downtown an hour earlier than usual because the winter shelter opened up for the homeless and they have to be there by 5:30 to claim a space for the night. The past few weeks have been sprinkled with a little violence here and there in and around where I am serving. Last night most of my downtown friends were en route to the shelter so I didn't have to worry about them being hungry or cold, but that left me with the few that seem to be the instigators in the group and who just so happen to be the ones refusing to use the shelter. I had each of them approach me seperately to apologize for their behavior over the past few weeks and foreign to my character, I am finding my voice with these people so that it no longer bothers me to tell them what's on my heart. Sometimes they don't like to hear what I have to say, but they keep coming around to hear more (of course the food helps!). Handing out the coats didn't go as I had imagined since most of them were not there. I did give out one blanket and I ended up serving 10 people all together. There is a young girl of about 24 or so named Julia, her street name is Mouse...she is quite beautiful and I just want to pull her out of this situation so badly before she begins to look and behave like the others. She clearly has an addiction and is often under the influence when I serve her, but when she looks me in the eye I see that she carries a degree of shame and pride hidden away. She doesn't belong there and I hope to somehow convince her of that. I have to tell you, it's somewhat of a relief that the shelter has opened, because my group has grown to 35 or 40 people over the past three weeks and I don't get to know them when there are that many. I like to be able to sit with them and hear how their week went and listen to their stories. I like looking into their weathered faces and seeing their eyes light up when I remember something they told me and I like holding their grungy hands when they reach out to thank me. Some of them say "Love you" when I leave and I believe they do. I believe I've come to love them too, even the ones who fight and argue, the ones I have to separate and tell to chill out. Last week as I was leaving, someone had taped a piece of paper to my windshield that read "God keeps His promises" and as I read it I knew this was a message I needed to share with them and internalize for myself. We are gifted with a new day every day, a new chance, a fresh opportunity to be a better person than we were the day before. He forgives us and loves us unconditionally and I'm beginning to see that there is a big responsibility with that. I just hope I can spark a little encouragement about what a new day might hold...sometimes I even have to remind myself!

On a side note**

I am going to host a Christmas ornament exchange...it will be FuN...check back for details!

brrrr...it's going to be a long winter for some

Ah...it's Friday. It's also my FREE day to get my house up to par from the past few days that have been cRaZy busy. I am always amazed at how fast it can fall apart (some days I'm pretty sure it's a conspiracy). Yesterday I went by the Red Cross to see if I could get some blankets for my downtown friends and I left there very disappointed. They said the last cold spell we had emptied their stock of blankets and the Salvation Army is out of them too. Unless schools and churches have blanket drives there will be no blankets for the winter. So I've decided to tell my friends the bad news tonight...but...I am going to tell them if they can manage to save $10.00 out of the checks they receive on the first of the month (or however else they get their money) I will pitch in the rest to buy them each a blanket. Wal-mart has blankets for about $12. I think this is a good idea because they might be less likely to lose their blankets if they have paid for them and they have no means to get to Wal-mart so I am doing the footwork for them. I was also thinking about teaching the ladies how to knit simple scarves and things and then helping them sell the finished product. I have to think about this one for a while longer. I'm not sure if knitting needles are a good idea to have around, maybe I'll see what they think.

Tonight's menu: meatloaf and mashed potatoes.

introducing Earl

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.

not without hope

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.

Shalom.

all roses have thorns

Last night's visit with my downtown friends went a little differently than it usually does. I'm learning that the first of the month brings out the individual vices because most of them have more money in their pockets...and I'm OK with that...it's not my lifestyle, but if I were in their shoes...er, socks, I'd probably want to linger in numbness for as long as possible too. What I didn't expect was to witness violence...that came as a surprise...and it all happened very fast. Actually the few who were drinking were very well behaved...a little demonstratively emotional, but otherwise happy-go-lucky. The one (Amanda) who burst out in a violent tantrum is afflicted with bipolar disorder and she became angry and frustrated and decided to take it out on another homeless person...very sad...my stomach became very nervous because I do not like conflict and I was unsure of where it might lead. I observed how the others managed these moments and I tried to emulate their sense of alert calmness. I think this must be something they have grown use to. There is one guy there that I gain a sense of protection from as he seems to exert a no-nonsense manner. His name is David and he is one of the few that looks me in the eyes when we talk. I have an undefined respect for him for some reason I cannot explain. The woman (Kathy) at the receiving end of the violent behavior was pretty tough. I know she wanted to cry and I know I wanted to hug her. She was a beautiful girl who was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I have never seen behavior like this. The first thing I did when I got back to my car was pray for both of them. Many questions are floating in my head today. David was not in the area until after it happened. I wonder if he would have done something? I wonder why Amanda isn't on medication? I wonder where Kathy went when she got up and left? Was she really OK? How will Amanda's outburst effect the rapport her and I have developed? Will she be ashamed? Aware? Angry? I refuse to judge her by these actions, but I can't help be more cautious around her. The moment that most touched my heart all evening was when Marvin, a small-framed older gentleman, asked me, "Would you think me greedy if I asked for another one?" (I served sloppy joes and jello cups with fruit). I put my arm around his bony little shoulders and gave him a light squeeze and told him, "When you're hungry, it's not greedy to ask for more." He whispered "Thank you"...and sat back down with another sloppy joe burger. I've made Tami my official menu planner, but I think I need to figure out a way to get more fruits and vegetables in them....I just don't see them eating steamed broccoli. Next week they have requested Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni. I really enjoy getting to know them on an individual basis. I guess I have to expect the bad with the good, but I will concentrate on the good parts, maybe they'll notice that I do and it will give them something to think about.

breaking bread

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.

sharing is caring

It's Friday...a day that I always look forward to for a number of reasons. I am a little tired today though because I've had a sick hound since Wednesday morning and when she's miserable, we're all miserable. I'm waiting for the Vet to call to see if they can squeeze her in today. I think she might be having a reaction to the Rimadyl medication she is taking for her joints, hopefully it's nothing too serious. When she looks at me with her sad brown eyes I feel so sorry for her!

Yes, I am going to go feed my new found friends this evening (I'm having a little difficulty referring to them as homeless, or those people anymore). Last week when I went one of the ladies asked for spaghetti so spaghetti it is. She's a sweetheart. She received some food from a food pantry somewhere and in her box of goodies there was a box of cereal. She handed it to me and I must have looked at her funny...she said, "Go ahead and take it, I've saved it for you all week." I told her I could never take her food, she should keep it and eat it. She said she never gets milk and doesn't like it dry and it would mean a lot to her if I accepted it. So I put it in the bag of things I brought with me and thanked her. She said she wanted me to take her shopping when she got her food stamps so she could buy meat and I could take it home with me to use for when I cook for them. I told her I just couldn't do that. Now I'm wondering if it is important to some of them that they feel they have contributed something. I'll have to let this idea bounce around a bit, I just don't know if I could do that. What do you think? One thing is for certain, I'm going to have to get their bottles of water under ice early today, because it's going to be a hot one!

I so appreciate the kind comments you all leave me, I wish I could give you each a big hug...your friendship means so very much.
Have a safe and fun-filled Labor Day weekend!

GRACE pours like coffee

I visited my homeless friends again today. It's really difficult for me to articulate the words that express the experience. I took them food, but I left there with far more than I carried in. They are such a warm friendly crowd and while I'm sitting on their blankets having conversation with them, they leave me in awe at their earnest attempts to be respectful and polite. They truly are gracious in their appreciation and although I know they are street smart and have seen far more than my eyes can fathom, there is a sense of innocence about them. Tonight there were children there and I was impressed by how they made sure the kids received food first. The kids were so bored, but their mom made them stay right there under her wing. Had I known they would be there I would have taken them some books, next time I'll be prepared. Most of the same people were there from last week, but I met a few new ones and I was blessed by their acquaintance. When people they don't trust wander in there is a sense of alert cautiousness. They watch out for each other and they were watching out for me too. They like me and I think it's interesting that they ask me as many questions as I ask them. Some of them have bibles in their backpacks and some of them tell me stories about how they pray for provisions and there are a few who simply listen. The park where I meet them is located across the street from this mansion which is now just a historical touristy place where people have weddings and tea parties and social gatherings. It's such a cultural contradiction to see a stretch limousine pull up to the mansion while right across the street people don't know where their next meal is coming from. I find myself reevaluating what I buy...a typical caramel machiato from Starbuck's would feed two homeless people. Today I fed about 16 people on less than $20 and in exchange they filled my spirit with genuine fellowship and I didn't have to wait in line!