Posted by ken on October 2, 2011 · Leave a Comment
Mich and his mother came to be friends of OIM first through our outreach teams and then started coming to the drop in. Mich is 19 and Candace, his mom is in her early thirties. We developed relationship over several months and Mich joined our Passion 4 Youth art program. There is a story here that I want to share:
Mich came home to their small apartment and saw his mom lying on the kitchen floor – her third suicide attempt! He called 911 immediately and after the paramedics came, they told him that if he called just 5 minutes earlier, his mom would not be here. The next time he came to the art program, he asked if he could speak with our youth outreach worker in the hallway for a few minutes.
When they were alone, he said, “We’ve been talking about spiritual stuff for a while now. I’m ready. I need to have Jesus in my life.” Mich prayed and so began his spiritual journey with Jesus.
Fast track a few weeks later and Candace asks to speak with me at the drop in. In the adjoining garden we take a bench and she tells me about some of the things happending in her life and she asks for some advice. She is scared and doesn’t know what to do. We talk and conversation comes around to the change in life that Jesus can bring. Mich joins us and the conversation about spiritual things continues.
“Did I tell you what happened a few weeks ago at the art program?” Mich queried. I nodded yes. “How’s it going with you?” I ask.
“I don’t really understand it all – but I sleep each night with my bible right beside me in bed.”
“You know, we have a great program just about to start here at the drop in – it’s called Alpha. There is a video each week, you ask questions and we talk about the Bible. Would you guys like to attend?”
To make a long story short, both Mich and Candace have indicated interest in our Alpha course. Until then we will work with both mother and son, to help them in their spiritual journeys.
God can take the very worst of situations and turn things around to make good. If we can be there to be a part of what He is doing, it is a privelege and blessing!
I just started back to school – well adult high school to make up two classes, and then college.”
Filed under About OIM, Addictions, Breaking the cycle of poverty, Dignity, Drop In Services, Events, General Poverty, Miracle on the Streets, Passion for Youth art program, Personal Experiences, Poverty, Poverty in Canada, Respect, Street Youth, street youth art program, Street Youth in Canada, Street Youth Ottawa · Tagged with break cycle poverty, drop in, drop in service, help the poor, Homelessness, homelessness canada, homelessness ontario, homelessness ottawa, poverty Canada, poverty ontario, poverty ottawa, Recovery, street work
Posted by ken on June 17, 2011 · Leave a Comment
Greg Payne is our volunteer chiropractor at the drop in. He told me a story about an encounter he had with one of our guests, and I asked him to document it. Here is his story. (Name changed, naturally).
Jenny (mid forties) came to the drop-in for her chiropractic adjustment. She complained about a bloated feeling that her Crohns was making a rather symptomatic episode. The day before someone had given her a free lunch at Tim Hortons, but she could not hold it down. She further said she was suffering from intense bleeding and was afraid to leave her house. She had to wear disposable diapers. Her GI MD <gastro intestinal doctor> did an X-ray and told her she had a small bowl obstruction and the bowl had shifted out of place. They admitted her and “stuck tubes in her nose and everywhere” Jenny reported.
I prayed for her, and told her she would do well with her adjustment and that she would be healing.
Two weeks later she returned for another chiropractic adjustment and told me that the day after her adjustment she felt only a little better. But, on the second day following the adjustment she was A LOT better! She returned to the GI MD. He retook the X-rays and said that her small bowl obstruction had gone, that her bowl was in the correct place and “that her Crohn’s or evidence of her Crohn’s had disappeared”!
To this her MD mentioned that it must have been ‘that guy there at the drop-in’, that chiropractor that did it! I told her that it was Jesus who brings the power to heal, but he does work through his people. It certainly was not me.
This is an answer to prayer and totally beyond the power of any man. I am both an observer of what God is doing among the poor, and also an instrument in His hands.
Jenny clearly needed and received immediate aid – the kind her doctors were unable to tend to without invasive strategies. The Lord’s timing is fascinating!
Jenny is still in need of prayer and support – and whereas her symptoms did disappear as confirmed by her physician, she still suffers physically.
However you try to understand the dynamics of this story, it is an amazing testament to the healing power of God.
Filed under ABCD, Assets Based Community Development, Dignity, Drop In Services, Events, General Poverty, Homelessness, Justice, Miracle on the Streets, Personal Experiences, Poverty, Poverty in Canada, Recovery, Respect · Tagged with break cycle poverty, drop in, drop in service, help the poor, Homelessness, homelessness canada, homelessness ontario, homelessness ottawa, poverty Canada, poverty ottawa, Recovery, Respect
Posted by ken on May 20, 2011 · Leave a Comment
Easter Dinner happened May 19th, a couple of weeks after the event . The delay is typical for us, so our folks can enjoy a special meal after the other agencies have held their own event meals days running – sometimes there will be two turkey dinners on the same day!
Maybe one hundred and fifty at two seatings – it all went smoothly. There were many volunteers, great service, greater interaction with our street friends, and seconds of meals and desserts for all who were interested.
Let me highlight one key interaction that was both powerful and profound. There are two young men, maybe 11 and 12 years old, who have been volunteering at our special dinners for several years. They came with both parents this year, and are both comfortable and capable in their service at the dinner.
I was talking with one of our guests, Bill, after the dinner when our two young volunteers walked by, preparing to depart with mom and dad. I stopped to speak with them and asked them how their day went. Fine, they affirmed. I asked if they had opportunity to visit with any of our street friends, and they said they did not have that chance. I thanked them for coming.
Just then Bill, who had overheard our conversation, joined the conversation and had some specific words of encouragement that he delivered to the two boys. He commended them and their parents for coming out to volunteer and help serve the meal. It was very special to have young people learn how to serve others at an early age he said, and it really meant a lot to him (particularly) and to all the guests (generally) to know that others cared. He spoke sincere words of appreciation and thanks to the young men, and again thanked them for caring.
I could sense Bill’s words carried a great deal of weight as the boys looked up and eagerly listened to this ‘rounder’ (been around a long time) as he expressed his gratitude. It was very real and genuine, and the boys could sense his sincerity. Although the conversation lasted only a few moments, it will be a conversation that the boys may never forget.
It is also typical of volunteers’ interactions with our street friends: no matter how convinced volunteers are that they come to encourage, minister and help, they learn quickly that they are often the recipients of the encouragement, ministry and blessing.
I think it is a principle of the Kingdom. A reversal of the world’s values and expectations. The greatest will be the least, the servant will be the master.
Happy Easter – every day!
Filed under Addictions, Alcoholism, Breaking the cycle of poverty, Dignity, Drop In Services, Events, General Poverty, Homelessness, Personal Experiences, Poverty, Poverty in Canada, Respect, Social, Volunteer Ottawa, Volunteering · Tagged with break cycle poverty, Dignity, drop in, drop in service, help the poor, homelessness canada, homelessness ontario, homelessness ottawa, living on the streets, Make a diference, poverty Canada, poverty ontario, poverty ottawa, Respect, social justice
Posted by ken on March 11, 2011 · Leave a Comment
March winds blow, or it pours rain, minus 30 with the wind chill – or any combination thereof. Only in Canada, eh?
We can look forward to spring, but it seems a long time coming.
No less for our street friends – not that’s the understatement of the year.
Christmas is a time typically when there is a generous outpouring of love and generosity to those on the streets and we are thankful for this. But what about after Christmas?
Maybe we don’t think about it all that much, but the winter is a misery when you are on the move all the time, with no place to rest your usually wet, cold, freezing feet. The laundromat is usually a good place, but it is often the case that the proprietors of the same are on the lookout for people who don’t wash their clothes. The laundromat just beside our offfice entance is a good example. It is common for the police to be called to this place, because some of Ottawa’s homeless population need a warm place.
In extreme cold -whatever that is- I guess it depends on whether or not you are in the cold all the time . Street-engaged people are herded up and forced to go ‘inside’ (not the Chateau Laurier). This experience can be worse that staying outside, because it is yet another violation of their persons (the force that can accompany can be excessive) – there are reasons why people cannot access services.
I guess I’m painting a pretty dark, bleak picture. A bit negative, eh? But it is what it is – I’m pretty sure about that.
What then? Well, don’t forget about those on the streets, even when the weather has some degree of improvement: the nights are still very cold.
Why not think about doing something about this problem? You could contact one of the local agencies in your city and volunteer to do something. Maybe you could give something – time, talents or money. Stop and talk to someone you pass who is panhandling on the streets: you would be surprised how ‘invisible’ someone can become as soon as they sit on a curb with a ball cap and ask for money. Give or not, it’s up to you, but you need to see that this is a real person, with a real story, he/she is where she is, not from choice, but from a cascade of trouble that they could do nothing to change (it usually begins with childhood abuse – how can we hold someone responsible for that?)
Give some change if you like – better a bill. Once you give, forget about what will happen to it. We hold people so very responsible for so little, when we are so careless with the treasures with which we have been blessed.
One thing for sure: we really can’t do nothing about this. In our affluence, remember the poor.
Make a difference. Go out there and change your world.
Filed under About OIM, Addictions, Alcoholism, Breaking the cycle of poverty, Dignity, General Poverty, Homelessness, Injustice, Justice, justice canada, mental health, mental illness, Personal Experiences, Poverty, Poverty in Canada, Recovery, Respect, Volunteer Ottawa, Volunteering · Tagged with Addictions, Alcoholism, break cycle poverty, Dignity, drop in, drop in service, injustice Ontario, Make a diference, poverty Canada, poverty ottawa, Respect, social justice, Street Outreach, Street Youth, Volunteer, Volunteering, walk the streets
Posted by ken on March 4, 2011 · Leave a Comment
Big transition of our drop in this past week from Salvation Army Gladstone Street to Dominion Chalmers U/C on Lisgar. For those who aren’t aware of this prestigous United Church, have a look at photos at http://www.dc-church.org/ A remarkable, extrememly well kept, renovated, bright, cheery place – exactly the kind of place that our street friends deserve to come into for a meal, refreshment and friendship.
Switching from Wednesday to Tuesday and the first of the month when all the cheques are out, and when it is absolutely beautiful and sunny, attendance was a bit low. But, every person is important, and our gift is to come alongside those who are given to us on any day.
I had seen Jacques several times but never had a chance to sit and visit until today. Add to that, Jacques can neither hear nor speak. So I sat across the table and tried to communicate, thinking he might read lips or we could have some sort of communication. He clearly indicated some things to me, one of which was he was not interested in trying to communicate with me (at least in my clumsy manner). I was at a loss, until I looked at the white napkin in front of me, and then caught a glimpse of a pen that my neighbour had placed next to her book. DUH!!
I picked up the pen and napkin and wrote a sentence of welcome.
The transformation was immediate and eagerly accepted. After a few pen exchanges, I went and found some loose leaf and we spent the next while going back and forth, writing like we were age old friends.
Jacques told me days, dates and years of significant events in his life. We talked about the drop in and answered questions that he had since he came through our doors some time ago. Of where he lived, how it was hard to live on ODSP, how old he was, where he was raised and more…
It was refreshing, even exhilerating! I had a friend to talk with, and so did he.
We get so busy with things – and I would be one of the worst offenders. This and that call for immediate attention and we can neglect or overlook the gifts of beauty in the people around us. This is clearly my story with Jacques.
I wonder who the deaf and dumb one really is.
I don’t know why I didn’t think of writing before, but I am thank God that I thought of it this week.
And I thank God for my new friend – my note pal.
I wonder what riches we will uncover as we develop our friendship? I am really looking forward to more.
God help us to slow down and see the opportunities that present themselves to all of us each day.
Filed under About OIM, Biblical, Breaking the cycle of poverty, Dignity, Drop In Services, Events, General Poverty, Justice, justice canada, Miracle on the Streets, Personal Experiences, Poverty, Poverty in Canada, Respect · Tagged with break cycle poverty, Dignity, drop in, drop in service, help the poor, Homelessness, homelessness canada, homelessness ontario, homelessness ottawa, Make a diference, poverty Canada, poverty ottawa, Respect, social justice
Posted by ken on February 25, 2011 · 1 Comment
I sat at the table with three guys at the drop in this week, just starting a hot game of euchre, when Rod asked if he could please ask a question. Everybody looked. “Sure,” I said.
Rod looked at me intently. We were in relationship for a while now, long enough for him to feel comfortable: “Why don’t you pray here at the drop in before meals?”
“Good question,” I replied and went on to explain that whereas we were a Christian agency, that we did pray before each drop in, that many times our volunteers prayed with people throughout the day, and that the servers prayed over the meal before serving, that we did not pray publically before meals because there would be a small percentage of our guests for whom that would be a problem. Some of our folks have been abused by ‘religious’ people, whether at residential schools, or their home towns or somewhere along the story path of their lives. Any kind of prayer for some of our guests, would make them feel very uncomfortable. For the sake of the few, we decided to forgo this common practice.
We continued to talk and enjoyed a good conversation about prayer, people and respect. The whole table became involved in fact, and the other guys felt free sharing their opinions as well (it was the first time for one of the guys to open up and talk in front of me).
The boys had been having some conversations about how other agencies require them to ‘be a part’ of a worship experience for about 40 minutes, then listen to a sermon for another 30 minutes, and then they were allowed to eat. They felt pretty strongly that there was something wrong with this system, and some definite lack of respect for people who were hungry and wanting something to eat.
I defended the particular agency to the guys, because we all know that there is just too much to be done in this world to help others, and people are doing what they think is best when they run a program.
There was talk then about how the worship/preaching/eating group never asked them what they wanted. You couldn’t play cards, and there was no time to visit or talk really, because the music was too loud during ‘worship’, or you couldn’t speak during the sermon time. The food was really good and always fresh, and when you’re hungry, that means a lot. The whole table agreed that the food was great.
I started to be at a loss for words right about then, but really came up with a big zero when Rod leaned across the table, and thoughtfully (and sincerely) asked me, “Do you think they are doing this for us or for them?”
Are we doing this for us or for them?
Million dollar question! A question that deserves serious consideration, or meditation, or maybe even some prayer time. Who are we doing this for? Is it to make us feel better, less guilty, more ‘loving’?
Or is it because ‘the love of God compels us’ to reach out to others?
Wisdom from the streets calls us to examine ourselves, our motives and our hearts.
Now everything has shifted: it’s not about the worship/preaching/eating group – it’s about me.
Filed under About OIM, Biblical, Breaking the cycle of poverty, Dignity, Drop In Services, Events, General Poverty, Homelessness, Justice, Poverty, Poverty in Canada, Recovery, Respect · Tagged with break cycle poverty, drop in, drop in service, help the poor, Homelessness, homelessness canada, homelessness ontario, homelessness ottawa, living on the streets, poverty ontario, Recovery, Respect
Posted by ken on February 18, 2011 · Leave a Comment
Some time ago, we learned that our weekly drop in program would be interrupted for a period of three to six months while a construction renovation occurred at our current downtown location.
Just two weeks ago, Jelica (OIM’s managing director) informed me that the scheduling for the renovation was imminent. We would have just three weeks to find a new location, go through the necessary steps with our new ‘landlord’ (which might take several weeks or even months to get approvals), move our supplies, inform our street friends, set up and continue to provide needed services.
There were some specific caveats involved that severely restricted our options: we needed a downtown location, a place which could accommodate a minimum of 120 people (and up), a serviceable kitchen, a large space for eating our community meal as well as additional spaces for foot care, touch care, hair care, chiropractic care, and clothing distribution. We needed a space that would allow all these services to be a part of the larger group, and at the same time, is separate enough for individual care.
In a perfect world, we would also like to be in a pleasant venue with natural light, clean and modern washrooms, and maybe even a garden. We were looking for a world class venue that would suite the people that we are working with. Someone said, ‘Put a person in a prison like environment and they’ll act like a prisoner. Put a person in a world class venue and they’ll act like a world class citizen’.
This is not a simple list of items, but it is what we need. These are the needs of our operation, and became the criteria around which we directed our search.
The day after the news of our immediate need, I gathered staff for prayer and waiting on God. We met that morning, again that afternoon, and the next morning. We didn’t need ‘a space’; we needed the ‘right space’, and so made inquiry of the Lord.
Good news! In less than one week we had an offer of ‘the perfect space’ for our needs!
Dominion Chalmers United Church has very graciously opened her doors to host our drop in until the renovation is complete – mid July! In every sense, it is the perfect space!
Woodside Hall is where we have hosted our annual community dinners and accommodate 160-200 guests; there is ample room for services, with our volunteers having their ‘own space’ and feeling like they are a part of the larger drop in at the same time; we have access to D.C.’s private garden which Is accessed directly through Woodside Hall; the kitchen is perfect for our needs, and there is parking! In every respect, this is a perfect fit for our present needs.
In less than one week from the time of the announcement of the imminent need to relocate, it was all looked after. Thanks be to God (and thank you Dominion Chalmers)!
You can check out photos on their website: http://www.dc-church.org/
Filed under About OIM, Drop In Services, General Poverty, Homelessness, Justice, Poverty, Poverty in Canada, Respect, Volunteer Ottawa, Volunteering · Tagged with Dignity, drop in, drop in service, help the poor, homelessness canada, homelessness ontario, homelessness ottawa, living on the streets, Make a diference, poverty Canada, poverty ontario, Recovery, social justice
Posted by ken on January 20, 2011 · 4 Comments
Our Christmas Dinner was held this past Tuesday, January 18. Three weeks after Christmas and people who received their cheques before Christmas are ready for a hot turkey dinner. Seems to work for everyone.
Two settings of eighty people each, tickets are distributed and it works well. This year we had an East Coast Trio that did well: one of our Newfoundland guys said, “I close my eyes and I’m back home.”
Volunteers cooking, serving, cleaning, visiting – with our friends from the streets sharing words of thanks and appreciation. One Christmas treat bag each, along with one sock filled with more treats. The other sock was inside the first one – I asked.
So, near the end of the second setting I leave through the kitchen door to return my camera to the car.
I noticed someone standing, well leaning, on the wall outside the main door, just out of view of anyone inside. He was standing on one foot, his leather dress boot in one hand, while at the same time, he is putting on a fresh emptied sock from the gift table. I looked away to preserve some of my friend’s dignity, and my mind was flooded with thoughts filled with emotion.
I didn’t notice any used socks around when I returned: I wonder if he had any socks on at all. The leather dress boots had seen better days, and then only inside, but the winter had turned them white with salt, and there was enough water to penetrate the leather right to the bare feet.
What could happen to a person that he would not have socks? This is sadness.
Then, what could be a better Christmas present than a clean, fresh, warm pair of socks? Can’t get much better than that! That is gladness.
Sadness and gladness all wrapped up in a simple exercise of putting on a pair of socks. The sad story behind this we may never know, but we could imagine there’s a lot of stuff hidden in that story.
Then we have to consider the bigger picture of a bunch of volunteer stuffing socks with candies, hoping to bring a little light into someone’s life – if only they knew just how appropriate their gift really was!
A small thing really, for most of us – but a pretty large thing for our sockless, water soaked, leather booted friend.
You have to wonder if all the preparation of the meal, the music, the gift bags (and sock bags), the venue, the volunteers, and so many countless deeds of kindness that went into the whole Christmas dinner in January… was so that one man, who had cold, wet boots, could have warm feet for just a wee while.
And know that Someone cared.
Filed under christmas cheer, Christmas giving, christmas on the streets, Dignity, Drop In Services, Events, General Poverty, gift of christmas, homeless christmas, Homelessness, Justice, justice canada, meaning of christmas, Miracle on the Streets, Personal Experiences, Poverty, Poverty in Canada, Recovery, Respect · Tagged with break cycle poverty, christmas gift, christmas poverty, christmas spirit, Dignity, drop in, drop in service, gift of christmas, homelessness ottawa, living on the streets, Make a diference, poverty ontario, poverty ottawa, Recovery, Respect, street work, Volunteer, Volunteering
Posted by ken on January 14, 2011 · Leave a Comment
We receive many donations of clothing at the drop in and we invite folks to help themselves to whatever they need. From time to time we are presented with genuine needs that go far beyond any donation.
Jimmy takes a size 15 boot and has difficulties finding this size anywhere in the city. Bill has a rather large circumference and has the same problem.
I approached Bill and told him we could help. If he would like, we could go to a big box store and he could get a couple pair of pants. He declined, saying that his sweat pants were serving their purpose quite well, and that there was no need – perhaps I could find someone who was really poor and who needed it. After some further conversation, he hesitantly admitted, well, he might be able to use some 52” waist trousers given that his other pair of pants were shorts (and he had been wearing them this winter!!) He was too shy to come with me, but if I went to the box store, he would need 52” a (not 50”) waist. I asked if we should do a measurement just in case, but we couldn’t find a measuring tape.
Final words, “Fifty-two.”
“No problem”, I replied, “You wait right here.”
South on Bank Street, and my two BIG questions (nice pun!) at the box store, “Do you have 52” waist pants and size 15 warm winter boots?” was answered in the affirmative. Back to the drop in.
I discretely passed Bill the inside out bag with two pairs of pants and suspenders, and encouraged him to go try them on for size. “Are they 52?” he asked.
“Yes, they are.”
“Then they will be fine, thank you very much. Fifty-two’s will be just fine. Thank you very much.”
“It might be good to try them, just in case. Sometimes store measurements can be a bit off,” I proposed, and, after receiving a somewhat hesitant affirmation, I went off to find Jimmy. Word got out that I had been looking for him, and he was waiting when I returned. Before I told him about the new boots he mentioned that his feet were wet and cold from the snow, and size 15 were not common. I told him that was just what I wanted to talk to him about. He welcomed the news and we went to the car, and he tried on the boots right there.
“Are these size 14?” he asked.
“No, these are size 15 – hey, here’s the tag,” and showed him the big ‘15’ on the box.
“Hmmm, nice.”
I passed him one of the boots and he asked for the other. “My left foot is bigger,” he explained.
Long story short, the left foot was a bit tight, but the right fit perfectly. He was very pleased and thanked me profusely.
Back downstairs to see how Bill made out. When I was only just in sight, he yelled, “Good one Ken! Thanks to Lord too,” and explained how the pants did not fit properly – maybe an inch and a half too short of buttoning up.
“Maybe get a 54 or 55 would be good. Don’t be shy. Sorry for the trouble.”
“No trouble at all,” I replied, “Better to find out now and make the exchange.”
South on Bank Street, and now just one BIG question, “Do you have 54” and Matt promptly searched for the right numbers. “Do you have 55?” I inquired, “that might be better.”
“If it’s just 1 ½ inch, then a 54 will fit just fine.”
Back again to the drop in – it was almost deserted by this time – and no Bill. Anybody seen Bill? He was upstairs getting his hair cut, so all was well.
“Got the 54’s,” I said, “No problem at all.”
“That will be great,” he replied. “Thanks so much. I am so sorry for your trouble. Thank you.”
“Maybe you should just try these on to be sure,” I offered, confident that I had achieved my goal.
“As soon as I’m done.”
Twenty minutes later he came out of the washroom with a concerned look on his face. “Ken, they only just fit. Will they shrink? What if I just hung them to dry? What if the woman that sometimes helps with my laundry forgets, and puts them in the dryer? They just barely fit now. And they’re 54’s (sigh).”
“That’s not so bad. One of our volunteers has a cousin that takes a 60.” He raised his eyebrows. I’ll take them back and get the next size up. Come to the office at noon tomorrow, and we’ll get the right size.”
“I’m so sorry about all this,” he said sadly, ”It is so much trouble.”
“Tomorrow you will have pants that fit properly. You will enjoy them for a long time to come. It’s worth it to do this right. “
“Around noon then. Thank you Ken. Thank you.”
Filed under ABCD, About OIM, Assets Based Community Development, Biblical, Breaking the cycle of poverty, Dignity, Drop In Services, General Poverty, Homelessness, Housing, Housing Canada, Housing Ontario, Housing Ottawa, injustice Ontario, Justice, justice canada, mental health, Miracle on the Streets, Personal Experiences, Poverty, Poverty in Canada, Recovery, Respect, Social, Volunteer Ottawa, Volunteering · Tagged with ABCD, Addictions, Alcoholism, Assets Based Community Development, biblical justice, break cycle poverty, Dignity, drop in, drop in service, help the poor, Homelessness, homelessness canada, homelessness ontario, homelessness ottawa, injustice Canada, injustice Ontario, living on the streets, Make a diference, poverty Canada, poverty ottawa, Recovery, Respect, social justice, Street Outreach, street work, Street Youth, Volunteer
Posted by ken on January 5, 2011 · Leave a Comment
A sunny bright first week of January and many greetings of “Happy New Year” were offered from our friends at the drop in. New Years is just so much better than Christmas.
In addition to the beautiful day, some of our folks were only just receiving their cheques from December (some glitch in the matrix of ODSP/OW) on this day, so it was doubly beautiful (maybe more).
Our numbers are down a bit because of the cheque thing (a typical first of the month pattern), but we have given up trying to estimate our effectiveness through the number of people served a meal. Instead we count the number of positive interactions our volunteers have with our street friends – more than ‘the Big three’ of news, weather and sports.
Downstairs, there’s a couple of euchre games on the go, people visiting with each other, relaxed, informal – a nice place to hang out.
Let’s ‘drop in’ on a few of my encounters with our friends:
I met Bill who is 19 years old and his sister Chaucery (or so I thought, until Bill told me it was his mom), and we chatted. Two years ago he ran from a fight only to have a severe stab wound in the skull: “See the mark?” he says as he points to the top of his head. We talked of a few things, but he told me he didn’t want to talk about his father, one time Chaucery’s partner. Then, after about twenty minutes, he brought up the topic of his father, and how he had been so severely mistreated. Usually, among people who have been mistreated as children it is their fathers who have been the primary causes of abuse. He didn’t want to talk about it, but then he did. He had been diagnosed with some condition of mental illness (before the knife wound and somehow associated with his father), he explained, and lives with his mom. Their hydro had been cut off, and it was a good thing I wasn’t part of the blanket-blank agency, or they would have some choice words for me. They were going to make it, the mom said, because hydro was not their heat source, and their landlord had allowed them to have an extension cord running to a power outlet in the hall. “We have lots to be thankful for,” Bill reminded his mom.
On the way to the coffee urn, Wayne came in and asked if he could have a hamper to take home with him (before the appointed time for hampers) because the service technician was coming to his new place to hook up a phone that afternoon. Wayne has undergone a remarkable recovery from alcohol, drugs and the street scene. He has been clean for over a year now, and has every intention of continuing to improve his life. After many, many attempts to obtain housing, he now has a place of his own. I marvel at what he has accomplished against overwhelming odds, as well at his determination to keep on the ‘straight and narrow’.
Jelica, our managing director, put together a few groceries, while Wayne showed us pictures of his two daughters and grandchildren. “Wow”, I said, admiring the photographs and smiling, “You don’t look it, but you truly are a rich man.” He quickly nodded assent and told a condensed version of the powerful reconciliation he recently had with one of his daughters – after being estranged from her for many, many years.
“Thank you so very much for the food,” he said, and put the pictures carefully in the front part of his knapsack, and the groceries in the back. “I’m off to catch the 12:10 bus.”
As he climbed the stairs out of the building, my eyes met Jelicas’, and there was a simultaneous sigh of gratitude and wonder at this example of a transformed life. More than words are needed to grasp the deep significance of what was happening all around us.
It’s all a gift from God, and gifts of God.
These kinds of encounters happen all the time, each one purposefully and intrinsically orchestrated by our Heavenly Father: each one a display of His splendor . Mother Theresa coined it well when she said, “We see Jesus in the distressing disguise of the poor.”
You should find out how you could be a part of this somehow. Happy New Years!
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