A Uniquely Human Moment

As I was wondering what to write about for this week’s blog, a moment from the past month came to mind.

This “moment” actually began at OIM’s Christmas meal back in early January. I was volunteering as a server, and a man wearing sunglasses (I will call him “Mark”) sat down at the table assigned to me. I served him his turkey dinner and some juice, and since the initial rush of diners had slowed, I sat down to talk with him.

Mark kept his sunglasses on at first, apologizing and explaining to me why he had to keep them on indoors. But as our conversation progressed, he removed them and pushed them up on his head. I interpreted this small gesture as a sign of trust and a desire to connect on a bit more of a human level. They say that the eyes are the window to the soul - and maybe, on some level, Mark knew this too and wanted me to have a glimpse of his.

I didn’t always understand everything he was trying to communicate, but I maintained attentive eye contact as he spoke. I really did want to understand him, his experiences and what his life was like living on the streets of our city. All his fears, frustrations and discouragement, and even some little victories were revealed to me through his eyes if not by his words. Before he left that day, he expressed a need for winter boots that fit properly, so I encouraged him to come to the Winterwear program the following Thursday. I promised him that I would be there to greet him.

Then, winter did as winter does and hurled a storm at the city that required the OIM building to shut down all of its programs that Thursday. I felt terrible as I thought of my new friend Mark and imagined him showing up to get his boots, only to find himself locked out and with no friendly face to greet him. I prayed for him that morning and hoped that he would come back so I could keep my promise.

A few weeks later, I was summoned by another volunteer who told me that someone was asking for me at the door. I walked over to see a dark-hooded man wearing sunglasses who asked if I remembered him. I didn’t initially, that is, until he removed his sunglasses and I looked into his eyes. The recognition was instant, and he immediately broke into a huge smile that matched my own. That “moment” is one that I now hold close as one of the reasons I serve with OIM.

The desire to be known is deeply human. We all crave it because it is a need built into us by our loving Creator. We are more than just physical beings, and there is more than one kind of starvation that can kill us. That day, Mark got his new boots, a couple of pairs of warm, clean socks, a snack and some hot coffee. He lingered long enough for us to have another conversation, and even though I wasn’t able to help him with everything he

needed, he told me before he left that I had made his day. The truth is, he had made mine too. And isn’t that the beautiful, mutual thing that happens when we take the time to meaningfully connect with one another?

~ Jen, OIM Volunteer

A picture of OIM's Winter Wear program with winter boots and coats.