Last night it was 18 pounds of sloppy joeishness making dinner bright for those men and women who joined me for the Monday night episode of Street Reach for the Homeless Dinner and Duds on a very soggy night. (and less than a half pound was left by the end of the evening). Got out of work at the real job later than usual for a Monday but had browned all the ground beef before coming to work so still had nearly an hour and a half to make a dinner happen. Since weather was a tad warmer, brought out some of the summer sides since freezing would not be an issue. There were individual bags of a variety of chips for all, 10 pounds of potato salad, 5 pounds of cole slaw, 5 pounds of macaroni salad, 4 pounds of a mixed salad with Cucumber Ranch dressing (and a touch of sweet Vidalia onion) and fresh banana segments. I had 36 cookies that were not used at the Courtyard for Sunday at Six so those were available along with 32 individually wrapped rice krispie treats for dessert. Soda was not likely to freeze so 3 two liters of name brand soda, a gallon of sweet tea and Sunny D, along with a case of bottled water were featured in the beverage area. The Monday night Saints on the Streets (led by two different contingents last night) basically met us coming AND going. First half, led by Stephanie Kaczor-Niemeyer, brought members of the Chapter #1 Freedom Riders and their gifts in our direction.....With Malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us finish the work we are in Abraham Lincoln Blessed!!! Stephanie stepped in for me in the serving line to finish seconds or possibly thirds of sloppy joes since I wasnt there so I could go to the van and get the mobile boutique rolling. Second half, Bobby Kemp and crew from the Huntington Church of the Nazarene joined us just as the last 2 gents were leaving. Again, blessed to see these Christian faces returning and reaching out to the lest of these outside their own community. Coming to serve but more importantly, coming to form relationships, restore faith and simply listen. What a gift. God bless. From the van, as typical this time of year, more blankets and thick comforters went to those needing either padding or warmth (and some to those who have found a floor or couch to surf for the time being as they are precariously housed. I purchased 4 pairs of boots over the weekend along with another tent so felt I would be good to go when I backed out of my driveway slightly before 8 pm. But before my feet had even touched the ground after I parked, the two tents that made the trip down with me were claimed - one for one gent who had been in the latest relocation area and whose tent had been slashed (do not know by who so no assumptions please) and another who has recently returned to the streets. Thought I had another in the van for a third gent who asked but apparently I gave out one more than I remembered last Thursday because I did not have 3. I will return for 2 more tents (as well as tarps as most all the camo colored ones I had went out last night and that (camo colored, brown or gray are the ONLY ones being used at this time due to recent challenges). Was able to put boots on 4 gents last night but was short a second pair of 11s so will check at home or wait for the next two day Meijer boot sale for that gent. Sent a pair of 13s with another gent for his bridge mate to try and am praying they fit the feet of someone who suffered from frost bite last year and now is so hard to fit. Had eight 6 hour sternos from GFS with me and giving each person who asked only one, left with zero, zip, nada by the end of the night so will purchase another 8 for Thursday night when I return. A heavy 2x vest went to one gent who is now a Salvation Army bell ringer (whoo hoo!!!), hoodies and sweatshirts went to others, pillow slips for one gal (not outside but had requested) and two more folks still got a winter coat as one gal had none and the other was simply too tight. Socks, candles (need more only have one left), one sleeping bag, and large black trash bags to protect in the falling rain went to most. Every night the drive downtown is met with the wonder of what the night will bring and no more so than last night. Rain, cold, wet, knowing posted relocations had happened, knowing these men and women right now are under a watchful eye at this most magnificent time of the year and tensions often rise. Lighted horse drawn carriages trot down the street, Christmas lights twinkle and merriment abounds. Yet, these men and women are faced with the basic realities of their life - where will I sleep tonight? how will I stay warm? how will I stay dry? Where will I go for a restroom? Will there be enough power before my flashlight dims to get this new tent I just received up so I can try .... and I emphasize try ... to sleep before it begins all over again? Monday pretty much looks like Tuesday, and Tuesday like Wednesday, etc. There is no where do I hang the Christmas stockings? Where did I store that mantle decoration last year? Theres life!! A life that is often lonely, isolating and nearly always a struggle. So count your blessings as we each Monday and Thursday night count ours. Remember each man and woman is such a unique human being .... to be valued and respected .... by those of us who are their neighbors. Their neighbors in this city of churches....this award winning metropolis. Our neighbors and yet to others...a beloved father, a brother, a son, a mother, a sister, a daughter, a grandparent ....an old school chum .... a neighborhood friend....and to me, this gray haired gal with an old van and a daughter, son and grandson who I love more than life itself..... my family ... my friends. God bless.
Posted on: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 16:39:19 +0000