Today was just an incredible day. I'm trying to figure out how to put my feelings into words, but it was just amazing. I loved going out, and talking to random people on the streets. I was worried at first because of Saturday, but this time I was going into it was a stronger heart, mind, and had God's spirit in my head. In the morning we had training to help us interact with the homeless better, and that helped me a lot. During the training our staff leader talked about the book, When Helping Hurts, which is a book I read last summer for the Dominican Republic. It was a nice refresher, and good reminder of how to respond to poverty, and treat those that are homeless. On Saturday when I went into my anxious mode I couldn't get God into my head, and I didn't pray or anything. Today I wanted to make the afternoon worth it, and I feel really good about everything that happened.
The group I went with today was me, three other girls, and one guy, named Jordan. He was really awesome about conversing with the homeless about anything. It was insane how well he could keep a conversation going. He was actually one of the "white shirts" from the homeless stimulation, but thankfully, none of us are mad at him anymore haha. We all packed two lunches to take downtown, one for us, and one to offer to a homeless person. The guy I ended up talking to one-on-one was a man named, Jeff, and he was out by the waterfront with a sign about needing money, and holding a cup. He also had a 2 year old pit bull with him named, Moose. I approached him, and asked him if he knew anyone who might need this lunch, and he said, "me", so I asked if I could sit down and eat with him. The rest of my group kinda went off to the side and let me do my own thing. It wasn't really hard at all to keep a conversation with him. He is from California and has been homeless for two years, and without a job for 1. Moose, and him live in a tent. We just had small talk for awhile, and he shared with me about how there are different types of homeless people in Seattle. He was one that didn't pity himself. He knows that he made choices along the way in his life that landed him here. He told me that he didn't feel stuck here, and that if a job comes along then good, but if not that it's okay too. He doesn't mind living the way he does. He just really cares about keeping Moose healthy. I kept trying to think of ways that I could bring up God to see if he was a Christian when he somewhere along the line decided to disclose that he had been in prison for 32 years. I figured this was a way I could steer the conversation towards God because I know a lot of people find Him while they're there. He really didn't seem to want to talk about himself all that much. He more like wanted to talk about what I was doing, and give me the wisdom he has gathered throughout his life. He was really knowledgeable about random things. He said he was taking classes, like college courses while in prison, and had a 3.9 GPA. I really want to trust everything he told me, and he seemed legit. When I asked if the prison offered him a chance to have a religion if he wanted to practice one, he shared with me that he is a Seventh Day Adventist Christian. I didn't even know what that was, but one of the huge differences is, is that they recognize Saturday as the Sabbath. So even if it wasn't "Christianity" at least he was practicing a religion. I really respect people who aren't afraid to search things out for themselves. He mentioned God a few times, and the things he said sounded Christian to me, so I don't really see a huge difference. He was in his 50's so he has experienced a lot in life. He told me he grew up a lot while in prison. He also said that he is happy with how things are because he has experienced so much. One of the last things he said to me was, when I look in the mirror each morning I need to ask myself, "What goals do I want to accomplish today?" and even if I don't accomplish them, at least I'm striving for something. I was really glad to talk to him. I talked to him for a good half hour, and it was a good first experience. Homeless people are seriously just like us. I also gave him a little money because I believe he would put it to good use. I think he appreciated just a good conversation with somebody.
After I rapped things up with Jeff I headed off with my group again. I just hung out around Jordan until the rest of the girls finished talking with their people they chose. We were out there for about 2 1/2 hours, and it was about time to start heading back to where we were meeting our buses. When we were on our way back, Salzman (a girl named Kayla in my group), ran into a guy named, Michael, that she met on Saturday during the homeless simulation. She had told us all about him on Saturday night, and how much it impacted her. He was SUCH an amazing guy. He was like any other person you'd meet. He had such a contagious laugh, and him and a friend sat on the bench they were sitting on and sang to us a little because his friend had such an amazing voice. He would be goofing around with us, but then get all serious and say something completely inspiring. A few of his quotes are: "But for real, you are all beautiful children of God." "If you remember your treasures are in heaven, and not in this world then it'll all be good" "Positive things come to positive people because of their positive minds." "If you do everything with your heart then you can never lose." "Don't let people steal your dream, make your dream". He literally made me tear up several times. It was just so amazing to me that someone that has nothing can come, and try to impact our lives positively without looking for anything in return.
We talked to a few others randomly as we were walking too. Jordan (the guy in our group) took the lead of the conversations for those random people, and did an outstanding job. Just listening to people's stories, and how open they are just blows my mind. These people just want to be treated like human beings. Yah they might be asking for money, but what most of them really want is someone who is genuinely interested in talking to them.
Tonight we are meeting in our DNA groups to talk about the day, and then tomorrow we are back out to the streets!! And I'm actually really excited about the people I might meet!
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