The Word from the Streets - January 10, 2007

Namaste,

There is such a change in so many of the guys we serve every week. When we set up at the shelter each week, they always ask us to say a little something to the guys into a microphone.

Our introduction by "Sarge" has changed from what it used to be. He used to call us the peanut butter and jelly people. Now he says...Please put your hands together for The Ma Loves You People!!!

Both this and last week we told the guys that we would like to know them and that if they wanted to, please introduce themselves as they came through the line.

It is truly beautiful to see how this affected so many hearts. As the guys came through the line, there was such a softness and tenderness in them. So many guys came through with big smiles and a kind word or look in their eyes. The shelter was so peaceful today.

Many of our regulars...and our spoiled ones are always so happy to help us unload and set up. The group of those we hold dearly gets bigger and bigger!

Each week it really is like visiting family...we catch up with one another, laugh, listen and hug and sometimes we hear news that breaks our hearts.

Next on our stop was our Central Park folks. This park has always been so important for us and them for years now. Our friends at this park are a family.

These folks don't go to shelters, have drug issues, and are very hungry for love. As we do every week, we made our way through the park handing out lunches and giving out hugs. As we were approaching one woman, she called out " I can't believe you are here to give us food...and oh my God...I really need a hug...I don't remember my last hug!"

Her name is Josephine and this was the first time she met us.She was so overwhelmed by the hugs...she really couldn't believe we would really come here and give the people hugs!

On our way out of the park, she called out for a goodbye hug! Another woman told us how "the family" spent Christmas...She said that they went to a nearby church and had a service, food and even some gifts!

She told us that she has strong faith in God, she knows that God wants her to be alive. She had been shot and stabbed in the past and struggles with drug addiction, but she is still here and knows that she is here for a reason.The people here were also so relaxed and gentle today.

When we pulled up to our last stop, we had to wait a few moments for the car that had the lunches in it to arrive. The guys stood patiently in line and hung out and talked with us.

We hold deeply to the words of our Mother Guru, that THERE ARE NO THROWAWAY PEOPLE!!! We know this and the more that we are out here talking and loving these folks, the more others are stopping and noticing. We are doing it because this is what we do, and often we are approached by on-lookers wanting to know who we are. The bliss of Seva (selfless service) is very contagious!

There was a time years ago, that the line would have gone out of control and the guys would have not been so mellow. There is such beauty, such kindness that exists out here, that so many folks don't know about. Every week we are usually graced with a few new people who get to meet our friends...our family.

In deep Gratitude,
The Ma Jaya's Kashi Atlanta Street Meal Team

 

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