The Word from the Streets - August 28, 2002

Peachtree and Pine was packed with folks today. Once again we were blessed to have received bottled water from Rabia. She told us she would make sure to get water every week. Thank you dear heart! The water is so appreciated on these hot summer days. It's so amazing that something so simple, yet so necessary is difficult for people to obtain. Lots of lunches handed out here today. I didn't see Rosa up and about. Jaya Devi and I walked over to her canopy set-up and talked to a woman that was helping Rosa. Turns out Rosa had a stomach ache. I asked the woman to please give Rosa the Agatha Chrisie book she asked for last week. A moment later, a little voice came from the other side of the plastic, thanking us. We met a new fellow named O'Dell. He was trying to see if we could help a friend of his with a car problem. Mahadev and the friend talked - don't know the outcome. After the hugs and waves we head out to Renaissance Park.

As we break off into groups, we notice our Homer standing and waiting for us. He has a new haircut. He looked so handsome...like a Buddhist Monk. He was really quite chatty with us today. He even broke into a little French for me! He is such a dear. He told us that the park wasn't crowded because they had just mowed and the police kicked everyone out. Ran into Shirley on top of the hill. Last month we got her a pair of sneakers. Seems as though someone stole them and that she needs another pair. She also wants some socks. Both her and Rosa need 8 1/2 size sneakers - if anyone can help out, that would be great.

As we rode to Woodruff park, we talked about how the street is an amazing vehicle for self-discovery. Things aren't about you, but they are!! It seems at times someone will come up to one of us with an issue they're dealing with and somehow it is something that pertains to us. Random, coincidental... I don't think so!!! Another topic- Seems Shakti and Rachel are talking about getting a street meal program going with kids. They would all gather and make the lunches then distribute them. What a jammin' idea. Best to start people with seva at a young age - well anything when they're young, they're little sponges!

Not all of our usual characters at the big park today. Our Kevin is probably still doing security for Cuba Gooding Jr. Just as the last of the books were being divvied out, I hear: "Michele...don't forget about me!" Here comes Wilson with a huge grin with arms outstretched to hug me. Whew! Glad I had a book. He recently had cataract surgery in one eye. He'll have the other one done soon. Also he won his settlement with workmans' comp. He'll be receiving enough money to be able to get off of the streets! I'm going to close with words from our urban Sadhu David; He gave Melissa a sheet of paper with words he wants to share with us.

I'm truly blessed to serve - Namaste, Michele.

God is: Love, Complete, Everlasting, Inexhaustible, Infinite, Perfect, Personal, Pure, Total, True, Unchanging, Unfailing, Unselfish, Unconditional.
His gift to us: recieving the Holy Spirit :
Father, I want to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and live each day in the Holy Spirit's power. By faith I receive the Holy Spirit just as Jesus promised me, as a free gift from you right now. Thank you for filling me with your Holy Spirit. Amen