The Word from the Streets - September 4, 2002

Namaste

Lots of volunteers today - Before we took off, Mahadev gathered us together to explain a new system of passing out the lunches. Lots of the regulars were at Peachtree and Pine. It was a scorcher today, and the mood was mellow. Everyone seemed agreeable to the new system. It seemed like we were there quite awhile. We had time to talk and laugh with the regulars, meet new ones and hear stories. Carter and I went over to Rosa's canopy. She was resting in there with a friend that takes care of her. She had gotten food and water for Rosa. She told us that she is still reading the Agatha Christie book. Todd was there, full of smiles...flirting with all of us girls. Actually the spirits were great today - so many love-filled beings. What a joy to be there with them! We did run out of our quota of lunches to pass out at Peachtree and Pine. It's tough to have to turn anyone away. In the teaching of Neem Karoli Baba, our wish is to Feed Everyone, but sometimes we just don't have the means. We do the best we can do. Off to Renaissance Park.

Not too busy today. Homer is there to greet us in his area of the park. He's not too chatty, but happy to see us. On the back side of the park there's a few guys we feed. Another guy, who I didn't recognize...said "I would ask for another lunch...but I got one at Peachtree and Pine" (He flashed his number to us) He went on to say "you wouldn't have known but I would have and that wouldn't be right...I'm so thankful that I got one...Bless you all" Ahhh...There are so many moments out here on the streets that touch your heart...this would be one of those!

On our way to the big park we all reminisce about doing street meals. We commented on the fact that we really feel safe out here, even in some of the intense times we've experienced. Also we were talking about how over the last two years of the Ma's Street Meal program, it's only rained about two times. Even if it had been raining all day, it stops during our "lunch window." We are convinced that we are being watched over during that time and that us and our people are being taken care of and blessed by the Mother. We arrive at Woodruff Park with about eight cases of water and four bags of lunches. Once again the new system seems to be a hit. Yeah Mahadev! Everyone was chatty and happy in the line. They are so happy to see us. It was a blast handing out books in the line. Towards the front of the line is Greg, one of the serious readers. He calls out to get a book...He is So excited to get a new one. When he gets excited his stuttering gets intense. After he picked out a book he thanked me. With this I told him he's welcome and "that it was so great to see you Greg" Oh my God...with that he squealed!!! He was so thrilled that I remembered his name. He grabbed and hugged me. We both stood there with tears in our eyes..Amazing. Thank you Jaya Devi for suggesting that we keep a book of names...Whew...

Julia was there visiting. She's one of the gals that was on the streets a while ago. Now she's employed and has her own apartment. She likes to check in every now and then. Really, I think she's there to see Mahadev...She loves that man! Our newly employed Kevin came by to visit. Life is just grand with him. We gave him a picture today of himself in his uniform. He was thrilled and said he was going to hang it up in his apartment. David, our urban sadhu was showing off his picture we gave him last week. He said, "see I have it with me in my book wherever I go." As we were getting ready to head home we noticed Mahadev talking to "Mom." Seems as though she was having a problem where she's living and needs another place to stay. Mahadev wanted to make some calls to find her a room. Most of the group loaded up in Jacquelyn's suburban and headed back. It was so much fun to hang out on the benches talking to folks while we waited for Mahadev. It's really quite a community there.. We felt so blessed to be able to share time and space with them! Mahadev got Mom a room!

Namaste y'all, Michele