The Word from the Streets - October 4, 2006

Namaste,

It was a beautiful day out on the streets today. So much love to be shared. It is amazing what happens when you open yourself up to someone and just give a smile or a hug, some happiness and love in a place where it is so needed. In the words of our Paramaguru, Neem Karoli Baba, “God is in the sharing.” and that is what we do on the streets every Wednesday. We feed on all levels, from our street famous peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to our love of our family on the street.

Today, while we were in Central Park, a man we hadn't seen before, Marcus, told us how much he felt our respect and that we don't discriminate. He asked if we did any fundraising or took donations and was so taken by us, that he insisted on giving us ten dollars ( out of the little money he had) for the program, even though he is homeless himself.

We also saw our Cookie and our Thomas. Cookie was talking about how the fall was coming and she liked that, but before you know it, it would be winter and very cold. “ I can't do that cold”, she said. “ Makes me want to move to Florida.” It made me think of what it must be like for them out in the cold, night after night, and I rememebered that our Holiday Street Meals is coming soon and anticipated getting some things to help take the sting out of the cold soon and keep them warm. One thing that amazes me about Cookie is how grateful for life she is. Despite her situation, she says “I am grateful to the Lord for being here today.” and she means it.

One of our guys at Peachtree and Pine, Mohammed told us of his grieving. His ex-wife just passed and she and he need our prayers.

We also saw our Mark Thomas today at Woodruff Park, who is doing so well now and has a two bedroom apartment! He is working really hard to get to the other side of things.

We also saw Sam and Robert the poet, and Percy and Mohammed, and Lindsey, and Dionne and George and Al and so many others, that their names all can't fit here, but they fit in our hearts forever. These are our family that make every Wednesday the best day of the week. We love you.

Thank you Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati, beloved Guru, for making this all possible.

All our Hearts,
The Kashi Atlanta Street Meals Team

 

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