The
Word from the Streets - November
20, 2002
 Namaste
Although there were many wonderful moments on the
streets today, this entry of the days activities is
difficult for me to write about. Today, we found out
that our Dear friend Daniel (in the photo
at left, with the author) died a few days ago.
He was the face that I would search out in the crowd
every Wednesday at Peachtree and Pine. We would exchange
hugs, laughter and books. He was so loved by all of
us, he was family. He is already missed. When we learned
of his death, we really felt him right there on the
streets with us. We love you Daniel and we will
miss your sweetness. I met a new man named Walter.
He asked me to select a book that Daniel would have
liked from the assortment I had in my bag. He went
on to say that he will take Daniel's place and meet
me for a book every week.
Melissa introduced me to her friend Horace
that she met last week. He still is wanting us to
get him a large card so he could gather the guys at
Peachtree and Pine and have them sign it for Ma.
Todd was there with his regular 'baked goods'
for the children. They weren't there so, Jacqueline
gave some to Shirley and Charles (one
of our newest sweet men).
We had a blast talking to Homer today. We found
out that he really does like to talk. It takes him
time to gather his thoughts, so if you're patient,
he'll talk more. Today we found out that he learned
English in sixth grade in Vietnam and French in ninth
grade. Also, his father was in the navy and traveled
to the United States. Homer said that he learned some
of the American slang from tapes his father had.
Woodruff Park was as delightful as ever. Our regulars,
our family, were there to greet us. I cruised down
the line like always handing out books. Today was
different though. It was like they knew I was sad.
I was getting hug after hug all the way down the line.
It was so beautiful. There is so much love here, and
everywhere for that matter. Love attracts love. When
we saw our David he said "OK y'all come
hug me, it's my birthday. God has given me forty years
of wonderful life on this earth!" There was so
much joy and laughter today at the park. After the
lunches were passed out, we had so much fun hanging
out there. Really, the lunches, for the most part,
are just a vehicle to engage with these ' forgotten
folks.' It's really not about the sandwiches (and
we make a killer PB&J sandwich). It gives us an
opportunity to reach out and connect. If we can just
touch one person, and he can believe in himself then
something amazing has happened.
Forever
grateful to serve...
Namaste,
Sadhu
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Street Meals
helps alleviate hunger for the homeless population in
Atlanta. Every Tuesday from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m., volunteers
prepare meals at Kashi Atlanta. The next day at lunchtime,
we distribute 300 meals or more in downtown Atlanta.
Street Meals is supported by a dedicated corps of volunteers
who are committed to seva - selfless service –
as an extension of their yoga practice. Teaching people
about the joy of community service is a part of our
commitment.
We have just begun. We are working with different shelters
and organizations with similar goals to expand the assistance
available on our streets. We believe that there are
no throw-away people.
We also need financial contributions. We can feed someone
a good meal for $1.00, so no donation is too small or
too large.
We need volunteers to help make and distribute meals,
to organize pick-up and delivery of food donations,
to pick up donations, and to shop for food that hasn’t
been donated. You can also sign up to donate any of
the items above, make cookies or muffins, get your employers
to donate, or find us a source for bread, chips, drinks,
and other food. Get involved and you really can make
a difference. Learn to live from the heart and give
from the heart.
For more information about Street Meals, contact Ty
Mahadev Bittner, our Service Programs Coordinator.
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