The Word from the Streets - November 27, 2002

Namaste

There's so much grace in service. I am on such a seva high. This is the juice ya'll. Okay here we go with the street meal story! I ended up driving because we had left a coat that we had bought for Carl at Allison's house. We got to Peachtree and Pine just a few minutes before the sandwich mobile. When we were waiting there, Jimmy Johnson came up to the car to say hello. He asked me if I remembered meeting him last week. I told him yes and that I had the shoes he needed for the elderly woman he cares for. Just then, "Big Red "rounded the corner into the parking lot full of all the lunches and volunteers. Unknown to us in the car, the van participants included our beloved Jaya Devi Bhagavati. That was such a pleasant surprise!

It was a very chilly day out on the streets today. There were a lot of guys walking around with new blankets. They told us that one of the hotels were handing them out. It's so wonderful to hear of other people's kindness. Every little bit helps. Several of the guys we talked to said they had a place to go for Thanksgiving. They all were excited to stuff themselves silly. Some were going to spend time with family and some said that they'd be feasting at one of the local churches. Curtis was at Peachtree and Pine today. It had been a long time since we've seen him. Last night, I was going through the list of guys in my head (and heart) and I was wondering if we'd see Curtis some time soon. I love that. Amazing things happen when you run people through your heart! We met a new guy today named Alberto. He insisted on giving me a book to read. He also said that he has been cold and that he really needs some socks to help him keep warm.

The convoy next went over to Renaissance Park. Our Homer was there in his usual spot waiting for us. He has become such a favorite of ours. Everyone wants to go visit with Homer. When we asked if he was staying warm, he told us that they're letting the guys into the shelter during the day. So, then we asked him if he was in the park just to see us. That question got him laughing. When Mahadev came towards us all, Homer called out "Ty, Ty hello Ty." On the stairs leading up to the back of the park, were some guys that asked for our prayers. The cold weather has got them scared. We told them that by just talking to them, initiated the prayers. There are more prayers to follow.

It was so gusty when we got to Cental Park. All our people were up on the hill. As we approached the group, there was movement under one of the blankets. A head popped out and said" Hey ya'll, so good to see you!" It was Connie, Homer's friend we met at Renaissance Park a while ago. She told us that she was just over with Homer a few minutes before we arrived. We told them about the holiday packs that we'd be delivering at Peachtree and Pine in December.

There weren't too many people at Woodruff Park today. In fact, we had extra lunches.Our Jaya Devi had brought some yummy muffins she had baked with her. Not only were we fortunate enough to get one, so were some of our guys. Thank you Jaya Devi!!! That was very sweet of you. A few of the regulars were there to chat it up with us. "Mom" was there and looked really good. She had brought the knit hats she promised for Candika and myself. She said she had plans for the holiday and was excited about it.

So many of us remarked about not being able to imagine what it would be like to be on the streets during such cold weather. We said that we were cold just for the few minutes we were outside serving. We are then able to turn the heater on in the car and warm up. Makes one very grateful for all that we have.

I wish for Baba's blanket to cover our friends out here on the streets.

Forever grateful to serve,
Sadhu