Hitting the Books

Monday, (yes we worked on Memorial Day, however it was a short day) was a "set your own schedule day" so after prayer we went to Retreat. Gary's talk was great. We talked about prayer, but the main thing I took away was just how I so often think and talk about God, and serving and loving him. But how rarely am I just overcome with passion, with "agape" for the Lord! I speak of great love and surrender but do I feel or show it?

After the talk J.B gave me a note from Steven, which made me really excited that we can continue to communicate while we is going through rehab. He just said he wanted to keep talking to keep having positive influences in his life. So I wrote him back a little note and verse.

I spent most of the morning talking with (or rather listening to...I think I got 3 words in) Walter. He talked about his nephew and his high school friend that he helped turn her life around and get back into the church. Gary brought to our attention, us female interns, that we should really be intentional about seeking out women and building relationships with them, rather than mostly men. This is fairly hard for me. Besides the drastically disproportionate numbers of men and women, I find the woman to mostly be either very bitter and difficult to talk to, or just very quite altogether. But, I have been keeping that in mind and tried my best today. I talked with one lady, who didn't seem to interested but was pleasant so we talked for a while. Then I sat down by Rebecca, whom I have met before. She is sweet and clear headed. She is not all that forthcoming, but she also just looked tired so who knows.

I also talked to J.B. for a while. He told me a lot about his life: about high school and partying with the jocks, and then his addiction and sleeping on the street outside the church, then eventually meeting Gary and turning things around with the help of his dad and the Salvation Army. He is a great guy and an beautiful example of how God works in people.

I left pretty early to go read in preparation for our discussion Tuesday (today).

Today, we started late (because Jenny had a great interview to go to!). We ate lunch and had some really good discussion about the book and some about ministry in general-- asking the right question before you just start doing something. We spent pretty much the rest of the day at Atlanta Mission (and walking to and from there). We got a tour and got to understand more about their programs and mission. It seems like a great place for people who are serious about changing. The guy who led us around, Aaron, kept saying how important relationships were, and though they do offer tangible services, that really the relationships and at the end of the day treating these guys as fellow human beings, not just as homeless crack heads, is really what matters.

After the Mission we went to the lot. I met Frank and talked to him for a bit about different things including his daughter who went to Tech. Then we, as interns, had a bit of a run in with a woman who is always at the lot and always angrily cussing people out. She just went off on us today. It's hard to deal with some one who is so inexplicably angry all the time. None of us were even talking to her. But I don't know her story. I would like to...I'd like to talk to her, but she will have none of it for the time being.

(pd: Siente libre escribir un commentario en cualquier idioma si te gusta algo o tengas un piensamiento profundo, o tonto. Los quiero, mis Chilenos)

Friends in All Places

I love running into people I thought I would never see again. This happened over and over again on Friday. It started out as a pretty slow day. We did a lot of studying in the morning, then a friend of Pastor Andy's came and talked to us to give us a "street view" of the neighborhood. And we learned that Steven has officially started his detox program!

Next we walked around Little 5 and ran into Gus, our traveling hippy friend. He played a song for us and told us how much it meant to him that we walk with him the other day and he was sorry for losing his temper. After lunch we went to Hurt park and I talked to Ed for a long time (thought I'd never see him again either). We talked about lots of things, life in general. Then he taught us some quick math tricks. He was obviously happy to be able to teach us, to serve us, as someone who is always being served and talk down to.

After Hurt, we walked over to Woodruff park. Here I talked to 2 guys I had never met, James and Jimmy. James is a poet and shared with me his poem, "Peace of Mind". Jimmy is a singer and sang a few of his songs for me. Afterwards we played some chess (and I lost as usual). While I was talking with these guys, Rodney came over and said hey to me. I was surprised and so happy to see him. We stopped by the lot on our way back and I talked with Cody, I guy I met at the Lutheran church on our first day! He is a great guy. I remembered his bald head, smile, and positive attitude. We again, talked about life, God, everything. It amazes me how often a conversation that starts off "Hey, what's your name" ends up about God.

Saturday was another great sunny day in the park. I met a few guys while Lauren and I picked up trash, but spent most of my time playing cards with a guy from Nigeria. It was fairly uneventful, but a very good day.

Always Something New

Today we started with prayer as always and then spent the morning discussing our readings. Then we headed to Atlanta Union Mission for lunch. Some kids (looked like 13 or 14 years old) were serving the food there. Apparently they were with some school program where they are homeless for a week. Each kid gets $4 a day, a blanket, and a water bottle. They sleep in the playground of an elementary school, meaning they got wet tonight. I was impressed with this program. I've never heard of something for kids that age. We also talked to a regular server. He is going through a personal development program at the Mission and completed 1 year of sobriety today. He was also diagnosed with schizophrenia but has been off his meds and the doctors say he is fine (but he still goes in every 3 months). I have never heard of anyone just getting over schizophrenia...incredible!

Next we headed to the park at St. Luke's. I talked to two guys, one who is not homeless but still comes around to talk to the guys. The other didn't talk at first then launched into a hour long monologue explaining his work in material science. He pulled out complicated diagrams of polymetric something and robots. I honestly didn't understand it, but he is clearly very smart. Then he started getting into all kinds if things that didn't quite make sense.

After the park we went to the office for some reading and intern bonding time. On the way in we ran into Rachel. We just spoke for a brief moment but she said something that stuck with me. She was talking about some author and said she writes about "the hood, something you don't know about." I said I know I don't, but we are trying to learn. To that she replied that it's not something that can be learned, it has to be experienced. I know that I have not been through the same things, or experienced the life of these guys. Sometimes I think, how can I possible relate, or why would they listen to what I have to say. She is right, that I can never fully understand, but I believe there is value is getting to know our neighbors. And I have seen already, that everyone can relate on some level. So I will be there tomorrow to try and understand more.

Just as we were getting ready to head back to the lot, a storm rolled in. We figured no one would be outside but when it stopped raining we went down and chatted with some guys until it started to pour again. Most of the guys we know stay at a shelter, but I know there are so many out on the streets tonight. My heart is just going out to them in this storm.

A Crazy Start

"Sum it up in 3 Words...Love your neighbor"

Ok confession; I'm not into blogging. I didn't want to write a blog, but everyone has been asking me "what is church on the street (COTS)?" and "what do you mean you hang out with homeless people?" and "how is it going?". So I decided this is the best way to keep everyone informed. Unfortunately, because I didn't start right away, I now have a lot to catch up on, so I apologize in advance for this lengthy post.

I've already seen and learned so much in a week and a half. The first few days walking around the Atlanta I feel like I've gotten to really know this city that I have lived in almost my whole life. I'm starting to see it with new eyes. I have met some wonderful people and some crazy people. I've had some conversations about the economy, religion, sports, comic books, drugs, and gotten to hear about people's stories and lives.

Our first real day of the internship we went to a service at a Lutheran church. I talked to some people there but the music was so loud, conversation was hard to carry on. After this service I learned that Pastor Andy had left us and we told to just spend a few hours on the streets. I must say I was intimidated by this charge, but excited to finally get out there. We went down to the lot and I somehow had to make conversation with these strangers. Luckily I quickly ran into Will. I see Will now fairly regularly there. He is 61 and sells cigarettes on the street. Really we have no business being friends, the world would say. But we have great conversations. He's a funny, respectful, clearheaded man. I met some other colorful people; some obviously high, others just burnt-out and cynical, and some delighted to have someone to chat with. It was a great first day.

That night (I believe...my days get a little jumbled) we went to a service at Safe House, where they have a little talk, worship music, and dinner for the homeless. There I met Ed and his dog, Lucky. Ed hitch-hiked to Atlanta from Arizona to help his daughter out of an abusive marriage. It took 2 months and they walked almost the whole way. He told me that every time he was down to his last can of tuna, he prayed to God to sustain him and some how, out of nowhere, strangers would give him food or money. He is now moving on to Florida. I left that night, just encouraged by him but saddened thinking I may never see him again. In fact, I will continue to meet and build relationships with people who I may never see again in my life. This is still something I think about, but I know if it's just one conversation, God can use just that. (I did happen to run in to Ed the other day. He is doing well and riding down to Florida with a friend in a few weeks.)

The next morning after we went to Retreat from the Street, a time of prayer and bible study and yes some food, for the the homeless as well as some guys that aren't homeless but are struggling with different things. This really is just a safe space to escape the hectic, dangers of the world, and grow spiritually. It started out a little crazy and unfocussed, but once bible study got going I was surprised at how intent these folks were to learn more. I could just see their thirst for the word. Some lively discussion broke out that Gary (COTS staff who leads Retreat) let go to a point and the guys resolved it among themselves. After Bible study officially ended people kept reading the Bible, talking about God, and discussing.

I talked to a bunch of guys here. One man, Adrienne, preached to me for a while about spiritual gifts. He has an incredible knowledge of the Bible and scripture, but jumps around a lot. I talked to a bunch of other guys, some about God (and heard some questionable theology...) and some just about life and their struggles. I also met Jim Shriver (who writes "a beer for breakfast". The link is to your right, take a look) and heard his story of how he got involved with the homeless. The phrase he uses on his blog is "comforting the distressed and distressing the comfortable" which I absolutely love.

Friday morning we talked about the books we as interns are reading, as a study on theology and homelessness. In the afternoon we walked around more, to Centennial Olympic Park and the CNN center and finally Woodruff park. This is park by 5 points where a bunch of people (homeless and otherwise) come and play chess or just hang out. I got to talking to a guy named Rodney for a long time. We talked about everything. He assumed I was there to preach to him, as many people like me who come to the park do. So, he jumped in and started talking about God and religion. He does not subscribe to any religion, but follows the Bible, Qur'an, and Torah. We agreed on somethings but disagreed a many more. Still we were able to have an honest conversation about it. Eventually he asked me, "So are you studying to be a preacher or what" and I explained I go to Georgia Tech and am not with any church or any group out to "save" him. So we talked about life some more, about me school and about him in his current situation. A guy started handing out sandwiches and Rodney went to get one. We continued talking and he said to me, "I'm thankful for this, don't get me wrong, but at the end of the day I'm still under the bridge." He went on to explain the problem of homelessness is in the lack of accountability and community. This was so encouraging to hear. he was saying things that COTS is centered around.  

After Woodruff we headed to St. Paul's and sorted through clothes, then it was off to the lot. I sat next to a guy named Henry, who bluntly said something to the effect of "Why are you here? I already know everything you are going to tell me. I asked him "what do you think I'm here to tell you?" and he replied "Jesus and all that". I said I would talk to him about what every he wanted to talk about. So we talked about his family and his past for a bit and then he had to go inside (shelter curfew is 7). In this area people know the gospel. In fact church groups are constantly driving in handing out sandwiches (or hot dogs ;)) and preaching about Jesus and Hell. This community is not starving, and as I mentioned earlier, many of them know about Jesus and can quote scripture at you. Still that is what people think their needs are so when I walk into the lot people assume I am going to preach at them. But I know it meant something to Henry that I sat with him and actually listened for once. He always says hello to me with a smile when he sees me now.

Saturday was wonderful and relaxing. I looked around and just thought this is exactly what community should be. We were a big crew with all sort of backgrounds just playing chess or checkers, talking, and enjoying snow cones on a sunny day. I love my job.

That afternoon we went back to the lot and hung out with Will and those folks. It is nice to be able to see some the same faces day in and day out and actually establish a presence there. People know I'm going to be there tomorrow. I met some new people too. One guy, Ivan, openly declared he was schizophrenic. We talked for a while, some of it clear and but some of it got a little out there. I also met a woman who goes by "Mother Teresa" as well as some other guys. It's frustrating sometimes talking to these guys who are mentally ill. They deserve love and attention just like anyone else but when I can't hold an intelligible conversation I don't know how much good I can do, or if they will even remember tomorrow. All I can do is pray for patience and guidance.

Monday we went back to Woodruff park. I ended up talking to a man named James. He actually isn't homeless (or so he says, and I believe). We talked for a long time, about my studies and travels, and about his work. Then he told me he loves theology and has studied Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam. He even shared some of the Arabic prayers with me. Then we played chess and I met "Montana", a Nigerian doctor who is working to get his license here in Georgia. We talked for a while about Africa and my time in Uganda. He offered to pay for me to go to Nigeria so I could see a different side of Africa, so needless to say I have his contact information.

We walked back to the lot but almost no one was there (as we have learned, it clears out midday because of the heat). Lauren, another intern, and I went to the Renaissance park where we met Randal. He seemed reluctant to talk at first but opened up some. Everything he said though was just so depressing: how he has gotten to this place that life just wasn't worth living. I didn't know what to say. I don't know what he's been through and can't imagine how hard his life really is. But at the same time I see other guys in similar situations who tell me it's a good day because they are alive. So I just sat and listened to him until he left to buy a coke. Some times I see these guys who say they hate their life, they want something better for themselves but then they make no real effort to change (this isn't everyone but it is some people). I get so frustrated but then I remember I have never been through anything like what they have been through or are going through whether it was bad luck or bad choices it doesn't matter. I'm not saying they have an excuse to be complacent, but I do need to show grace regardless.

Tuesday at Retreat I talked to Steven, who I have met a few times before but we really got to talk this time. He told me about his struggle with addictions and about his family and the hurt they have caused him. He went on to explain that if he had the money he would just live on a yacht and completely isolate himself from the world so that he wouldn't get attached to anyone. This was hard to hear, being that it goes against everything I am learning from COTS about relationships and community. I told him I could never do that and about how I think relationships are so important but at the same time I don't know the whole story and if he thinks isolating himself and focusing on himself will get him clean then many that is the first step. We then spent a few hours back at the lot with some old friends and meeting some new guys too.

Today we went back to Retreat again and it was great. To see Steven break down and ask forgiveness from those he has manipulated and hurt, and ask God's forgiveness was beautiful. He has decided he is going to turn his life around and is going into detox later this week. Then later during Bible study a woman, Rachel, a hard street lady broke down into tears. She later pulled Gary aside and told him she was "sick and tired of being sick and tired" and wanted help to get her life back on track. It was really moving.

After lunch this guy, Gus, walked in wearing a newsie hat, overalls and no shirt. He is a traveling musician and a Rainbow Kid, this movement that is a continuation of the 1969 summer of love. He travels around, hitch-hiking, catching freight trains, whatever and these rainbow kids have gatherings of thousands of people in parks around the country. Basically they get together, play music, drink, smoke, eat... your standard hippy crowd. He sang a little for us and is great and a nice guy. Anyway, we agreed to walk him to Piedmont park to meet up with his girlfriend. Steven walked with us and obviously was not too fond of Gus's lifestyle. At one point Gus was going on about pot and getting drunk and Steven basically said that's not a good life and not the life he wants. I loved seeing him stand up for what he believes in and even though he's still struggling he knows he wants out and just thinking about drugs kind of disgusted him. He apologized for his kind of aggressive behavior but said us being around was helping him stay clean.

Everyday is a mix of emotions but I'm loving this experience and learning so much. I have loved getting to be in the city and meet people. I am anxious to really build meaningful friendships but I know that will only come with time. I am excited to see what else God has in store. Thank you for reading this far. Until next time.