This morning I got to watch the process in which they give out tickets for the soup kitchen and sandwiches. I sat on the porch and saw the line that went all the way down the steps and around the corner. The tickets were supposed to be handed out at 8:30 this morning but because Gladys was not content with how the line looked they got handed out late. A woman who caused me to turn my head quite a few times yesterday was the very first in line today and I watched her practically have sex with the man in line behind her. I hope that she did not do that just to get in front of the line. Others looked confused as to why Gladys would not pass out the tickets but again the language barrier got in the way. The Latinos were not single file but in rows of 3 and they would not move.
Rumors have been flying around all morning about James. Tony has already forgotten him and refuses to be around a conversation about James. James Walker said he saw it coming because he talked too much and did too little. Darryl said he was kicked out of the house because he had $20 that the partners had found and he would not give it to them. Johnathon, his pastoral friend, confirmed the later rumor. I hope James is ok and can make it back to New Orleans, his clean haven.
During the soup kitchen I saw myself and or fellow friend being served. She was a white, 20 year old who was gorgeous! She looked just like all my friends pretty much do and I just did not understand why she was there. It definitely made me become less stereotypical since a lot of us are only one or two paychecks away from being homeless ourselves. The stereotype of mostly black men being homeless is being shattered as Latino men are entering the scene along with white business men and white women. I can never look at a person walking down the street and assume if they are homeless or not. I have seen the hottest, nicest dressed man sleeping on cardboard outside my window and the scummiest, nastiest, smelliest man eating at the nice restaurant across the street.
With the breaking of stereotypes comes racial tension. Volunteers who work the yard see the cliques and can even feel the tension. I watched it 1st hand as I was serving soup at the soup kitchen and a black man and a Latino man exchanged tense words and looks. I had to turn to a man to keep his eyes on them to make sure it would not turn violent because it probably would have caused more people to fight than just those two.
It is said that if you want to know what society is going to look like in a couple years you need to look to the prisons now. Lately prisons in California have been erupting with riots between the Latinos and the Blacks. The work force is not helping as they continually keep putting the two groups against each other, adding to the animosity. Black men are finally receiving work and feeling more than just slaves in society but are told by unemployment agencies that the Latinos are taking their jobs which is causing the Blacks to stand up for themselves yet again. Racism is a never ending battle in a mixing pot.
Our Bible Study of the day was about John the Baptist. We talked about how he stood up to his convictions and kept telling Herod how he should not have married his brother’s wife; however, in the end it cost him his life. Marvin, an ex-pastor and current protestor for social justice, shared his story. In the last minutes before an execution on death row Marvin pleaded and begged the officers to let him die instead. I do not think I could give my life for a man on death row who had been convicted of murdering countless people, but Marvin is a man true to all convictions that death row is really just the taxpayers of Georgia murdering a man.
Johnathon is a 29 year old graduate who came to the house to volunteer while he was in college. He comes from your typical family but he is the only one in his family who thrives on social justice. He came and has never left because the smiles on people’s faces keep him going every day, but is sad that same day he might have to get a “real job” to appease his parents.
I always wondered what the neighbors thought as they walked out their back doors to go to work every morning and would see men standing all around; I got my answer today. The doorbell rang and a young musician named Deedee came to the door. She just moved in and her bedroom window peaked into our dining room and she could not help but want to get involved right away. Her roommate was nervous about moving in next to a shelter but she cannot wait to get involved. I am so glad that not all the neighbors are moving in to just try and get them to move out like I have heard that some have done in the past.
When in our dinner circle they announced it was my last supper and my eyes immediately teared up. I had done well up to this point but when it was stated out loud I did not want to think about leaving. I had grown to love these residents and our homeless friends and relationships were just starting to build; I was not ready to go. I sat with Tony and we laughed at our good times and when we told the med students at the table that we had just met a few days before they were shocked at how good our connection was after such a short time; however, these med students started to not care and dominate the conversation with their kind of community talk. Tony and I may not have known what our favorite organ system was or our favorite gland but we sure got a laugh out of seeing that it dominated their conversation and was the cause to their controversy. I guess some students did not get along because they disagreed on their organ systems. Who knew?
We tore down the dining room fast and transformed it into a foot clinic and I watched as our homeless friends lined up to be pampered for awhile. The guys were grossing me out about it all afternoon and telling me stories that made me decide not to participate but I still stayed and helped clean up the equipment so I could keep talking to my new found friends.
When it was time to go I tried to find Tony to say goodbye but Ira caught me first. He started to come over and give me a hug and I asked him not to because he was going to make me cry but he did anyways and the tears flowed. I hurried up and passed off the key to the person in house duty and walked out.
These people have caused me to think more, work harder, and love with all my heart in ways I just did not know existed. I cannot wait to go back and stay longer!!!
8.12.2009
8.11.2009
A Beautiful ugly Eye Opener
I woke up early again to prepare sandwiches with Tony. He is a very intimidating man to me so I normally keep to myself around him, but not today. He told me that he does not have a sob story but that he just dropped out of society. At 64 he can honestly tell you that he loves what he does, even though he only makes $46 a month. (He made the best soup for the soup kitchen that I have EVER had in my life!) He talked a lot about the morbid social workers who come into the house because they want to hear about the abuse, drugs, crimes, and alcohol; but Tony has none of these. Now he is my 5’ 18” friend who I would not replace with no one! He even told someone that I adopted him as my dad.
While talking someone came in and asked why there were policemen and an ambulance outside, we looked but could not tell what was going on so we went back to work. Later that day many of us got in trouble for not getting whoever was on house duty because they promise to be a buffer between the homeless and the police. Last summer in the yard a homeless man was arrested as he told police officers to stop stomping on a handicap man who just laid there unable to move. No wonder Winston calls them the city pigs! The man they took away could not breathe, most likely for the hot temperatures and unfortunately that happens a lot.
James Walker is an ex-Navy Seal who comes to the house every day to serve. He is about as real and authentic of a man I will probably ever see again. He aims to please and pays attention to everyone’s needs in the yard and in the dining room. He has been doing this for 20 years and use to live in the house and he still continues to leave everyday with a big smile on his face.
Yesterday I served with James Walker but today I got the not fun task of handing out vitamins; however, it allowed me to see more of the process before people get to eat. I did have another angry moment today though. While handing out vitamins a Spanish speaking man came to me and pointed at his shoes. I could not understand a word but I let him take a breath from talking and said one moment. I looked up to see a very, very angry partner who scolded me. He told me it was not my job to do anything and that I needed to stop. I just wanted to treat this man like a human being and try and listen than point him to someone who could help, but I guess the vitamin person is not allowed to have a soul or compassion what so ever and is just suppose to push the person away from their presence.
The Bible Study today was over how we interpret the Good Samaritan and while I did not understand a single point the speaker was trying to get across I was touched by many responses; Ira’s response in particular. He is a very shy, serious man but when he laughs, he sure laughs! Ed asked Ira “how did you feel when you did not have a mailing address” and Ira said “I felt like a nobody, but since coming here I feel like somebody”. That should be Open Door’s new motto. Ira takes care of special needs such as making sure the men shower, giving them new pants, and new shoes. He holds this job with pride and is constantly working to keep things stocked up so he is ready to help at any moment.
I spent time today cleaning the public bathrooms and cleaning the basement until dinner time. I got to cook with Tony and he is the best cook I have ever met. We had lots of laughs in the kitchen, normally at my expense because I would say dumb things, and a lot of talk about fake scenerios and how we would react. At one point I was Jane Doe, Senator of Alaska, proabortion, and liar. Not that I remember why but I sure did learn a lot from him. Later as we blessed the meal Tony decided that I could not leave so he told everyone I cooked and that Hyundai’s are suppose to die tomorrow (blue ones too, ironically). I sure am going to miss Tony and Ira who decided to join in on the fun for the rest of my stay.
I snuck away for a few hours over to Angelo and Marie’s apartment for some down time and when I came back Tony was waiting outside for me to make sure I was safe. I walked in to sign back in and saw a note that said “James left the community Tuesday night”. I ran to Calvin and asked him if it was just for tonight and he said forever. This crushed my night. James was here to heal but once he walked to a familiar place he gave in and went back to life on the street. Just today he talked about how awful he felt about not having a mailbox and how he was ready to heal and now he is gone. I am going to miss him giving me encouraging words and singing to me! Make sure to check out the videos I made of him though! I hope and pray that he is doing ok out on the streets tonight!
In a daze I walked to the basement and saw Darryl doing laundry. I asked him about the James situation and Darryl talked more than I have heard from him my whole stay. He told me what he would change and his irritations with the house and they all seemed legitimate, but just when I thought he was sane this 41 year old started telling me about this book he owns. It was copyrighted in 2077 and was written by the federal government. It talks about how Armageddon is going to be in 2077 and what the government is going to do about it. (Let’s just say you will need $650,000,000,000 to survive but only $450,000,000,000 if you buy now) He told me that the front page says you will be arrested for life if found with this book so he keeps it hidden; but since his friend fount it in a Marshall’s evicted house it is definitely legit. I hope Darryl keeps talking more tomorrow!
While talking someone came in and asked why there were policemen and an ambulance outside, we looked but could not tell what was going on so we went back to work. Later that day many of us got in trouble for not getting whoever was on house duty because they promise to be a buffer between the homeless and the police. Last summer in the yard a homeless man was arrested as he told police officers to stop stomping on a handicap man who just laid there unable to move. No wonder Winston calls them the city pigs! The man they took away could not breathe, most likely for the hot temperatures and unfortunately that happens a lot.
James Walker is an ex-Navy Seal who comes to the house every day to serve. He is about as real and authentic of a man I will probably ever see again. He aims to please and pays attention to everyone’s needs in the yard and in the dining room. He has been doing this for 20 years and use to live in the house and he still continues to leave everyday with a big smile on his face.
Yesterday I served with James Walker but today I got the not fun task of handing out vitamins; however, it allowed me to see more of the process before people get to eat. I did have another angry moment today though. While handing out vitamins a Spanish speaking man came to me and pointed at his shoes. I could not understand a word but I let him take a breath from talking and said one moment. I looked up to see a very, very angry partner who scolded me. He told me it was not my job to do anything and that I needed to stop. I just wanted to treat this man like a human being and try and listen than point him to someone who could help, but I guess the vitamin person is not allowed to have a soul or compassion what so ever and is just suppose to push the person away from their presence.
The Bible Study today was over how we interpret the Good Samaritan and while I did not understand a single point the speaker was trying to get across I was touched by many responses; Ira’s response in particular. He is a very shy, serious man but when he laughs, he sure laughs! Ed asked Ira “how did you feel when you did not have a mailing address” and Ira said “I felt like a nobody, but since coming here I feel like somebody”. That should be Open Door’s new motto. Ira takes care of special needs such as making sure the men shower, giving them new pants, and new shoes. He holds this job with pride and is constantly working to keep things stocked up so he is ready to help at any moment.
I spent time today cleaning the public bathrooms and cleaning the basement until dinner time. I got to cook with Tony and he is the best cook I have ever met. We had lots of laughs in the kitchen, normally at my expense because I would say dumb things, and a lot of talk about fake scenerios and how we would react. At one point I was Jane Doe, Senator of Alaska, proabortion, and liar. Not that I remember why but I sure did learn a lot from him. Later as we blessed the meal Tony decided that I could not leave so he told everyone I cooked and that Hyundai’s are suppose to die tomorrow (blue ones too, ironically). I sure am going to miss Tony and Ira who decided to join in on the fun for the rest of my stay.
I snuck away for a few hours over to Angelo and Marie’s apartment for some down time and when I came back Tony was waiting outside for me to make sure I was safe. I walked in to sign back in and saw a note that said “James left the community Tuesday night”. I ran to Calvin and asked him if it was just for tonight and he said forever. This crushed my night. James was here to heal but once he walked to a familiar place he gave in and went back to life on the street. Just today he talked about how awful he felt about not having a mailbox and how he was ready to heal and now he is gone. I am going to miss him giving me encouraging words and singing to me! Make sure to check out the videos I made of him though! I hope and pray that he is doing ok out on the streets tonight!
In a daze I walked to the basement and saw Darryl doing laundry. I asked him about the James situation and Darryl talked more than I have heard from him my whole stay. He told me what he would change and his irritations with the house and they all seemed legitimate, but just when I thought he was sane this 41 year old started telling me about this book he owns. It was copyrighted in 2077 and was written by the federal government. It talks about how Armageddon is going to be in 2077 and what the government is going to do about it. (Let’s just say you will need $650,000,000,000 to survive but only $450,000,000,000 if you buy now) He told me that the front page says you will be arrested for life if found with this book so he keeps it hidden; but since his friend fount it in a Marshall’s evicted house it is definitely legit. I hope Darryl keeps talking more tomorrow!
8.10.2009
Hey, Indiana!
When I woke up this morning it was like the house came alive! There were men lined up to take showers, residents making brunch for the homeless and at least 200 people on the yard and surrounding the house. I sacked lunches to hand out and set up the dining room until Bible Study, but once Bible Study was over we opened the doors and people flooded in.
I was on service duty so my job was to clean up the spot and prepare it for the next person. I tried to smile and greet the men and women as I cleaned but I did not expect to become a crowd favorite. No matter how far away or how close I was to the tables I had people yelling my name to the tune of “Marsha, Marsha, Marsha!” They all wanted to know about me which was funny because I only wanted to know about them. Tony even asked me how long I would be here so we could talk more later and another man offered me a raise! It was so fun but such hard work!
James was my 1st new friend this morning. Once he knew I was from Indiana he could not stop talking about the Jackson 5 and singing me their songs. He even nicknamed me Indiana. James is 53, from New Orleans, and has only been here for a week but he sure loves the Lord. His mother had 18 kids and so he was taken from her at the age of 2 and was placed with a great foster family. He told me that he had tried everything (primarily cocaine) growing up except Jesus and that once he did he decided to do it with all his heart. He even use to be a musician in many clubs and supposedly was the best athlete in New Orleans but gave it all up to preach. His Bible knowledge would pput most pastors to shame! He came to the house to heal because he said he would rather die in Atlanta than go back to his friends and family a drugged up mess.
Bernard was my brunch serving pal. He does not live in the house but has a heart of gold. He volunteers almost every day and also serves at his church because he just wants to help people. As we laughed and picked fun at each other all morning I could not help but smile, especially as he kept stealing the sausages he was serving. I think 6 for the people 1 for him was the philosophy.
Watching the homeless serve the homeless is such a humbling experience. Plus, just because they might be in the shelter now does not mean that they stop looking out for their friends on the street. They know everyone by name and treat each other with more respect then we often treat our fellow Christians at church. There is so much to learn from them!
I spent the afternoon organizing and sorting donations of clothes and wow were they pathetic! We discussed at lunch how we eat what we feed the homeless. If we won’t eat it they should not have to but it also causes us to strive to make the best food with the best ingredients. The same lesson should be applied to clothes. Please stop giving away tattered, work out, stained, smelly, yellow armpit clothes! They do not want them and they do not deserve our leftovers and trash. They should be looked at as our friends because that what they are and Jesus does not look at them any differently so why can we?
At CIY I picked up a book called Red Letters where it talked about 2 monasteries that were about to close since the leaders were close to death and no new people had joined in quite some time. The two priests got together one day and one of them asked what their last words would be to keep the monastery open and he said “the Messiah lives within the walls”. This changed their whole attitude as they started looking for Jesus’ in the eyes of other monks and their whole dynamic changed because of it. Here they kind of do the same. They talk about how they saw Jesus’ face in these men and women they let shower and in the 300 served and etc. It sure gives everyone a better appreciation for others when looked at with such high regard!
Ann and I did dishes and from her love story to her life as a seminary student she is simply stunning. I saw her the night before at the worship service and loved her energy and joy of life that was so evident in even the way she walked. She grew up with an alcoholic father and turned to the party scene herself and found herself married and with child by her junior year of high school. She attributed her young looks with the fact that she found peace in her past and joy in her every day. I hope to be like Ann someday!
I might have found my next stop. While making dinner with Nelia she told me how her and her husband Calvin had built a community in Evansville, Indiana. It helps with children in the extended community and incorporates tons of art. Perfect!
It is time to take a break from depressing economic news because people are still donating in large numbers. While cooking dinner someone walked in with left over BBQ and apple cobbler! Also the sandwiches we bag up and hand out had been made by outsiders. I hope they realize how much they help! Our dinner tonight included a smorgasbord of options since they were donated from a restaurant in town who decided to not throw away leftovers but give them to us. Since we only eat what we would serve we do not eat sweets and boy was it hard watching squares of pound cake being tossed out! We also do not eat meat unless it is donated, and even then it will most likely go in the soup for soup kitchen on Wednesday.
Johnathon also brought attention to a petition letter he had created and he asked for all of us to sign it. It was in regards to a soldier who was imprisoned for not going to Afghanistan. I understand they are peace loving people who sent words of encouragement to the soldier for making a stand and petitions to the jail to release him; however, why are we getting involved when the soldier knew before he signed in that it was a risk? I did not sign it.
I got to be involved in the community meeting and it cracked me up. Many hours worth of conversation just to get everything on the table can immediately turn uncomfortable if you let it. They discussed who was not allowed on the property anymore and for how long, who spends to much time on the internet, who is using the “love line” (aka Telephone), who is not talking to each other, and who drives too fast. I know it is necessary but watching people squirm and tattle tale during the meeting was just funny!
I was on service duty so my job was to clean up the spot and prepare it for the next person. I tried to smile and greet the men and women as I cleaned but I did not expect to become a crowd favorite. No matter how far away or how close I was to the tables I had people yelling my name to the tune of “Marsha, Marsha, Marsha!” They all wanted to know about me which was funny because I only wanted to know about them. Tony even asked me how long I would be here so we could talk more later and another man offered me a raise! It was so fun but such hard work!
James was my 1st new friend this morning. Once he knew I was from Indiana he could not stop talking about the Jackson 5 and singing me their songs. He even nicknamed me Indiana. James is 53, from New Orleans, and has only been here for a week but he sure loves the Lord. His mother had 18 kids and so he was taken from her at the age of 2 and was placed with a great foster family. He told me that he had tried everything (primarily cocaine) growing up except Jesus and that once he did he decided to do it with all his heart. He even use to be a musician in many clubs and supposedly was the best athlete in New Orleans but gave it all up to preach. His Bible knowledge would pput most pastors to shame! He came to the house to heal because he said he would rather die in Atlanta than go back to his friends and family a drugged up mess.
Bernard was my brunch serving pal. He does not live in the house but has a heart of gold. He volunteers almost every day and also serves at his church because he just wants to help people. As we laughed and picked fun at each other all morning I could not help but smile, especially as he kept stealing the sausages he was serving. I think 6 for the people 1 for him was the philosophy.
Watching the homeless serve the homeless is such a humbling experience. Plus, just because they might be in the shelter now does not mean that they stop looking out for their friends on the street. They know everyone by name and treat each other with more respect then we often treat our fellow Christians at church. There is so much to learn from them!
I spent the afternoon organizing and sorting donations of clothes and wow were they pathetic! We discussed at lunch how we eat what we feed the homeless. If we won’t eat it they should not have to but it also causes us to strive to make the best food with the best ingredients. The same lesson should be applied to clothes. Please stop giving away tattered, work out, stained, smelly, yellow armpit clothes! They do not want them and they do not deserve our leftovers and trash. They should be looked at as our friends because that what they are and Jesus does not look at them any differently so why can we?
At CIY I picked up a book called Red Letters where it talked about 2 monasteries that were about to close since the leaders were close to death and no new people had joined in quite some time. The two priests got together one day and one of them asked what their last words would be to keep the monastery open and he said “the Messiah lives within the walls”. This changed their whole attitude as they started looking for Jesus’ in the eyes of other monks and their whole dynamic changed because of it. Here they kind of do the same. They talk about how they saw Jesus’ face in these men and women they let shower and in the 300 served and etc. It sure gives everyone a better appreciation for others when looked at with such high regard!
Ann and I did dishes and from her love story to her life as a seminary student she is simply stunning. I saw her the night before at the worship service and loved her energy and joy of life that was so evident in even the way she walked. She grew up with an alcoholic father and turned to the party scene herself and found herself married and with child by her junior year of high school. She attributed her young looks with the fact that she found peace in her past and joy in her every day. I hope to be like Ann someday!
I might have found my next stop. While making dinner with Nelia she told me how her and her husband Calvin had built a community in Evansville, Indiana. It helps with children in the extended community and incorporates tons of art. Perfect!
It is time to take a break from depressing economic news because people are still donating in large numbers. While cooking dinner someone walked in with left over BBQ and apple cobbler! Also the sandwiches we bag up and hand out had been made by outsiders. I hope they realize how much they help! Our dinner tonight included a smorgasbord of options since they were donated from a restaurant in town who decided to not throw away leftovers but give them to us. Since we only eat what we would serve we do not eat sweets and boy was it hard watching squares of pound cake being tossed out! We also do not eat meat unless it is donated, and even then it will most likely go in the soup for soup kitchen on Wednesday.
Johnathon also brought attention to a petition letter he had created and he asked for all of us to sign it. It was in regards to a soldier who was imprisoned for not going to Afghanistan. I understand they are peace loving people who sent words of encouragement to the soldier for making a stand and petitions to the jail to release him; however, why are we getting involved when the soldier knew before he signed in that it was a risk? I did not sign it.
I got to be involved in the community meeting and it cracked me up. Many hours worth of conversation just to get everything on the table can immediately turn uncomfortable if you let it. They discussed who was not allowed on the property anymore and for how long, who spends to much time on the internet, who is using the “love line” (aka Telephone), who is not talking to each other, and who drives too fast. I know it is necessary but watching people squirm and tattle tale during the meeting was just funny!
8.09.2009
Open Door... Closed Door?
After driving around the block over and over again I finally found Open Door. I walked into the yard to be greeted by a 74 year old, diabetic, schizophrenic, chain smoking lady named Barbara. She has been homeless for at least 15 years and has been at Open Door for the past 4 years. Barbara is a celebrity around here. Everyone knows her and you cannot help but to jump and do whatever she asks as she is clicking her dentures.
From there Gladys gave me a tour of this incredible house. From the front it looks like your typical downtown brick house but once you walk in you see 64 rooms. I got my own room in the basement called the Dorothy Day room and it is bigger and more colorful then my dorm room ever was!
The halls are full of art that people in the house have made. From activist posters to protesting comic strips to painted canvas to photography that should be in a museum anyone can appreciate the talent radiating from the house. Once my tour was over a couple from an intentional community in Des Moines, Iowa, arrived and it was my turn to give a tour. It was quite a pathetic one since I could not even remember where anything was.
We than had worship time where they put a new meaning to bring whatever you have to worship. We sang folk songs and poetry and a man played the banjo, clarinet, and bass guitar. The message was about remembering the 64th anniversary of when atomic bombs were dropped at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Than partners of the community came forward and shared how many times they had been arrested for protesting atomic bombs. (The next day we even prayed for the people arrested for protesting bombs at Washington DC while we were in our worship service) They are very passionate people in their stances and will go to any means to defend them. I did not know about the results from the bombs and how they are still affecting many; however, I loved the story about the little girl who made origami peace cranes the most.
Afterwards we all shared a meal of rice, beans and salsa (a new favorite) and enjoyed each other’s company. I ended up talking to Nathan the whole meal and as he told me about his crazy life and repeated everything I said I quickly realized he was handicap. Nathan does not live in the house but he stops in for worship so he can eat. He has big dreams of going to Chicago someday because he wants to stand in line to get a ticket to see Oprah. He really doesn’t want to see Oprah though; he just wants the free car she gives away just for having a ticket. I cannot wait to be able to see him again when he makes the show.
While people were finishing eating I saw Winston sneak out to the yard to smoke, so I followed. (Later I found out that he has a bad memory because we had the same conversation every day I was there) He told me all about “urban camping” and where the “city pigs” will bust you for it and how I am the right race to smoke rock and get away with it. I think Winston and I are going to get along great!
While Winston and I were talking this man approached me from the street and asked if we could talk in private. We took a few steps and he began to ask for help with this lady at the bottom of the steps. Sorry to be graphic but it was apparent that she did not have access to feminine products or a restroom as her jeans were soaked in blood and as she was bent over with awful cramps. He asked me if I could help her and since I did not know the house rules I went and asked Kevin, the man on house duty. He then told me with sternness that there was nothing he would do.
I watched leftovers from worship being tossed out, water running from the sick, and saw piles of jeans at the door and this man is telling me that there is nothing we can do? I was so upset and angry!
I asked what size pants she wore and I was pushed out of the way and Kevin refused to help because she showed up at the wrong time. How is it her fault that Mother Nature showed up at an inconvenient time at “Open Door”?
All I wanted to do was give her a pair of my pants or shorts but that was not even allowed. As these “urban campers”/friends walked away they shouted “I’m glad we are not going to have to deal with God some day for turning people away”. Even as they turned the corner they asked how we could be Christians. I wondered the same thing.
Kevin walked over to me and said that they cannot help except for certain scheduled times because otherwise they would be asked for help 24 hours a day. Really people? Why can’t everyone take turns or have someone for 3rd shift who could be available in desperate or embarrassing situations? All I was allowed to do was sit there and be helpless even though I had 2 available hands to work and a heart ready to serve. At last, I could do nothing because it was bad timing and everyone left the yard and went back in to finish eating.
Now it is 8:30 at night and all lights in the house are off and everyone is in bed, but I cannot sleep. Not just because I am a night owl, because I cannot get this lady off my mind, the sick feeling out of my stomach, and the anger out of my heart. Tomorrow better not come with a similar experience.
From there Gladys gave me a tour of this incredible house. From the front it looks like your typical downtown brick house but once you walk in you see 64 rooms. I got my own room in the basement called the Dorothy Day room and it is bigger and more colorful then my dorm room ever was!
The halls are full of art that people in the house have made. From activist posters to protesting comic strips to painted canvas to photography that should be in a museum anyone can appreciate the talent radiating from the house. Once my tour was over a couple from an intentional community in Des Moines, Iowa, arrived and it was my turn to give a tour. It was quite a pathetic one since I could not even remember where anything was.
We than had worship time where they put a new meaning to bring whatever you have to worship. We sang folk songs and poetry and a man played the banjo, clarinet, and bass guitar. The message was about remembering the 64th anniversary of when atomic bombs were dropped at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Than partners of the community came forward and shared how many times they had been arrested for protesting atomic bombs. (The next day we even prayed for the people arrested for protesting bombs at Washington DC while we were in our worship service) They are very passionate people in their stances and will go to any means to defend them. I did not know about the results from the bombs and how they are still affecting many; however, I loved the story about the little girl who made origami peace cranes the most.
Afterwards we all shared a meal of rice, beans and salsa (a new favorite) and enjoyed each other’s company. I ended up talking to Nathan the whole meal and as he told me about his crazy life and repeated everything I said I quickly realized he was handicap. Nathan does not live in the house but he stops in for worship so he can eat. He has big dreams of going to Chicago someday because he wants to stand in line to get a ticket to see Oprah. He really doesn’t want to see Oprah though; he just wants the free car she gives away just for having a ticket. I cannot wait to be able to see him again when he makes the show.
While people were finishing eating I saw Winston sneak out to the yard to smoke, so I followed. (Later I found out that he has a bad memory because we had the same conversation every day I was there) He told me all about “urban camping” and where the “city pigs” will bust you for it and how I am the right race to smoke rock and get away with it. I think Winston and I are going to get along great!
While Winston and I were talking this man approached me from the street and asked if we could talk in private. We took a few steps and he began to ask for help with this lady at the bottom of the steps. Sorry to be graphic but it was apparent that she did not have access to feminine products or a restroom as her jeans were soaked in blood and as she was bent over with awful cramps. He asked me if I could help her and since I did not know the house rules I went and asked Kevin, the man on house duty. He then told me with sternness that there was nothing he would do.
I watched leftovers from worship being tossed out, water running from the sick, and saw piles of jeans at the door and this man is telling me that there is nothing we can do? I was so upset and angry!
I asked what size pants she wore and I was pushed out of the way and Kevin refused to help because she showed up at the wrong time. How is it her fault that Mother Nature showed up at an inconvenient time at “Open Door”?
All I wanted to do was give her a pair of my pants or shorts but that was not even allowed. As these “urban campers”/friends walked away they shouted “I’m glad we are not going to have to deal with God some day for turning people away”. Even as they turned the corner they asked how we could be Christians. I wondered the same thing.
Kevin walked over to me and said that they cannot help except for certain scheduled times because otherwise they would be asked for help 24 hours a day. Really people? Why can’t everyone take turns or have someone for 3rd shift who could be available in desperate or embarrassing situations? All I was allowed to do was sit there and be helpless even though I had 2 available hands to work and a heart ready to serve. At last, I could do nothing because it was bad timing and everyone left the yard and went back in to finish eating.
Now it is 8:30 at night and all lights in the house are off and everyone is in bed, but I cannot sleep. Not just because I am a night owl, because I cannot get this lady off my mind, the sick feeling out of my stomach, and the anger out of my heart. Tomorrow better not come with a similar experience.
From Poles to Pews!
I haven’t had many updates the past week so let me do a quick recap… I have spent the last week in Rossville, Georgia, with Jay, Jen, Landen, Anna, and Addison Shankle. They have been awesome hosts and just fun to be around, especially as the kids have given me countless laughs. I posted a video of Anna singing to Taylor Swift, and it turned into what 4 minutes is like at the Shankle household. It might look staged, but I guarantee Landen hates girly music that much and would have that reaction every single time we would play Taylor Swift. And Anna is one of the funniest, genuine girls I might have ever met. From asking why a lady would wear sneakers with a skirt to telling me “I’m gonna screw you” after her first day of Kindergarten she has given me countless laughs! I have also had a great time with Jen as we sit in the same room and Facebook each other and compete in Farmville. But today I left for Atlanta.
I have heard of North Pointe church and some of the conferences they have held so when I googled them and saw that it was only 15 minutes from where I will be spending the next 3 days I decided I should check it out. I got directions and left this morning; however, when I got out of my car I thought the church looked a little small for a megachurch. Sure enough, it was the wrong church! The lady who welcomed me told me that they get that all the time because for some reason North Pointe has the wrong address on their website so she asked if I would like directions to be able to go there but I decided to stay.
I’m not sure if there is such thing as a perfect church in a sinful world, but this is what my mind has pictured a perfect church as for many years. I loved this church! I walked in and was immediately welcomed and never felt a moment of awkwardness. When I walked into the worship center I was immediately intrigued because it was very simple. Finally, a church that doesn’t go for the glitters of new technology and the perfection of up to date style! I sat in a fold out chair and was immediately talked to by an older man, that later I found out was the pastor; he left that detail out while we were talking. People sat all around me in this center that could have fit a few hundred chairs but only had maybe one hundred. The worship had awful sound equipment, which again, I loved. I got into the worship and enjoyed it more than any other church service because they were not running around trying to find the perfect sound. They allowed the hollow center to eat up most of the sound and so you could not even be embarrassed that you can’t sing a single note because you can’t even hear the person next to you. Worship was not about the band, because you could barely hear them, it was about authentic time with you and your creator. During one of the songs they had communion and offering but it was not passed to you, you would get up and put it in the respected areas, kinda like a prayer walk. I felt a lot less awkward visiting because I did not have to walk around to do that because you did it at your own pace and I did not have to worry about the man next to me wondering why I just passed the plate without putting offering in. Hooray for low pressure but genuine praise.
The message also hit the spot, of course, as it was all about community. The pastor, which I had previously met, told stories that anyone could understand but it did not make the “mature” Christians feel like the message was sugar coated, they were definitely challenged equally. The message started with a group project and I sat there terrified that I was going to feel like the kid in gym class that wants to be picked but just sits there and hopes someone makes eye contact with them and that they are not the last one to find a team. This was not the case at all. I was picked before I could even look around the room and so I looked around the room to see if I just got lucky, but no, this is how the church operates. Everyone had a group immediately and it was as if they had all known each other for years. These groups also were interesting to me because they were not divided into wealthy or poor, young or old, white or not, etc. One group had a cool biker chick next to a homeless man next to an Asian teenager next to a grandpa with suspenders next to an emo newlywed couple and so on. Hooray for losing boundaries within a church!
As I walked out the church I felt so confident that I was meant to be there. They talked about how community would be easy if it didn’t involve people (sound familiar Chad?). And how people hesitated going into communities of people because of disappointment, divorce, and death. How true is that? When bad things happen in my life I tend to shut people out because people tend to disappoint me, or divorce/leave me, or die; however, that should not make a difference on how we live and cause us to live a life of seclusion. We need to keep giving community a chance despite hurts.
Before I left I talked to the worship pastor and a few others who gave me directions to a cool coffee shop and asked all about what I was doing. They were interested in me! Not just “hi, glad you came, bye”. They wanted to know details and they maintained eye contact and responded back. He also told me that if I moved to the area they would love for me to help with a ministry called Serve the City. I sure love connections :)
I did more research of this church once I reached this super cool coffee shop I’m sitting in right now and the church has made many headlines such as “From Poles to Pews”. This church was planted 5 years ago and caused quite a noise in the large city of Atlanta because they took over a building that use to be a strip club. The people who built the church decided to leave shortly after the church was planted but they seem to still be doing amazing. I hope they make more headlines that rock Atlanta and turn a lot of heads because in my eyes they are the perfect church!
Now I am on my way to stay at an intentional community that lives in a Homeless Shelter. I’m so excited! I doubt I will have much internet access but keep looking for updates if you are interested. This could be an experience of a lifetime for me!
I have heard of North Pointe church and some of the conferences they have held so when I googled them and saw that it was only 15 minutes from where I will be spending the next 3 days I decided I should check it out. I got directions and left this morning; however, when I got out of my car I thought the church looked a little small for a megachurch. Sure enough, it was the wrong church! The lady who welcomed me told me that they get that all the time because for some reason North Pointe has the wrong address on their website so she asked if I would like directions to be able to go there but I decided to stay.
I’m not sure if there is such thing as a perfect church in a sinful world, but this is what my mind has pictured a perfect church as for many years. I loved this church! I walked in and was immediately welcomed and never felt a moment of awkwardness. When I walked into the worship center I was immediately intrigued because it was very simple. Finally, a church that doesn’t go for the glitters of new technology and the perfection of up to date style! I sat in a fold out chair and was immediately talked to by an older man, that later I found out was the pastor; he left that detail out while we were talking. People sat all around me in this center that could have fit a few hundred chairs but only had maybe one hundred. The worship had awful sound equipment, which again, I loved. I got into the worship and enjoyed it more than any other church service because they were not running around trying to find the perfect sound. They allowed the hollow center to eat up most of the sound and so you could not even be embarrassed that you can’t sing a single note because you can’t even hear the person next to you. Worship was not about the band, because you could barely hear them, it was about authentic time with you and your creator. During one of the songs they had communion and offering but it was not passed to you, you would get up and put it in the respected areas, kinda like a prayer walk. I felt a lot less awkward visiting because I did not have to walk around to do that because you did it at your own pace and I did not have to worry about the man next to me wondering why I just passed the plate without putting offering in. Hooray for low pressure but genuine praise.
The message also hit the spot, of course, as it was all about community. The pastor, which I had previously met, told stories that anyone could understand but it did not make the “mature” Christians feel like the message was sugar coated, they were definitely challenged equally. The message started with a group project and I sat there terrified that I was going to feel like the kid in gym class that wants to be picked but just sits there and hopes someone makes eye contact with them and that they are not the last one to find a team. This was not the case at all. I was picked before I could even look around the room and so I looked around the room to see if I just got lucky, but no, this is how the church operates. Everyone had a group immediately and it was as if they had all known each other for years. These groups also were interesting to me because they were not divided into wealthy or poor, young or old, white or not, etc. One group had a cool biker chick next to a homeless man next to an Asian teenager next to a grandpa with suspenders next to an emo newlywed couple and so on. Hooray for losing boundaries within a church!
As I walked out the church I felt so confident that I was meant to be there. They talked about how community would be easy if it didn’t involve people (sound familiar Chad?). And how people hesitated going into communities of people because of disappointment, divorce, and death. How true is that? When bad things happen in my life I tend to shut people out because people tend to disappoint me, or divorce/leave me, or die; however, that should not make a difference on how we live and cause us to live a life of seclusion. We need to keep giving community a chance despite hurts.
Before I left I talked to the worship pastor and a few others who gave me directions to a cool coffee shop and asked all about what I was doing. They were interested in me! Not just “hi, glad you came, bye”. They wanted to know details and they maintained eye contact and responded back. He also told me that if I moved to the area they would love for me to help with a ministry called Serve the City. I sure love connections :)
I did more research of this church once I reached this super cool coffee shop I’m sitting in right now and the church has made many headlines such as “From Poles to Pews”. This church was planted 5 years ago and caused quite a noise in the large city of Atlanta because they took over a building that use to be a strip club. The people who built the church decided to leave shortly after the church was planted but they seem to still be doing amazing. I hope they make more headlines that rock Atlanta and turn a lot of heads because in my eyes they are the perfect church!
Now I am on my way to stay at an intentional community that lives in a Homeless Shelter. I’m so excited! I doubt I will have much internet access but keep looking for updates if you are interested. This could be an experience of a lifetime for me!
8.01.2009
Never would have guessed it...
Ok, so I think God is reminding me of all my old passions and bringing them out one by one. Today while everyone was swimming in the pond I was sitting on the pier giving financial advice. Anything from school loans to credit cards to credit reports to tax write-offs was mentioned. It was crazy how I could sit around and explain these things to my peers. I did not even realize how much knowledge I had but all of my jobs put me in a position to advise them. Hopefully I made some sense though and I helped someone.
First thing this morning I got to watch Amber teach 3 kids English. It was a cool process as they were so willing to learn! But I had enough in the classroom after an hour and decided to go play in childcare with Dora, Roberto, and another little girl. I love playing with kids (and acting like one too). Plus I could not help but think about the little Bantu kids in Fort Wayne, I hope they are doing well.
I decided today that this life is not for me. I talked to Amber and other Jubilee volunteers and I gained so much respect for them and all the hard work they put in for the sake of the community and for no financial gain. They take care of each other and demonstrate the Acts Church so well but this is one intentional community that I just could not live in. However, I love the ideas behind it and was made aware of urban intentional communities that help the homeless and visit prisons. Now that is my kind of life! I hope I can get in to visit this week! Homeless shelter here I come!
I am very thankful that amidst my bad attitude that I have such a great friend like Amber who can just let me be so open and honest. As I tried to shake my bad attitude from last night I was dealt some tragic news that broke my heart all day. Being away from friends when they are going through hard times is going to be hard for me.
Tonight I finally felt ok with being at Jubilee and found serenity in my circumstances. God’s creation is so beautiful when it is not tampered with by humans who think they can make it look better. I started to smile again and have a good time as I sat by the lake and as I watched a thunderstorm. I hope I get more moments to just sit and enjoy creation.
First thing this morning I got to watch Amber teach 3 kids English. It was a cool process as they were so willing to learn! But I had enough in the classroom after an hour and decided to go play in childcare with Dora, Roberto, and another little girl. I love playing with kids (and acting like one too). Plus I could not help but think about the little Bantu kids in Fort Wayne, I hope they are doing well.
I decided today that this life is not for me. I talked to Amber and other Jubilee volunteers and I gained so much respect for them and all the hard work they put in for the sake of the community and for no financial gain. They take care of each other and demonstrate the Acts Church so well but this is one intentional community that I just could not live in. However, I love the ideas behind it and was made aware of urban intentional communities that help the homeless and visit prisons. Now that is my kind of life! I hope I can get in to visit this week! Homeless shelter here I come!
I am very thankful that amidst my bad attitude that I have such a great friend like Amber who can just let me be so open and honest. As I tried to shake my bad attitude from last night I was dealt some tragic news that broke my heart all day. Being away from friends when they are going through hard times is going to be hard for me.
Tonight I finally felt ok with being at Jubilee and found serenity in my circumstances. God’s creation is so beautiful when it is not tampered with by humans who think they can make it look better. I started to smile again and have a good time as I sat by the lake and as I watched a thunderstorm. I hope I get more moments to just sit and enjoy creation.
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