October 11, 2018
So tonight we fed the homeless.
As we rode around in the back of a truck we announced “comida, comida” and handed out bags filled with a sandwich, apple, chips and a juice box.
All kinds of people were scattered around the town with the clothes on their back and the few things that make their ‘home.’ Most slept on cardboard boxes. Some even have created roofs with trash bags and other creative tools.
Some together. Some alone. Couples. A family.
This one man got himself a lunch bag but made sure that we waited for his friend. No one left behind.
Our runners on the back of the truck ran to those already asleep or those who could not come to the truck.
We waited at this one corner for a while. Honking, announcing that we had food. A few minutes later a woman came up telling us there were a few more. Three more girls slowly made their way up the street. They were only in a bra and a thong, out for the night to make money in order to survive. Each so grateful for a meal.
As we were waiting, a man turned around with a tattoo on his back and said what does it say?! It said Jesus. I’m not sure if he actually didn’t know or if he was trying to show it off. Either way-I pray Jesus is not only on his back but in his heart as well.
We even handed out empty bags and boxes. Our trash is their treasure. They’re cabinet, bed, or rain coat. As we handed out our last lunch bag, we drove away. I realized we had an extra trash bag. I said “¡¡espera!!” and threw this man a bag. He smiled so big. So grateful.
Tonight we chased the one. Waited for the one. We made sure those on the streets tonight were fed. I couldn’t help but wonder what events in these peoples’ lives led to this. To living on the street with nowhere to call home. That could of easily been me or even you. It doesn’t seem fair to be on this side-handing out lunch bags as we looked into their eyes and say “Dios te ven diga” (God bless you). They were all extremely grateful, but y’all it broke my heart.
I’ve had a hard time recently to be honest. It’s really difficult traveling the world and having people see the color of your skin and expect things. Kids demanding candy. People going out of their way to ask for money. I know, it seems selfish, but it’s hard. They seem white skin and expect things. Once in Nepal a kid came up to the side of the restaurant and begged for money then put up a finger gun. Parents send their kids to beg. Kids are controlled by adults to beg for money. If they don’t get enough money, then they are punished. In these scenarios our skin color is like a target right on our forehead.
Our friends in Myanmar initially saw us as money, yet eventually we shifted their lens and soon became friends.
It’s so hard.
I don’t want to enable, yet I want to give.
I don’t want to be seen as money, yet we’re told to give to the poor.
It’s hard. There’s not always the right answer. I know I don’t have it.
But tonight was cool.
Who am I to judge these people living on the streets? I don’t know their stories. What they’ve been through. What cards they’ve been dealt. All I know is that they needed food. I haven’t quite figured it all out. I’m processing this as I’m typing, honestly.
At the end of the day, Jesus says to give to the poor. But we can’t give to everyone. So-tune into the Holy Spirit. Give some food, others money, possibly a lesson, a chance and maybe even carve out some time to pour into them. Listen to God and try to cater to the needs of those around you in the best way you can.
I encourage you to see the needs in your town and give in some way shape or form-volunteer at a soup kitchen, become friends with the homeless, donate clothes and really love those around you. We are all equal in God’s eyes. Meet those around you where they’re at and point them to Jesus!!
