Pure joy. Joy with a capital J. Pride in its most virtuous sense of being. I have a lot of fascinating adventures, and heartwarming stories to tell. I must tell you of the most wonderful news. Remember my Girl Who Always Reads? Remember how we would bring her books, and journals and pens? I gave her a copy of my book and she read it twice, then someone stole it so she asked for another copy to read? Well, first- she quit using heroin!!!!!! She did it!!! She made it to the other side!!! Second, she is in school!!!! She is training to be a medical assistant! She couldn’t wait to tell me, and I couldn’t wait to tell you. May God bless and keep her. It’s an online program. The reason hadn’t seen her in so long was because she is dating a guy who drives semi-trucks and they have been driving around the country while she does her school work. Unfortunately, he got ill, lost his job, then their apartment, and she’s homeless again. Hence, I was encountering her again on the street. I hugged her brains out a million times. I told her how strong and powerful she is. They panhandled enough money until they could get a hotel room. That way she has internet and can use her laptop. I kept asking her what she needed, heck, or anything she perhaps only wanted. She just said, “Another copy of your book is the only thing I need that I don’t have.” That girl…
That was the most wonderful, perfect, empowering news I have heard in years. I could not even think straight until I shared that with you. We all have been holding her hand and helping keep her alive for 2 years now. She is a fierce little woman. She is absolutely worth it. She’ll be working at the outreach center, Mitchell’s Crib someday.
Our first stop of the evening was at the fort you see in the picture. He was a Spanish speaking man, but he could communicate in English. We carried food and hygiene supplies to his makeshift house.We were awestruck and impressed with his house. It seemed an opulent living arrangement, until we compared it to living in an actual house.
Socrates claimed that being poor made one more resourceful and self-sufficient than one who is wealthy. Sometimes, I can see what he means by that.
As we were driving, we saw a homeless women whom we recognized. We waited for her in a nearby parking lot. We were able to help her as well as four or five more homeless people, and direct a couple of them towards medical attention. Jenni came out with us tonight. Traci and I would have struggled without her. Everyone asked about our friend Wen who came out with us last week.
We went to a spot that we have been to quite often over the last couple of years. The occupants rotate, but the vibe is the same. I have always wanted to look inside. This time, we went all the way down the alley, behind the building around to the other side, down the stairs, and up to the door. It’s the basement of a burned down building.
At first it was a couple, then a few, then several people who we were able to feed, and to keep warm and clean. Three people spoke to me about rehab. They were sick of life there. They had goals, and prizes waiting to be won in the Straight World. One man was trying to have a positive relationship in his sons life.Betty Boop and her husband know that they aren’t supposed to be there, or belong there either. They are all working diligently to get themselves into rehabilitation.
Stanbulance had a call so we followed. One of our friends wasn’t doing well at all. I held her. I hugged her and I prayed over her for a long time. Until we both were crying.
The teams had a couple of quick medical calls, then we were heading out to visit the Hobbits. That’s where I saw The Girl Who Always Reads. It’s also where I ran into the Widow Who Sits. As long as she is alive and well- I love her.
Oh my. We didn’t get home until 12:30 ish. It’s after 2 am and I keep falling asleep as I type. So, I will probably edit this after a few hours of sleep. I hope you find great joy from reading about all the new inspired adventures. We believed in someone until they could believe in themselves.
Because that’s how we do it in Detroit. Amen.
#peacloveandhygiene #madalenesmission
Well done kiddo.. your voice resonates… always remember that