March 5, 2024
I would have to say that the theme for last night was efficient. From Monday on, my texts blew up with people offering their help for this weeks Mission. It was everything good about humanity.
Nick drove. Katie made sure our food was awesome. People were still reeling over last week’s casseroles. Alyssa added the homemade cornbread muffins to my red beans and rice concoction. My niece donated some of her warm shirts that were nice, but that she outgrown them. I had warm coats, blankets, etc. I had clean, warm, clothes. Melissa and her girls got all the hygiene kits packed. They ran out of wipes, but then a box of wipes and flashlights were delivered to my door 10 minutes later.
We were packed to the gills. We had 60 full meals this week. That’s the good news.
The bad news is that 25 homeless people died this winter in Detroit from exposure. Dang it. All I can say to pull that around is that it would have been significantly more without your donations keeping me in Detroit every Tuesday night.
We drove to a lot of places, mostly in the same area. We kept driving up and down the same road seeing people we recognized or visiting forts.
Our first stop was two older men. They were very sweet and grateful. One of the men started to hug me, then he pulled back and apologized.
I said, “No, you bring that sugar right here to Auntie Kayla. I love you. God loves you. Bring that hug to me.”
I could see behind his eyes that he hadn’t been held with kindness in many, many, years. Just one hug was all it took. I gave him a sleeping bag, too. Pretty exciting stuff.
Then we saw the guy that had the midget dream about me. He’s cool. He was delighted to have more homemade food. He was so happy he started singing. I smiled and thanked him for a dinner for a song. He told me that the only way he can survive is to sing. This existence on its own would be unbearable. Music and song are the only things that can separate him from the pains of life. I know exactly how that feels. Don’t you?
In the same spot, we were approached by a man with a broken back who still works under the table for the random stores in the neighborhood. He was very proud of himself for that. He appreciated a warm meal and clean socks after such a long hard day.
Another sweet older man approached us. I was able to give him food, hygiene, and a sleeping bag. He prayed over me, over and over. “Angels of Detroit. Thank for sending them, Lord.”
Then I saw my best dog friend Darla! I loved her up a bunch! I gave her dog food and some dog treats. I didn’t bring water for lunch, so I emptied my water bottle into her tiny metal bowl. Wouldn’t you? She is by far, my favorite three-legged homeless pit bull.
We found a senior gentleman huddled up at a picnic table. We took care of him, and his friend. I went to give him a hug as I told him I loved him. He started to move towards me, then he stopped.
“Are you sure? No one ever touches me. I don’t know the last time I was hugged.”
I told him, “That changes now. You are SO loved.” And I hugged him extra tight and extra-long.
Was he dirty, smelly, disease-ridden, and weird?
Yeah. So? Hugs are power. I am full of power.
Then was a busy spot. I saw my Ms. GG. She looks good. She was out with a gentleman friend. Several sex-workers approached me at that spot. I was able to give pepper spray or mace to all of them. One of them told me that her last pepper spray saved her life. I showed Ms. GG how to use hers to cut a seat belt, and how to break out a car window.
I noticed that the ladies are really impressed that anyone cares what happens to them. They already know that they are the lowest rung on the social ladder. Those tiny little ladies deal with more trauma, stress, life-threatening situation, battery, assault, etc. But- they haven’t given up yet. Their story isn’t done being written. Every time I go out there, I am a role model. I didn’t give up on me, and I won’t give up on them. Everyone wants to be a part of Magdalene’s Mission someday. Everyone wants their experiences to account for something.
We served a crippled man at an intersection. Then we found my Ms. Betty Boop and her husband! Their love is a powerful one. I met them when they were staying in a really disgusting dope den. Mr. Boop was very upset that Ms. Boop was in such a horrid places. He told me of his dreams for them. They have their own apartment now! It’s getting better a little at a time.
Ms. Boop introduced me to my new buddy. His name is Milo. He’s my cover model for this weeks report. As soon as I saw him, I told the people to wait. Animals first. I went and got the kitty a couple of cans of food. I noticed that his tail was gone. It’s completely gone. It’s so gross, but she said it’s been like that since he was a kitten. She takes care of him and makes sure he gets fed. She named him Milo.
Next was 3 people living in a minivan in an empty lot. Then we went to the neighborhood where my Marilyn Monroe lives. She wasn’t feeling well, so she sent her boyfriend out to see us for her. There were a lot of people there.
We saw my one-legged brother. That guy is not afraid to hug me one bit. He picked me up and swung me around. I took care of him and his two friends.
We saw one more lady. She got my last personal can of pepper-spray. The medical team was ready to call it a night, so I just gave her my last 5 sandwiches. She promised to share them with the people in her fort. I love her. I was so happy to see she was okay. I never know when the last time I might see someone will be.
So, every time, we pray, we love unconditionally, we listen, we care, we treat each other with respect.
Because that’s how we do it in Detroit.
Amen.
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