May 28, 2024
It was an excellent night of Street Outreach in Detroit. My Sissy’s husband, Chris Hildenbrand, made a heroic amount of goulash. It was epic. He even threw in French bread, cutlery and containers, then I threw in some green beans on top. A real meal. I was excited that our homeless friends were going to have such a healthy meal to thrive upon. It brings me great pleasure to communicate love through food.
I tell my friends, “You can taste the love, baby!”
They answer back, “I always do!”
I saw a rafter of turkeys on my way home from Portland. The massive tom had his impressive plums spread for all to see that he was ready to protect his hens. He guarded every hen as she crossed the road. He understood his role so well it was instinct. I never felt so close to a turkey before. What an odd epiphany? Turkeys are a sign of the future, to watch the weather. They were right to warn me.
God sent the storm in ahead of us to clear a path. Nick’s van huffed and puffed its way through the city lakes. The storm held its breath over southwest Detroit for us until we had to go home. That was cool.
We pulled over for the first young women we saw standing alone on a street corner. I offered her food, and she said, “Thank God for you, yes.” In case you’re wondering, God gets a lot of thanks when they see the unconditional love that we want to share with them. A lot of thanks.
We travelled on driving over the wet black roads. We saw a young woman begging, holding a sign, at the top of a bridge. I offered her food, and she ran fast to meet us across the street. I made sure that she, and the last lady we saw, both got their pepper spray.
“Thank you. Thank God for you. I appreciate this so much.”
Three other men approached us for food, hygiene and clean socks.
“Peace, love and hygiene, baby! God did not forget you!” is what I say to everyone. I love the smug smile it brings to their grubby faces.
One of the men we served said that he saw a van just like Nick’s earlier in the day while he was begging for change. A lady held $2 out of her van window. When he approached the car, he said she showed him her probation officer badge and made him spread eagle on the side of her van, right there in traffic while she patted him down. She didn’t even give him the $2. She told him she would put it in his commissary when he ended up in jail. Not a very encouraging encounter. Poor dude. I’m glad we were there.
More, “Thank you, God bless you’s.”
One of many gentleman with crutches was out. He needed shoes, which I had at home, but I did not have room for in Nick’s van. We’re going to start bringing out both of our vans. One for food and hygiene, then the other one for clothes, shoes, blankets, etc. It’s like a paper cut on my heart whenever someone asks for something that I had but couldn’t bring. We’ll fix that.
We waited for my Ms. GG on the side of the busy road. The house we sat in front of was full of history. It was an old brick, 2-story with a black iron fence, and curved glass in the bay window. The door leading into the basement was wide open and the screen was torn off from most of it. A young man, probably about 12 was sitting casually on a seat from a car on the porch. There was a child size piano, a Red Rider scooter, and a metal chair with a pile of random junk scattered around him.
While we waited, I saw a man in tattered, too large clothes, walking down the sidewalk. I could tell by his gait that he walked with a disability. He was holding his hand under his shirt, close to his chest. I have a daughter with Cerebral Palsy. I notice these things. I approached him cautiously and offered him food. He spoke very slowly and with great effort. He was different though. He didn’t want anything. He didn’t need help. He didn’t like that we assumed he would. He was very polite, and respectful, but I could see that we embarrassed him. I think we were able to turn it around and send him away with a couple new friends.
I think my red headed girl is pregnant. She seems to be getting a bigger belly every time I see her. She has definitely gotten more comfortable with me. Next week I’ll approach her and ask her if she is pregnant. It’s important to intervene with these situations. It would be impossible for her to keep the baby when she finally does deliver it. We must make sure the babies go into foster care or adoption. I’m hoping that this connection I’ve been building over the last few months will make a difference for her. I could get her to the people who can and will help her out.
The highlight of my night was of course, Darla! This week, Darla’s person had another member of his family. A little puppy! She looks just like Darla, only he is tiny and has all 4 of his legs. (Of course, pictures.) I had to put the puppy down to feed the people. (Sigh.) But when I was done, I went back to my girl, Darla. She sat on my lap and snuggled me down to the ground. So, I lay down on the ground on the corner outside this gas station in Detroit with her for several minutes. Darla and I looked at clouds together. I scratched her tummy, and she gave me kisses. That’s what it’s all about. That’s the meaning of life. That’s what God wants for us all. Those moments make life worth putting up with when it sucks.
Because somewhere in Detroit, is a homeless 3-legged pit bull who survives on donated scraps of food. She is the happiest, most free, picture of perfect joy and gratitude for every little thing. That dog, Darla, is genuinely grateful that we exist together on the planet at the same time. I aspire to be as genuine as her.
Therefore, I will keep bringing these donations of love to Detroit to the people who’s life hinges on our love. Because I am genuinely grateful to be together with all of you on this planet at this exact time.
Because that’s how we do it in Detroit.
Amen.
