Last night was smooth like peanut butter. We made rounds to all the different types of living homeless. We went from bridges to tarps in doorways. From trap houses to abandoned lots, we found people. I desperately need more blankets. I’m about out.
It was somewhat slow and depressing, honestly. The stories and living conditions of our friends can be hard to hear and see. I start wondering if I’m enough. I wonder if I’m making a difference. I see other teams of volunteers and their fancy vehicles and shiny donations. Should I even be here?
A then God sent me a kitten. One loud mewling little kitten with white socks.
Traci yelled out, “Kayla! It’s a kitten!”
My entire spirit refilled and came back to life. I grabbed a can of wet food and ran out. Little buddy was all about it. I sat next to him as he ate two cans to himself.
I heard he ran into the house, meowed his presence, and hasn’t left yet. I love him.
He purred and let me scritch his back. He lifted his tail high in the air like a flagpole. He would look up every now and again. I assured him that I was watching out for him and his food.
I looked over at the back of the van every now and again. A small crowd was gathering around Traci and the clothes. The ladies and men thanked Traci for all her hard work putting bins of clothes together for them. Everyone we saw received a warm coat, hats and gloves, too.
I found a kind homeless man who worked, but not enough to get out of his hole. My darling and dearest friend Sharna gave me her deceased husband’s boots. I told the man I gave them to that the shoes he wore belonged to a man of great honor. One the most honorable Christian men I ever met. They were his to fill now. His shoulders squared and his face lit up. I could see the love rising up through his entire body. That guy is going to be okay now.
Maybe a pair of warm boots, and a container of pet food can be enough to change someone’s world. One living creature at a time, for now.
Because that’s how we do it in Detroit.
Amen.
