Magdalene's Mission Uncategorized

Peace Love & Hygiene Vol. 132

Last night was good. Dark, weird, and somewhat off at times. It was also healing, rewarding, valuable time spent with valuable people. Life, God, Nature, is complex like that.

Instead of heading to our usual area, the ambulance led us across Detroit to a dark side of town where we had not been to for years. There were Christmas lights on some of the houses. Then we got to a part of the street that was just rows of brick projects that went on and on for what felt like miles. The saddest part was that a good portion of them were boarded up. Condemned Government Assisted Housing.

We drove in front of a row of buildings then parked across the street from it. Then we drove slowly behind the buildings down a very creepy, dark alley. A black cat ran from under one fence to over another fence a little ways ahead of us. Good luck to have a black cat cross our path. While we sat waiting at the end of the alley, I could hear a dog bark in the distance. A few minutes later, the ambulance pulled slowly away and the Comella’s van followed closely behind.

We returned to our more familiar parts of town. Crazy Miss P was standing outside yelling at a man in a big red truck. The gang had taken care of her when they were out earlier in the day. The first friends we helped were walking alone outside. Eventually, we found a well-lit place to park next to a parking lot. We try to be out of the way of businesses, but accessible enough for people who need us to get to us. Ideally, out of the way of traffic.

As the medical team began immediately tending to an elderly crippled man, a woman popped out of the back of the parking lot like a stray cat. Traci was already getting food out for the man in the ambulance from the back of the van. She opened the curb side passenger door on her way to the back. I was pinned on my side, because traffic was flying by my door. So, I couldn’t get out yet. The lady rushed up to the open door where the clothes were, and starting helping herself to random open bags.

Traci yelled out, “Wait! Let me come over there to help you first!”

“But I just want some clothes!” The woman hollered back angrily.

“You have to let me help you through them! It’s too much. Hold on. I’ll be right there.” Traci explained.

But the woman was incensed by this point. She threw the clothes she had back into the van, and screamed, “Why is everyone always yelling at me? You are so mean! I don’t want your stupid stuff! You’re mean and you yell at people!”

She stormed off across the parking lot and there was nothing Traci could say to get her back. A few moments later, a couple of more women appeared from the same shadow that covered the back corner of the parking lot. One by one they came to us. One by one, we fed them. We clothed them. We gave them tools to keep clean and a blanket of warmth and another of prayers before we sent them to the medical team.

Traci would tell some of the ladies, “If some woman tells you that we yell at people it’s not true. And please tell her I’m sorry we got off on the wrong foot. I just have to manage all of these donations, and I wanted to make sure she got the right stuff.”

Eventually, we saw her ponytail come bobbing across the parking lot and up to the van. She apologized to Traci. She said she was having a really bad day. Bad stuff kept happening to her and she needed the doctor. They talked it out, and we were able to convince her to get medical attention. In the end, it was a really positive healthy interaction on many levels. They hugged it out and healed the wound.

Speaking of wounds…

I have a sore spot in Detroit.

Remember my Marilyn Monroe? I haven’t spoken of her in a long time. Well, she was saved… nearly for good. It was a while ago. After our beloved Writer Dude died, another guy came along. Apparently, he was the guy Writer Dude stole her from.

After Writer died, she was a shell. I rarely saw her. Then I found out she was pregnant! It seemed to renew a spark of hope in her. Life and color started to return. Of course, she couldn’t have custody of her son. He was in foster care with a family member. Then I didn’t see her for a while, just the new boyfriend. He seemed shady. He would ask for extras stuff for her, but yet, according to everyone else, no one had seen her in a long time.

Then one day, we started going to this little apartment. She was there! With him. Something was better, but still off. I found out from the medical team that they had gotten her off the street. She was sober, had an apartment all her own, and was in the process of getting custody of her son. She was even working a regular job!

The HE found her. He found her and now she’s back with him living in a worse case scenario. He’s obsessed with her.

There’s rumors that he was the one who killed my friend Kyle because of his jealousy of her.

I HATE going there. They even have a dog. I won’t even get out to see the dog. I hear he’s cute. Traci gives him two meals. She does this as a favor to her and me. We never see her come out. I don’t think she’s allowed to see me. I don’t know. It’s the most depressing house. I stayed in the vehicle the entire time. That ended up making me the smartest person because every person who got out had dog poop on their shoes. Our team leader made a declaration not to go back there again. They are no longer as resource challenged as our other friends who are actually challenged for shelter, as well.

Moments like those are hard to swallow. The lines between what I can and what I shouldn’t do are hard to see sometimes. But I know this: A nice person does nice things for people so they will be liked. A good person helps people because it’s the right thing to do but can still maintain their boundaries.

Our last stop was a busy one. It was the perfect place for Traci and me to empty out the van. My beloved Ms. GG’s. The men who come out of that old rickety house are some of the most humble and polite men you will ever meet. Most of them are senior citizen age, like Ms. GG. A few of them are a little younger. They were so happy to see us! Everyone got warm clean clothes. One of the ladies we dressed before was proud to show off her outfit she still had from last week. It was a fuzzy pajama set. Traci said she just giggled and squealed at the idea of wearing such nice matching pajamas. It’s the little things, right?

I am definitely going to Detroit next Tuesday on Christmas Eve. We’ll be out early in the day. I’m going to make a warm homemade Christmas dinner. I can’t think of a better gift to Jesus than to show through my deeds that I indeed apply his philosophy of unconditional love to world. Feel free to text me if the giving spirit is upon you.

When the weakest among us were hungry, we fed them.

When the deprived were sick, we healed them.

When the destitute were freezing, we gave them blankets and coats.

When Magdalene’s Mission shows up, so does God, and the real love you give every week.

Because that’s how we do it in Detroit.

Amen.

Magdalene's Mission Uncategorized

Peace, Love & Hygiene: Vol. 127

Last night was excellent! I have so much great news to share about some of our friends on the street. To share a Golden Girl Moment- “Thank you for being a friend!” Like a fan of the Journey, you “Don’t stop believing!” Excellent adventure we had last night. We got to the church about 1pm. We worked until 4:00, then we packed up Maggie the Van, and went to a tiny little bar to eat named “Tommy’s Place” right around the corner. It’s located at the end of the alley behind the church. Stevie Wonder was back to play a show in Motown last night. Being from Lansing, let me tell you how much we LOVE our Stevie Wonder. (P.S. Songs in the Key of Life is a perfect album) Great food, awesome prices. They have Faygo and Vernor’s on tap. I’ll be back there for sure

We met our first client before we even left the parking lot. Traci and I walked past him sitting on the front steps of the church after we got something to eat. We said “hello’s”. Later he walked across the parking lot to the van and asked if we had anything to eat. He was hungry. Of course we did. I also made good use of the giant rolling suitcases. I packed them with big, fluffy, comforters and pillows. I would squeeze a hygiene kit into the front pocket, and a towel if one would fit. The old man was delighted to have warm, dry, bedding to sleep safely under. I try to make sure that all of your heartfelt donations are utilized in the best ways.

Now, some people comfortably believe everything happens for a reason. Some people greatly appreciate when randomness and probability aligns in their favor. Me? This stuff is too much coincidence to be a coincidence… again. It was a clothing donation from a lady who own a thrift store in Portland that my Sissy, Jennifer, met and connected me to a couple of years ago. She had a wonderful clothing donation of newer small sized clothing. There were small and extra small sized, Fall maternity clothes. They were packed and folded neatly into a tote, and then lost in the piles of clothes spread out between 2 cities.

Last night, in the comfort of a gymnasium with all our donations organized in one place, Traci found those beautiful clothes. She packed them neatly into the street outreach totes. Our first stop was to see a girl whom I had not seen in a while. The last time I saw her was when the medical team informed her that she was pregnant.

The first patient was my dear friend, who is also my biggest fan of my Memoirs of a Changeling, is also pregnant. She ran up to me and held me tight for a long, genuine embrace. Next, she excitedly and proudly flipped up her shirt to show off her swollen tummy. She bragged about what an active boy she has bouncing around inside of her. She’s keeping as healthy as she can. We were able to supply her with an appropriate wardrobe for her changing body. Street Outreach medical volunteers are helping her keep up her prenatal care. I love it.

A lot more people were helped at that same parking lot. I recognized them all. My Pretty Red-Haired Girl came up. She’s so strong and self-sufficient. I never see her coupled up with other street people. Just in the area. I see her get in and out of a lot of cars. I think she’s the kind of person who is too thick-skinned to ask for help. I’ve been building a relationship of trust and mutual respect with her over the past couple of years. That way, when she’s ready, it will be on her terms, and she will have an advocate she can trust. Everyone needs someone on their side.

The crowd of people hovered over totes filled with clothes and shoes like crows. They stood guard over their food and bedding bags. I howled loud enough for everyone in Detroit to hear me. “YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN! GOD HAS NOT FORGOTTEN YOU! YOU! ARE SO LOVED!”

And just like when I was sitting on top of the church as the bells rang, I was right there when the praises rang out from the sidewalk to the sky.

Eventually, we rolled on up the road. The police have been busy the last couple of weeks tearing down peoples tents and forts. I heard that no less than 5 people we know had their shelters destroyed. The next side street we parked on, we had just begun to help our friend, when I got the message to leave immediately. Some people from the business next door were video recording us. Time to go!

The next spot we parked at was to help a couple who were living in the trees behind an empty building. More and more people made their way over to the van. We must have seen another 15 or 20 people. We had one meal left, and one sleeping bag. It was exactly enough for our next stop…

DARLA & BABY! She was happily greeting the volunteers from the medical team when I approached her. She ran full speed up to me and jumped into my lap and smothered me with happy kisses. I told it was time for me to hook up my best friend, and she made a bee line for the van, and hopped right into the driver’s seat! I pulled out some of the dog food and treats that I always bring with me in case I see her. She climbed right in the back of the van and ate the entire baggie of treats from my hand. Then I opened the zip-loc bag of dog food and just let her shove her pretty face in and go to town. Their Person needed medical attention, so Baby, the puppy came and hung out inside the van, too. They were so happy. I’m going to be riding the vibes of that love bomb from those 2 dogs for a while. Even better than that?

Darla & Baby’s Person got an apartment!!!! He’s been working hard at it, and I’m so proud of him. What a long hard road my friend has survived. We talked about the impact that having a home after overcoming sever homelessness has on your head. We had the same conversations with God. “If we could ever be safe inside with access to food again, I promise, I promise God, I will never complain about anything ever, ever, again.”

Now that we have survived all that, nothing on a day-to-day basis compares to that level of fear and vulnerability. Having safe shelter makes everything else in the world feel like a blessing. I love being there to hear and share these stories of success. He’s still panhandling every so often to make ends meet up, but with an address, anything is possible.

When Darla’s Person came to collect her, a large man approached him with a Little Ceasar’s Pizza box, then spoke briskly, but gently. “Here’s for your dogs, man.”

“Thank you, so much!” Darla’s Person replied.

A few minutes later, he opened the box and passed slices back and forth between the pups.

Darla’s Person has a few pots and pans. I have some dishes. His goal is to find a television, radio, furniture, anything to break up the monotony of silence and to get out of his own head for a while. He’s a non-fiction reader. I’ll see what I can do.

My Little Red-Haired Girl asked me if I would please request underwear for the ladies. I have some affordable packages on the Magdalene’s Mission Wish List on Amazon. I have a link to the Wish List on the webpage on How To Donate.

Winter Is Coming…. I’m almost out of coats, and hats. I’m out of gloves and handwarmers. Blankets and socks are on-going needs. If you’re purging your closets, my porch is still the preferred donation drop-off location.

I’m also making a new page on the Magdalenesmission.com website for people to sign up for a meal, or even donating food so that I can make a meal.

Also, if you, or your company, would like to volunteer time at a non-profit, I have a place in Detroit to put you and your co-worker to good use.

For people, by people, through other people, to get to people. People matter.

Remember the friend from the beginning of the report who was pregnant that reads my book? She is the same lady who I sat in the grass with on top of the bridge and I talked to her for a long time while everyone was busy serving everyone else. That day she told me that she bought a beautiful star stone for her daughter. That she was so peace-filled, because that’s what she bought for her daughter ‘s birthday instead of buying drugs. She told me yesterday, that she’s in contact with her daughter who still holds tightly that gemstone as a precious talisman of inspiration.

We are not forgotten.

God has not forgotten us.

We are so loved.

Because that’s how we do it in Detroit.

Amen.

Magdalene's Mission Uncategorized

Peace, Love & Hygiene: Vol. 126

“The fort on Fort Street” I left my notes in Detroit last night. Here is everything I remember. First, our new HQ is wonderful. Traci and I spent the afternoon there sorting, repacking, and re-piling clothes and blankets, etc. We met our first new volunteers already. The volunteer crew from Fort St. Church has been without a community service project for a few years. Three men and a woman came down to the gym to see what Mag’s Miss had going on. They can’t wait to get in there and start sorting! Woo Hoo! Fresh men’s clothing is going to start coming in, pre-packed and sorted, regularly. Traci and I spent a few hours getting ready for last nights outreach. When we were done, we had enough time for some local and authentic Mexican cuisine. We were on top of the world by the time the medical team was ready to roll out.

We haven’t been on the street in over a month. Would anyone remember us?

Our first stop was to see one of our first girls who we hadn’t seen in a couple of years. Traci and I would bring her up and remember how she used to make us laugh. Fortunately, she is still alive and kicking. She’s still with the same abusive boyfriend. She looked emaciated even for a tiny woman. When Traci saw her, she asked, “Hey Girl! Remember me?”

            The dear girl broke down and wept on Traci’s shoulders. She hugged Traci tight and told her how much she missed her. That things have been so hard, but she would think about us and knew that someone out there- somewhere- loved her. It was a warm relief to know she was alive and surviving. Tough as anyone may think they are, they couldn’t live even a few hours of her life.

            As a matter of fact, that was a topic of discussion at our next stop. We focus on the shelter challenged this time of year. I had 11 tents donated recently and those were a huge deal. As well as sleeping bags, blankets, and winter coats. Those flew out of the van first.

            One of the girls I talked to said she had to quit “riding in cars” with men. The clients were too dangerous. My pretty red-haired girl talked about how a gentleman who had been on the streets for years, “The Barber”, was shot and killed the night before. Another friend of hers had died just a couple of day before that, she calmly reported as she sorted through winter clothing.

            The first girl confessed that she was “car hopping” now. She was sleeping in whatever abandoned, or unlocked car she could find. It was still dangerous, but not as deadly as sex-work. We helped a lot of people who came from the dark alley at the back of the field. Everyone was beyond grateful.

            We cruised around for a couple of more hours. We cleaned out of everything rather quickly. At our last stop, the medical team found a woman who desperately needed their attention. I got to play with her little kitten while Traci served the stragglers who came up to the side of the van for a sandwich, clean socks, hygiene kits, and most importantly- hugs.

            Everyone was glad that we still have emergency blankets. I’m out of handwarmers, though.

            At the end of the night, we drove back to HQ. We unloaded our empty bins and made the long drive home via 7 Mile.

            It feels good to be back. It feels great to relaunch the nonprofit. It is a wonderful blessing to rent this corner of the gymnasium. It is a relief to have all the donation is one spot where Traci and I, or whoever, can actually, realistically sort and organize it all. We have the best opportunity for volunteers to help us. Thank you everyone wo kicked in a little something for this week. I saved all those cookies in my freezer! This is incredible. This is how good things can be. I trust in God. God trusts in me, too.

Because that’s how we do it in Detroit.

Amen.     #peaceloveand hygiene  #magdalenesmission