1) There are days they miss being homeless. The people in the homeless community are just that "people" and "community" (you thought I'd say homeless didn't you??). They are people - with families, backgrounds, names, stories. They are not "them" - they are not "numbers". And they are a community. Kevin & Dana always found themselves sitting at the camp of another person/couple/family hearing about their lives and stories (unlike now when you can't just walk into someone's house and say how was your day). They miss the camaraderie, the connection, the constant relationship with others. They never had anything stolen while on the streets (although they did lose everything to flood waters, or to the police coming through and clearing them from an area). And while they never worried before, now that they're in their suburban home, they lock the doors every night. They say there are many days they feel as though they trust their homeless community more than their new community. Huh... Did you ever think you'd hear someone say they miss being homeless? I didn't.
2) Their son learned how to love people during that time. Kevin & Dana have teenage boys, who were living with other family during their time on the streets. Every day one of their sons would hop on his bike and ride down to the camp where his parents lived. When he was asked what he learned from the experience he said, "you always hear that you can't always judge a book by it's cover - and I learned you're right." He said he'd always liked people, but he learned to love people. He learned what it was like to be loved by people as well, as they didn't judge or condemn others. He grew in compassion and the ability to get to really know people. Wow - what a life lesson...
3) What should I do when I see someone standing on a corner with a sign? Dana said she only did this twice. It was too embarrassing. And, she said that people were just mean - yelling terrible things. The worst though was that people look away - like they don't see you. You are already feeling bad enough, and then for people to purposefully pretend to not see you adds insult to injury. So, a few things you can do next time... Look and smile. Yep - acknowledge a person standing there. Someone God created. Smile big! You may want to keep a stash of things you could give out. SOCKS SOCKS SOCKS! You can't have enough socks. Or, bottled water, gift cards to restaurants, granola bars, aluminum cans they can recycle, dog food (because many are eligible for food stamps, but they can't buy dog or cat food with food stamps). If you're headed to a drive thru --- decide to sit in that day, and invite this person to join you and hear their story. So, whatcha gonna do next time you see someone??
4) They know that God is the provider of all things. They are truly thankful for every single thing they have. Every single thing. I know it's easy for me to forget or take it for granted. And they also know that true HOPE is found only in Him. And that's something we all need to know too...
I know I've not included a ton. If you were there to hear them, you can add your insights in comments...I may go back later and add some more. It's still a bit overwhelming - good, but overwhelming taking it all in. I'm so proud of the middle school students and the lessons they've learned from all of this. They are a remarkable group of world-changers --- I pray they will continue to seek Him and serve Him with all they are!! Go change the world!! Go serve! God tell! Go live wholeheartedly for Him!!!
Our next Give a Shirt Party with homeless students from the area is on Friday. I'm sure we'll all be approaching it differently. I can't wait to see who we get to meet, and who we get to hear and learn from, and who we get to bless beyond belief because of the generosity of so many others...
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