" You shine out of the eyes of the lowly and poor,

                                            showing holiness in their defeat.

                                    Your invincible power at the center of their weakness" ( Psalms)


He ran up to me with a silly childlike joy in his eyes! Gesturing to the sidewalk where he was set up on the corner of a busy street. Amongst a huge pile of nails and screws, he had built a small basketball hoop, for people to shoot loose change into. He was so proud and all lit up in his big accomplishment. I sat as he explained in great detail his delight in making this enjoyable  for others to give him change. He was tired of the typical, so he got creative with it. He showed me FUN.

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We walked down a  brightly  graffitied alley until his small home came into view. I was struck by his  resources and building skills, and shocked that this was actually where he considered home to be. He was different they told me. He was not dealing with an addiction, he was just a young man who lived in an alley, a mystery. I was touched by his character. I was informed he often had the unwanted company of rats in this alley, who would sneak in and steal his food. After attempting to chase them away a few times, he realised they needed food just like him, and has allowed them to take what they need from time to time. He is gentle and loving. He showed me a SELFLESSNESS  that makes no sense to me.

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It was getting later at this point in the journey. We stopped the van, and a few of us ventured under the bridge with flashlights. A whole other world came into view as the light hit the dark corners. Homes set up, belongings, articles of clothing, tents, and remnants of daily life. Many were seeking refuge under this bridge. With a lump in my throat, we made our way through the homes, people searching. They showed me that they are SURVIVORS.

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There are many stories to share about the different people I was privledged to encounter on monday night, these are just a few. Each one so unique, each revealing their own special beauty, and their own individual pain. I experienced such graciousness and hospitality from many. I can't explain the honor it is for me to have the opportunity to share a meal and build friendships with these lovely people. So many stories,  and such raw authenticity.

Please join me in praying. Where there is pain they would experience healing. Where there is trauma and addiction, they would know freedom. Where there is danger and  damage, they would find protection. Where their is searching and grasping, they would find him.