Monday March 1

Hmm…Where should I start?

Christmas Day 2009, I went down to Center City with two of my friends; one happened to be a brother from GCC. We had the snack packs ready to hand out to those in need of them. We gave some away at Love Park before we made our way down to Concourse. I’m not going to lie but I was surprised by how many homeless were down there. Good thing the police had a day off. The GCC brother brought us over to meet one of his friends. He was a homeless, too. What a nice guy was all I could remember about this friend of his. There was a woman sitting next to him…or more like the other end of his bench. She was sitting in the most polite way, but I knew she was cold. Her face was beautiful but it was her eyes that I noticed. I’m not an expert whatsoever, but I could tell she’s been through a lot. I handed her a snack pack and hoped to start up a conversation. She accepted the snacks but didn’t say anything. I tried talking to her but she wouldn’t answer me. Maybe she didn’t speak English? Well, the homeless guy shared with us that she doesn’t speak to anyone. I don’t know why but that made me rather sad? I didn’t know what to do at that moment. When we said goodbye to this nice homeless man, I looked at the Caribbean woman, smiled and said, “Merry Christmas…” When we walked off, I saw her smile…Well that’s what I think. I didn’t look back because I wanted to believe it really was.

Why am I telling you all this?

Well, I saw her again that Monday...the first time since Christmas. I recognized her right away. It was probably her eyes, still filled with the same sadness and pain. When I saw her, I couldn’t help but find myself smiling. I gave her a sandwich and a bottle of water. She accepted them graciously but still not a word from her. I wasn’t discouraged though. I really believe that it’s all part of God’s plan. Maybe he has given me another chance to speak to this woman? Will she talk though? I don’t know. All I can do is continued to pray for this woman and ask that God will softening her heart.

So brothers and sisters please keep this Caribbean woman in your prayers. I know it has only been my third or fourth time doing Diakonos…or maybe I’m being silly but I really believe that God is using me to reach out to this woman…and I believe he’s doing the same with all of you, too.