Tuesday, March 7th, 2017

I had breakfast with some of our friends from the woods today.  It was a beautiful respite from my work and time spent raising children.  As we sat around their camp, I listened to them tell stories of their days on the streets in the place they call home.  I felt so welcome.  I felt grateful to have earned their trust enough to be invited into this circle.  At one point in the conversation one woman looked at me and asked, “I just want to know something.  Why do you come out here?  Why do you do this?” Everyone grew quiet, and all eyes were on me.  A hundred thoughts were running through my mind, because the reasons are endless.  And yet, the simplest answer seemed most fitting.  “Because everyone deserves to be loved,” I replied. 

The group remained quiet for a moment before one of them spoke up.  What she said next broke my heart and filled it with a smile all in the same moment.  “You’re the only one who comes here and gives us hugs.  Many groups or people come out and want to give food or clothing, but only you guys give us hugs.  I just want to tell the world, homelessness is not contagious!  People act afraid of us, like we’re dirty, or like they are going to catch something from us.  But not you guys.”

I shook my head in disbelief.  I didn’t quite know what to say.  Then I apologized for all the people I don’t know who look the other way, or keep their distance.  I apologized for all the people who are held captive by their fears.  I admitted that I was one of them once.  There was a time when I too wasn’t sure where the boundaries were, or what they were, or if and how they should be crossed.  Then I found FHSKC, and one day I felt inspired to leap.  And on that day I hugged one of the people we serve.  And then I hugged another.  And another.  Suddenly, my world became bigger. I have a theory that our hearts grow bigger with these embraces as well.  Walls fall down.  Friendships begin.  And love wins.

I’m thankful for the family we become as our group grows, and I’m eager to watch our story continue to unfold.  I’m grateful to be a part of a team of people who opens their arms to the homeless community and loves them and meets them right where they are.  Because it’s truly that simple…..everyone deserves to be loved.