What They Really Need

It started with an idea at our tea group. Let's each donate a purse we're no longer using and fill it with typical "purse goods" and distribute them to ladies in need.The next month we met and drank tea and stuffed purses.And this month we went on a search to find ladies.Which landed us in a most unusual and unexpected place.We first met "under the power lines". And then we moved into the woods. (We did have an escort who knows and works with the tenants in these woods. We were warned that it is not safe (nor would they allow us) to go into the woods by ourselves.What transpired was simply amazing. We met many of the residents who call these woods home. We visited in their tents. One guy whose dog had 11 puppies allowed us to go in and see the puppies in his tent. (I can't imagine sleeping in a tent with 11 puppies and a momma dog. Can you?)We heard their stories. And we learned their names.We met Julie, who is the resident cat lady. She was ecstatic when we offered her a purse with cats embroidered on it. (Isn't God all about the details?)  She introduced herself as Chef Julie Bean, the artist. She quickly got a pen and paper and wrote down her phone number for me and then took my name and number so she can call me when she finishes the canvas she's going to paint for me.When I found out she was an artist, I invited her to our next Ladies Night Out at our church, where we are painting canvases. She immediately accepted the invitation and said she will meet me in the parking lot when I come to pick her up. I can't think of anyone I'd be more honored to bring.Interestingly, we met one guy who has since moved into an apartment and is making it on his own. However, he still frequents the woods much of his free time. He explained that it was the sense of community here in the woods that draws him back. His apartment gets lonely and boring.  Not many neighbors in his new place who are in need of company will knock on each other's doors and ask to visit. Here in the woods, though, that's normal.And probably the most important lesson we learned, the one that slammed the door in the face of what we thought should be our response to the homeless, was one man's reply to our question, "What is the best thing we can do to help? What do you all really need?" And his reply was not what we expected. Their biggest request is not for money or toothbrushes or clothes. It is for friendship and understanding, respect and love.And I wanted to fall on my knees in the dirt and ask God to forgive me for what I so piously had assumed that they needed. For all the times I've judged and turned my gaze and walked on by, just so I wouldn't feel guilted into giving money. Come to find out, that's not what they really needed. Or wanted.As we started to leave the second camp, we joined hands and stood in a circle and prayed. We prayed for a while. We prayed for protection for these neighbors. We prayed for Felicia, who barely unzipped her tent to say hi to us, as she was very sick. (Again, I can't imagine. Not only being very sick and having to be in a tent, but we also learned that she is struggling with the after affects of recently being raped.) We thanked God for Norm, our escort and his heart for these people. We thanked God for the privilege we had of visiting the woods and for what He has begun to teach us through them.Please pray as we seek to develop genuine relationships with these new friends. And as we anticipate the many lessons God has for us as we venture more frequently...into the woods.