Feeding the Homeless

On Sunday I had the great pleasure of being able to help make and pass out food to some of San Jose’s homeless. I got up about 4am to help make breakfast. Rosy, maid and lady who sort of runs the house I live in, made guyo pintos (a common bean and rice breakfast meal) on Saturday night (early Saturday morning Rosy and some friends put together bags of fruit to hand out as well). On Sunday morning, we made a lot of scrambled eggs, then in small plastic bowls, we put the pintos, scrambled eggs, and 2 tortillas for a good breakfast! Around 5:30 -6am we prayed and left to hand out food.

First we went to a park and served about a dozen or so people, then packed up to go another place. The second place was near a small bus depot. Some of the people didn’t want to wake up for breakfast, but some others were so excited to get warm food and a warm drink (coffee or agua dulce – which literally means sweet water, but I don’t know what it is exactly). We served about 5 people there, then moved to a street that had many homeless. At the next place we probably served at least 50 people – we had enough for about 100 people and gave everything away.

One of the men in our group was telling everyone that there is hope in God, it was really cool. I can’t even begin to tell you what it’s like to see people who are so excited for a “small” gift of food. There is such a joy in giving something so simple.

This was my first experience with homelessness face to face. I didn’t really know what to expect, but the smiles and happiness we were able to see on the faces of these men and women was probably the best gift a person could receive, knowing this simple act of kindness made the day, week, and Christmas holiday very special to someone in need is very satisfying. I challenge each of you to think of ways to make someone’s Christmas the best day of the year without expecting anything in return!

There were about 3 men our group was able to pray with. One of the men, from what I understand, was having problems with his father. I don’t know what kind of problems or for how long there was something wrong, but one of the men in our group called his father and then gave the phone to the son and they were able to talk. I wish I knew more of what was happening, but God is in control, so if you think about, please continue to pray for this man and his father.