The Sermon at Santa Monica

Last night Ben Wickstrom (my roommate from my Sophomore year in college) and myself were walking around Santa Monica. In fact Ben and I were just going to go chill on the beach and chat, no real plans for the night. On our way to the beach, we walked past a random homeless man. He was wearing a blue T-shirt, and brown shorts. He had a green backpack that looked like it just came out of a Junior High locker next to his feet. On the side of the backpack were a few old water bottles that had his supply of water for the night, and I am sure inside was a few changes of clothes, maybe a notebook, some toilet paper, and a few other items he’s either found off the street, or discovered in a dumpster. This man asked if we had any money to give him. This was the same exact thing the he asked the people in front of us, and probably many others that night. I turned and looked at him and just said, “I’m sorry man.” This is what I usually say every single time someone asks me for money. I can’t in good conscious give out money, not like I am getting enough to give out anyways. Then this homeless man who hasn’t shaved in a few months replied through his think beard, “Well, could you at least buy me some food?” Ben and I turned right around and I told him that, “I can do that.” We walked into a McDonald's, and I told him get whatever he wanted.

He was a little reserved at first and said, “Two Double Cheese Burgers would do.” But, I knew better. I asked if he wanted fries. Dumbfounded yet surprised, he said “sure.” Then I asked him if he wanted a drink too, and he did. So we ordered the food, and found a seat in the restaurant still in the open but a little off to the side as well. And we just talked. See the homeless man’s name was Terry. And Terry told us story after story. I am unsure how many of these stories were true, and how many were made up just to impress us. In all honestly can’t really say that I was too concerned about the validity of his storytelling, because I was more concerned with how he was doing.

During the next couple hours we slowly saw his mood change from that of brokenness into one of high spirits. See this was probably the first time in a while he was allowed into such a high class place like McDonald’s. As we sat there and exchanged story after story the Security Guard would walk by from time to time to keep an eye on us three. For a period of time the McDonald’s Security Guard stood at the end of our table a little bit a way, but close enough to remind all of us that he was there. Thankfully it took a little while for Terry to finish his meal. I mean he was proper and didn’t talk while he chewed. I knew that he had to leave shortly after all the food was gone, or otherwise we would have been thrown out for loitering, or worse yet arrested. So we left and then we talked outside for another thirty minutes or so and then we went our separate ways. Hopefully Terry will get to his friends house that he is traveling to and get some work like he is told us he was doing, and if not I still hope God sustains and blesses him.

There were a few things I learned that night. One is Terry told us he talks to God and prays to Jesus often. Terry was also thanked us for the meal but more importantly thanked God for giving us the means to give him the meal. It was a reminder to myself that I need to spend more time dedicated to God, I do need to spend more time in prayer. Sometimes I get tired and life seems really tough. Sometimes I feel like the world is a mess and there is nothing we can do about it. These are usually the times when my prayer life is lacking the most. I thank God for allowing me to buy dinner for Terry, and thank God for preaching to me even though it wasn’t Sunday morning. I am also thankful that the strengths of others, even if they are homeless has encouraged me in my own life.

In Love from Boyle Heights.

Blessings seem to always come in unique and unexpected packages.

Blessings seem to always come in unique and unexpected packages. I came out to LA with the expectation of being in solidarity with the poor by trying to live a life of simplicity. I knew that I would be living with little money and few resources. Not being able to eat out when I please, and not having the means to eat meat on a regular bases, has not hindered me nor has it truly forced me to live simpler either, but instead this life style have forced me to live creatively. Sometimes every meal seems like an adventure. The other day I went to Ben Wickstrom’s cousin’s (Haley’s) house. She fixed us some amazing seviche (cerviche) with sweet potatoes. This was the first time I ate seviche, which is raw fish marinated in lime and it was absolute exquisite.

I also enjoy going to the street vendors from time to time. Around my neighborhood especially, there are several Taco Trucks. They are like Ice Cream trucks that sell tacos, burritos and quesadillas. And yes Matt, they do have Lengua Burritos out here, and yes, I do have to use my broken Spanish to order. However much I enjoy these places I am only able to go once in a while, which makes them all that much more special.

One thing that I didn’t know coming out to Los Angeles was that I would have to find my strength to keep me going through the poor and others. I have been so autonomous and self-sufficient for so long that I have completely forgotten that there is a world out there beyond what I can see. I thought that during my stay in Los Angeles I would be helping others, which may very well be the case, but I never expected others to help me.

One of the many examples of this is the secretary at St. Vincent school who has battled cancer and survived. Mrs. Maza is truly the happiest person that I have ever met. She talks about her cancer as if it was easy to go through; however we all know better than to perceive it that way. However Mrs. Meza treats everyday like its Friday and that God has shed a special ray of sunshine just for her. She is always smiling and cheery. Once I was making copies, and she was literally so happy that she was dancing with joy to the radio. I had no choice but join her for that minute or two until the song was over. Honestly, I think the Almighty has, and does have a special ray of sun just for Mrs. Meza. I also think that many days Mrs. Meza is that special ray of sunshine that God has blessed me with.

Last but not least, my students at St. Vincent are very intelligent. They are catching on to the material so quickly that I have to increase the difficulty of my quizzes in order to keep them challenged. I am looking forward to this upcoming year with St. Vincent School.

All in all, Los Angeles is treating me well, however this doesn’t mean that I have a challenges, it just means that I am able to get through them all by the Grace of God. Your prayers mean the world.
-In Love, from Boyle Heights, LA