Feeding the homeless

I have served alongside missionaries, in El Salvador, as a translator as well, as being an active participant of all activities. One that is done frequently is going out at night feeding the homeless

    

      To stare into the eyes, of a stranger, covered in filth and rags, and holding onto a bag or two, looking up at you, with a look of hope written on their face, expecting some good food, to comfort their starving bellies; this alone, makes me cringe, when remembering those nights, that we would go out onto the streets, looking for all, who, were hungry and in need of food.

      This is how many people live, in under developed countries. Some do what they can, to sell, candy or fruits to manage to survive, each new day, others are too consumed in alcohol and or drugs, and simply pass by each day, sleeping it through, in some corner, around the city.

      Others have simply been unable to hold a job due to lack of education and or not being able to communicate well with others.  Many do not have much social skills, since they are used to being ignored and or shunned by others.  So they keep to themselves and trust no one, outside of those that have known them since a child.

        This non profit organization, exists within a country, that is full of much needs and a government that is still battling to overcome the scars of a dark war, from the past.  So, many of these people, depend on such organizations, that offer food or clothing and if possible a place, in which they can shower and get a change of clothes.

        There are no known shelters that could take these people in, at least during the nights, due to lack of funding and resources. Yet, most missionaries and or mission groups that travel to El Salvador, do so, by connecting with any of the organizations, that exist within the country. The most known are Kings Castle, Orphan Helpers and His Children.  All are run by american missionaries, that have established themselves within the country and have set up various programs to provide help of some kind.

          These are not the only ones, there are many more, but for now I will focus on His children, as they tend to go out at least twice a night, to feed the homeless.

I have had the privilege of accompanying them to some of these outings. From packing up the food, and prepping the sandwiches, to sitting in the back of a pick up truck, and getting off, to hand the food off, to those that are unable to walk or stand.

          They follow a designated route, so most people know where to wait, and each night between ten and twelve midnight, we see women, children, elderly people, men, and even gangsters, standing around, in certain places, awaiting for the arrival of the blue pick up truck.

           We try and make sure that no one gets more than one bag, and or tries and take more than is allowed. Sadly, we can only give one bag per person.  And we have two young men, that are placed at the end of the truck to make sure no one jumps onto the back or try and open the doors.  And as we pass out the bags, we tell them that they are loved and valued. And to not give up on life and seek out God, who is deemed the Light of all Hope for this world.*  The organization is a non denominational christian group, and do not force anyone to believe or take up our religion, but to seek out what best works out for them.

              At times, we run into children, that are drugged with fumes of gasoline, and they normally do not take food, if drugged, as they would just throw it all up.  And each time we see any of these children under the influence of any drug, it is very heart wrenching.  Now, of course, many people find it easy to judge and or think that these kids, are simply lazy and or that they do not care to have a better future, and prefer to be on drugs, cause they do not care about life.  Yet, who can really know, I mean truly know the real reason, that these kids are living out on the streets and have no place to call home, or a mother or father in their own lives.  I see children of all ages, from newborns to toddlers and young children, that simply are born on the streets or forced to go out and beg and or sell merchandise for their parents or a drug lord, that forces them to do so.

                Other children tell stories of abuse, that they have suffered at the hands of their families, and since there is no way of them getting any type of help, most choose to run off and live on the streets, in order to stop suffering from daily beatings and worse.  So most of these children are living with such bitterness, that not all come easily to the truck for food.  The elderly people are most of the time on their own, and as many elders do, they suffer, from back pain, muscle pain, and other illnesses that tend to affect elderly people.  Many of them have been abandoned by their children, or simply forgotten. So they wander on the streets, and look for food and shelter, and medicine.  Each have their own stories, full of much sadness, and they love to talk to anyone that is willing to hear them out.

                  And for most foreigners that travel to El Salvador, and see just how bad, society is, for these people; it tends to shock them, upon seeing such devastating scenes, such as mentioned above. Women tend to cry in silence, and if there are young people within the mission team, they tend to ask, what more can be done to help these people?  And after a week of working and going out to talk and feed the homeless, the leader of each mission team, takes time, to let each one share any experience, and talk about the feelings that confront them, before they head on back home.  Most are overcome with guilt for having too much and or letting foods go to spoil back at home. The kids tend to feel ashamed, for the food that they normally turn down, and for being picky eaters, and the mothers of the group, feel for the kids that have no one to look after them, and at times, some couples actually have adopted off some of these kids, when possible, to give them a chance of a much better live, mainly filled with Love.

                    All in all, everyone that tends to go on a mission trip, never return the same, and tend to change many things within their own lives, once exposed to the crude reality of those less fortunate then they are.  And even I have been touched, to the extent, that at times, if I can, or have food with me, that I will not eat, I look for anyone that would accept food, and give it to them.  And believe me, its so worth it, when they give you a big smile, and thank you repeatedly, and it warms my heart so much.

                    Its such a change here in America, where churches and other services are offered to the homeless, and they can even choose, where to go to, for a free meal, and or clothing as well as good shelters.  It is truly a humbling experience, lending a helping hand, to those, that are facing things that we have never come close to facing. Sure not saying that life in itself is perfect, if you do have a roof over your head and or access to food, whenever you are hungry.  We still face other challenges daily, but seeing those less fortunate, tend to make you realize just how much you truly have, if you take a good look around you.

                     So be thankful, for the job that you have, the home, and family that surrounds you.  No family will ever be perfect, yet, as long as you stay strong within your family, and Love above all else, than count yourself truly blessed.

                

Reviews

[Carol Cashes]

I'm glad that you have written about your experiences, and that you put your skills (translator) to such blessed work. You are right - we don't really appreciate what we have, and even though we have homeless and hungry here, there are places to go, unlike poorer countries. Thanks for sharing your experience and I hope it inspires some to be more charitable where ever they are.

[Maria]

Thank you Carol for taking the time in reading this. And yes, times are getting to a point in which, we must unite more and lend each other a helping hand, whenever we can, I think.

[Jacob Clifford]

Beautiful message in this story. It's so easy to take for granted all the luxuries we have, and to forget there are those who don't have them. I very much like how you ended this story on a hopeful/positive note.