How would you feel?

How would you feel if they kept you out with a fence?
How would you feel if they wouldn't stay and talk?
How would you feel if they pretended you didn't exist?
How would you feel if they laughed at your expense?
How would you feel if charity was your only hope?
How would you feel if they saw you as mere numbers on a page?
How would you feel if they told you to leave your home?
How would you feel? I'd feel rotten.

Fences and Feet

When we saw the car pull up, our minds sunk to the negative. Strange that someone would pull up their car to this desolate place, we thought. He must want us out of here. Our group watched him as he parked his car and looked at us--some of us with bags of food in our hands and some talking to our friends of the woods.

"I work here," he said, getting out of his car.

He walked to his trunk, asking for the organizer of our group. Mr. Horinger stood for the challenge.

From his trunk, the man pulled out his wallet and handed Mr. Horinger some cash.

"I've seen you guys back here before. I think it's great what you're doing. I wish I could give more."

And just like that, he drove away, leaving us $15 richer.

We felt guilty for our immediate negative thoughts. There's much more love out there than we know.

Happy Birthday, Project HOPE!!!

Bangin' HOPE Stew

2 lbs beef chunks
1 tray of prepared noodles
1 tray of fried potato pieces
variety of fresh peppers from the garden
couple of recently picked green beans
4 cans of chicken noodle soup
2 cans of beef stew
1 to 4 cups of water
other available niceties
and plenty of brawn.

serve hot to friendly people.

Don't Mess Around

Perez--

Almost a year since we had seen him; very first person we met on very first Project HOPE.

It amazed me how much faith he had--even though he's suffered so much in homelessness. He brought up the question of how anyone can be friends with God--said as he grew up, he began to understand--when we do God's will and help each other we become God's friends.

--Gracie

Harrison's a wanted man.

1st of the Month

The relentless summer heat continued, as evident by the dress of the boys who chill by the tower. As usual though, they pulled themselves from the banks of the railroad to greet us with smiles of enthusiasm. Always appreciative and always frank, the boys expressed their feelings and favorite jokes. During such episodes, we always forget our own troubles and distractions and lose ourselves in the joy of the moment. These are moments we truly cherish, learning more about our friends and ourselves.