Uncommon Chit Chat

A man came in on program with nothing but the clothing on his back. Melanie got him a variety of toiletries and a change of clothing. As she handed him his toothbrush and toothpaste, he politely and matter-factly said, "That's okay, I have no teeth."

For some reason this story caught me as funny. I mean, it's SAD he has no teeth! But what I am referring to is the fact that it's just common chit chat at the Mission. The level of openess and frankness is not the same as you find at other jobs, or in a church.

When a man or woman comes in, they are weary and ready to transform into a new life. They are ready for LifeChange and they desperately will do anything to make it happen. Not only that, they don't hide the same things that your colleagues and peers would hide.

And that makes for some really fun times and some very productive talks.

And some really nervous staff relatives!

"I just met so-and-so. He used to be a murderer and now he's totally changed!"

One Mom asked, "Are they thieves?"
"Some of them."
"Are they violent?"
"Some of them, but only if they are high."

The best part about working and volunteering here is realizing that everyone has problems, and men and women off the streets are people like you and me.