Sunday November 2nd

Our normal routine, plastic tub full of cups, plates, plasticware and 15 minutes late because as usual we had to stop at the store on the way to pick up Milk, which we forgot the night before when shopping for the "campers"... As we open the car doors, we are bombarded by helping hands anxious for warm coffee and the usual day-old pastries. To their surprise we have coffee, OJ and puffed-wheat cerial. To my surprise their are two children setting patiently waiting for breakfast. I think to myself of all the days to bring cerial, a day when children show up...that was really cool, God must have known they were coming. We say the blessing and my visit begins....I start with saying hello to everyone and smile at a lady I've seen twice now, she is 5 months pregnant and has a country accent. Her husband sits with her, a suave musician type guy that is totally smitten about his wife and their soon to be baby boy. I am excited because someone gave me a box of babies clothes and I'm able to pass them on to her. I pass her by to meet the man setting on the curb across the street, he is a "usual" but has been trespassed from the park for 6 months because he lay ed his head on the table, napped, and got caught by the police. He was jailed for 10 days, I think to myself, great use of my tax dollars! While being jailed he lost his trailer for not paying the $450.00 rent that was due. As if that wasn't enough, his $700.00 social security check has been reduced to $200.00 for back child support which is now automatically sent to his ex wife. I'm aggravated, here is a guy, that had a chance to put a roof over his head and get a real job, actually trying to better himself and he gets nabbed for taking a nap in the park? I agree he should pay child support, however can he not be given a "break" is there not a place that men can get a fresh start? Woman and children homes are countless, yet men are left in the woods, literally. Ever try to get a job without an address, phone, clean clothes or shower every day? The cycle is vicious and the only way I see out is self determination and the favor of Jesus!