This morning I received an email from one of them that moved me to tears. I asked her if I could pass it on anonymously. She put the holiday season in perspective for me.
Arloa,
I am so pleased to see that Breakthrough is continuing to address so many of the needs homeless have.
I found myself homeless for 8 months. I was in a hospital and then a shelter and now a very tiny apartment.
I traveled the country, got spit on, punched, robbed, but I also witnessed small miracles on regular basis.
Shelter life was very sad. I did not sleep the entire time I was there. I was afraid of the other women some not all and I was afraid of the staff. the building was beautiful but what difference does it make if things aren't consistent.
I never dreamed I would be homeless. I imagine that is what everyone says. I never gave up hope.
Perhaps it was the skills I learned as a backpacker, or a spelunker or as a nurse but I have no idea why I am still alive.
I must say racism and cruelty exist but the amount I felt just led me to more prayer and meditation. we should be hoping for each other, peaceful lives working together as one. Imagine that. I guess that is why I have to take medication which I never had to before. I have the dreamers disease without the resources to implement my dreams, and the sad part is some of those dreams seem dashed.
Arloa, have a very Merry Christmas. I plan to also. Its not about clothes or education although those things are important. Its about keeping people safe and out of the rain and harms way.
Best always, with a hug,
One of your Campus Life Alumni
I hope you have a Christmas filled with God's love and peace, and that you never stop dreaming.
