Mobile Loaves & Fishes Blog

What a difference a week makes

I knew it was going to be a great day as soon as I rolled out of bed this morning.  I started the coffee and boiled some water for the hot cocoa.  I checked to make sure I had everything I needed; (I still forgot the Neosporin, but stashed it in my truck for next week’s trip) I showered and left for downtown.  “Wow” I thought, "here I am leaving at the same time I woke up last week, things go so much better when you actually set your alarm clock."  I was surprised when I rolled into my normal parking spot.  There were at least 40 people in line.  I felt like it was a reunion.  Dogman was there, Anna was there also.  Kevin made it for the 2^nd week in a row.  Kevin is a recovering alcoholic who is doing well at a half way house.  He said he gets bored sometimes and needs more to do.  I left him my email address so he could keep in touch with me if he needed someone to talk with.  Robert was there with Roy this morning.  I haven’t seen him for at least 6 months.  I heard he had some heart problems and was recovering slowly.  He mentioned this morning that things are going well and it was great to be out and about again.  His friend and mine, Roy , came back to ask for another Meal Ready to Eat (MRE).  These self heating meals have been a hit with my friends’ downtown.  I recently purchased some pull tab Progresso soup.  This is a favorite of many as well.  I saw the man and woman with their 10 year old girl again this morning.  I wish they would come around more often.  I never get enough time with them.  I know there are plenty of charitable organizations that could help them.  They are so kind and so warm hearted.  I gave them 3 Reese's peanut butter cups and had a feeling the little one would talk her parents out of the two I left for them.  Mississippi told me he was under the weather today.  He took some Ibuprofen and some cough strip to go with his sandwich and MRE.  Hopefully this will improve his health for a little while.  Rashini was there this morning.  She is such a kind lady.  She is so shy and quiet; I can barely hear what she says.  I told her how beautiful she was this morning and told her she did not need to be so self conscious.  I was surprised to see 3 Joshua’s in line this morning. Joshua in biblical terms was an Israelite leader who succeeded Moses. His story is told in the Hebrew Bible, chiefly in the books Exodus, the Numbers, and Joshua. He was one of the twelve spies sent on by Moses to explore the land of  Canaan who would later lead the conquest of that land. I wondered what the chances were of getting 3 people with this name in my line in one morning.  Steven was there again this morning.  He said he needs funding for an invention.  His thought is instead of Cryonics, the work of freezing people, he wants to use Radiation instead.  He believes this will kill them but will allow for later revival when needed.  I asked him if he was planning on running for president.  I got rid of all my food this morning.  I brought out 40 Reese's peanut butter cups and gave one to everyone in line with the exception of a few that either forgot to ask for one or did not want one.  I would have to say this was one of my busiest mornings ever.  Patrick hung around to help me pick up the left over trash.  Kevin stuck around so we could catch up for a bit.  I left this morning saying “I wish I could start my day like this every morning”  Doing this takes a lot of preparation and work but the reward I get far out weighs the time and efforts put into getting things ready on a weekly basis.

Whats your story?

Each week when I step out of my truck, I don’t know what to expect.  This week was no different.  I have been preaching to Shauna for weeks now to get to the front of the line and you will get a radio and anything else you heart desires.  This week she was first to be served.  “I am first in line this morning Brian” she shouted with excitement. “Can I get a radio please?”  She also helped herself to a Butterfinger, a power bar, sandwich, some chips and she even grabbed some beef sirloin soup for her lunch later on in the day.  “This is like Wal-Mart” she said, “Can I have your Avalanche?”  She kept coming back for more and more after she left the line, when I called her on it she said “But I was first in line this week, I get to keep coming back right?”  Patrick was there again, he offered to help pick up the trash that accumulates.  He said it was hard for him to get in line this morning because he could not maneuver his wheel chair around all my friends that were sleeping in line as they waited on me to arrive.  While this statement saddens me, I am also overjoyed I can help others in this capacity, to the point of where they would like to get in line early enough to end up falling asleep as they waited for me.  Chris and Sheila returned from Kansas this week.  Sheila is 4 months pregnant and they both look so happy.  They brought some family back with them for me to meet.  Sheila asked for a radio.  She said she is a sign holder.  All she has is the honking horns and the kicking of the baby all day.  She hoped the radio will keep her sane.  Speaking of sanity … Steven was waiting patiently in line again this morning.  When it was his turn to get some goodies he looked at me as said “I speak in plural but I am not insane”.  I smiled and said “Really now?  I would think that WE speak in plural and WE are hungry not crazy”  “Ooops” he said “Can we have a sandwich and some cookies please?  We are starving” I smiled, hooked him up with a bunch of goodies and told him to have a wonderful blessed day.  Steven looked at me and said “Oh I will” Now this really put a smile on my face and I said “WE'LL see you next week”.  Mississippi was in line again this week.  “Do you have my shoes this week?”  He kindly asked.  Unfortunately I forgot them at home.  I promised I would bring his size 12 shoes to him next week.  “God bless you and thanks” He said as he walked away with a smile, “See you next week” I shouted.  After loading my truck back up this morning I thought to myself, there are so many stories to tell.  Each and every person in that line has a story of their own. Maybe one day, with pride and dignity, all their stories will be told.

Have a great 08

The New Year always gives us a chance to have new beginnings.  We can make new resolutions to give us renewed hope.  So many of my friends on the street asked me this morning how my New Year has been so far.  Without boring them too much and going too deep into drama I answered with “I’ve had better”.  Although my problems seem so big at times, I can’t help but to think of how other’s problems compare.  A warm meal and a soft comfortable bed can make the worst day the best ever for some. Things we take for granted every day, are a commodity for some.  After spending 13 years in the Army as an Army Ranger, I never wanted to see another Meal Ready to Eat (MRE or Sea Rations to some).  I recently bought a box of 12 rations to bring downtown and it was like I had brought out gold bouillons.  A power bar and a cookie can put so many smiles on so many faces.  Patrick asked if those were really Butterfingers in the box I had on my tail gate.  Wow what a treat this was.  Sometimes it’s the small things.  Other times it’s the big things, REALLY BIG.  When was the last time we left the house without shoes on?  Can you imagine having a size 15 foot and not having shoes?  It’s not like you could get a nice pair of hand-me-downs for feet that size.  Such was the case for Patrick.  Patrick is a paraplegic who asked for a pair of shoes recently.  This morning he had flip flops on.  He mentioned that his request had been written down plenty of times but because of the large size, this was a very difficult request to fill.  I was lucky enough to find them at Academy and this surely put a smile on Patrick’s face.  Patrick asked if he could collect my trash each week to help me out and show his appreciation.  It amazes me how generous my friends can be.  Oron told me today that Ann bought him a brand new pair shoes and they don’t fit.  He wants to return them to her so she can get her money back or maybe give them to someone else.  Many might think that Oron or others would take the shoes and try to sell or trade them for “Street Cash” Luckily this is the exception not the rule.  Misunderstood is the best way to describe a lot of my friends.  I had a lot of folks show up this morning, more than the past few weeks, due to the holidays.  The buses don’t run as early on weekends and holidays.  Just something else we take for granted.  Putting things in perspective, even though personally I’ve had better starts to the New Years past, this New Year has potential to be the greatest ever.  My resolution is to help at least 3 more people pick themselves up off the street and to grow my morning ministry to better server the needs of my friends living on the streets of Austin, how is that for renewed hope?  God bless you all and have a great ’08!!

The Lord works in mysterious ways

Christmas morning, and 5AM came real early.  Tuesday morning is a wonderful morning for me, and it makes me so humble to minister the way the Lord has gifted me to. 5 AM may be early, but it is always worth it. So many wonderful stories filled with wonderful people.  I thought of maybe dedicating this Christmas week blog to two or three of my favorite memories throughout this blessed year to prove how great it is providing food, clothing, and dignity to our brothers and sisters in need.  Before my trip this morning I prayed to God, thanking Him for the opportunity to serve in this capacity.  A verse in Mathew came to mind:  Jesus said to his disciples: “Ask and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For the one who asks always receives; the one who searches always finds; the one who knocks will always have the door opened to him.” Why is this important in this week’s blog?  After serving this morning I have decided to bring a story that happened not sometime in the past but TODAY, Christmas.  Surprised?  Nothing surprises me anymore.  My daughter and grandson went with me to the church; we were meeting Chaz and the Mobile Loaves and Fishes truck.  Once we arrived, we loaded the truck with presents for my friends.  There were radios and watches, bus passes and a zip drive; I even brought out a Swiss Army knife as a special request.   We jumped into the truck and headed to the St John Neumann commissary to get the breakfast sandwiches.  I arranged with Alan to head out early so we could meet my friends at the normal time.  It was 7AM when we pulled up to Wooldridge Square Park.    “Merry Christmas” I said to the 30 or so people in line as I got out of the truck.  I was so excited to see everyone this fine Christmas morning.  There were some new faces but so many familiar ones.  “Happy to see you.” Derek said.  “Thanks for spending part of this special day with us.” Standing in line patiently, shivering was Dogman.  My daughter brought my grandson over to where Dogman was so he could greet them.  My daughter mentioned Dogman reminded her of Tom Hanks in Cast Away.  Soon it was Dogman's turn, “What would you like?  I have Tylenol, Q-tips, how about some chips and a breakfast sandwich?”  Dogman reached into his thin shirt and pulled out a bag of Lindor milk chocolate truffles and said “All I want is for you to have a Merry Christmas” No food, no goodies.  Not a radio or a watch.  This was about the spirit of giving.  I was very touched and humbled by his actions.  After everyone had their fill, I walked over to Dogman to thank him for his gift.  His eyes swelled up in tears as he reached his arms out and hugged me.  I watched as a tear rolled down his cheek and he whispered “Merry Christmas .”  I was thinking; it’s NOT Tom Hanks he reminds me of

Thank You!

This is a great time of the year.  Everyone is hustling around trying to get their shopping done.  Seems people are in better moods too.  More smiles on friendly faces.  It amazes me how positive my friends on the street are.  I mentioned this morning I would see them Christmas morning, most of them said “We’ll be here” and “Looking forward to it” Derrick mentioned he hopes I have time to spend with my family.  I told him I have the week off next week, so I will have an awesome time with family and friends I am sure.  Derrick is a great guy and is always so happy.  He seemed tired this morning, but who can blame him, 7 AM comes way too early.  As I passed out the granola bars and fruit roll-ups this morning, I wondered what I would blog about.  I thought this would be a great time to thank those who help me throughout the years.  First and foremost is the Kyle Library Thrift Store.  At least once and sometimes twice a month, Terry will call me and say, “Brian, we have a lot of bags piling up, can you make a trip to Kyle and take them off my hands?”  This is such a blessing for me.  I will pick up 15-20 garbage bags full of men’s clothes from Terry and the ladies in Kyle.  So many pants, t-shirts, warm jackets, socks, underwear, back packs and the list goes on.  There is no possible way I could give my friends on the streets the clothes they so desperately need without this huge asset.   Terry answered my newspaper ad for men’s clothes about 3 years ago and this has grown to be quite the partnership.  Thanks to everyone at the thrift store for their generosity and caring.  Terry is always trying to give me the women’s and children’s clothes too.  Fortunately there is not a big demand for these clothes in my ministry, but I am so very grateful to the thrift store for all they have given me in the past years and I look forward to many future years of friendship with all of them.  Avon, Derrick, the “Al” twins, Doug and ALL the guys say THANK YOU for everything.  I would also like to thank the Capitol Area Food Bank (CAFB).  My relationship has grown with them just within the past few months.  My friends on the street enjoyed a BBQ meal on Saturday afternoon courtesy of the CAFB.  I get all of my cookie dough, candy and snacks from the CAFB.  A big thank you goes out to Cissy and Rachel.  Both these ladies have been instrumental in helping me help my friends on the street.  I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.

Some familiar faces missing and new ones have been seen

What a difference a week makes. It was 30 degrees warmer than it was last week. The line again grew as I climbed out of my truck into the dreary misty fog. No rain drops but there were plenty of smiles and comments about my Longhorns Jersey. “Who the heck wears #11?” someone asked. Another comment could be heard from the line “How do the people in Golden Gopher land feel about you wearing that Jersey ?” Most of these folks never miss a step, especially when it comes to giving me a hard time!! Greg was near the front of the line today. Greg asked for an oatmeal cookie and I said, “They’re better for you, right?” Greg mentioned that he tries to change his story from one week to the next but could not deny the benefits of a healthy Oatmeal Raisin cookie can bring you. I had forgotten his name so I asked him, “What is your name again?” “Greg” he responded, “That is one thing I will not change from one week to the next.” Mark Smith waited patiently for his turn to come up. “Do you have that zip drive I asked for a few weeks ago?” I mentioned that I was still looking into getting him one and hoped he would have one by Christmas. Mark asked for some coco in his coffee so he could have Mocha. Dogman showed up for the first time in 4 weeks. He said “I reckon me not being here is a good thing; it must mean things have been good for me for the past few weeks”. Crazy Doug was next in line. Smile on his face and quick with his jokes, Doug asked if he could get some Tylenol, vitamins and some cough strips. “Those cough strips really work well” one of the twins chimed in from the line, “They dissolve in your mouth and really help with the cough and even the sniffles” he said. I asked those left in line how Lara has been; it seems like years since I have seen her. Someone mentioned she had a stroke recently and doesn’t get much farther than the ARCH. I also miss talking with Kevin every week; I wish he would show up one morning just to say hi. I know that disappearing could mean good things; I still miss seeing the familiar faces. Joanna looked up at me and said “do you remember my name Brian?” I said “No I am afraid I don’t, there are so many names and faces I tend to have poor short term memory.” She put her head down and said; “I am not good with names either” I said, “If I had to guess though, I would say your name is Joanna” She smiled from ear to ear. Joanna asked for some shampoo, conditioner, lotion, Q-tips, toothpaste and a back pack. I was excited when I actually had everything she needed. “See you next week” she said as she walked away grinning. I saw a few new faces in line today. One guy said he was here to get some medical attention and that he just came into town on Saturday. Another said he has been around the streets for a while but Mississippi told him this past week about the Tuesday morning special. He said it was really cool to get some Q-tips and a sandwich, “I’ll see you next week” he mentioned as he walked away sipping his coffee. As the old faces disappear, new faces show up, I can't help but to be reminded of how much our service is needed. God Bless, Happy Holidays and try to stay warm.

Do you have any Dry Ice?

It was 37 degrees when I pulled out of my garage this morning.  I made sure I had my warm jacket because I knew it was going to be cold ministering to my friends on the street this morning.  Traffic was light so the drive downtown was relaxing.  I pulled up to my normal spot near the downtown library and got out of my truck.  I watched as the line grew and folks came running from all areas of the park.  I hoped I would have enough food and clothes for everyone.  I was surprised because normally the Tuesday after a payday, it is real slow and I am lucky if I minister to just 15 people.  Such was not the case on this cold brisk morning.  I smiled and greeted the line: “Cold enough for you this morning?”  Carrie was at the front of the line this morning.  She was very patient, as I unloaded everything from my truck. I heard someone shout “That truck holds more than it looks like it would”.  Carrie quietly asked if I had any radios this morning.  Luckily last night, Wal-Mart had 3 left.  I decided to bring 1 radio out for the next 3 weeks.  My plan is to give it to the first person who asks.  Unfortunately, Wal-Mart quit carrying these radios during the holiday season.  I pray they start carrying them after the first of the year.  I slid the radio into Carrie’s bag and gave her 3 AA batteries to get it going.  Steven stepped up soon there after.  Steven says “Do you have any dry ice?”  Dry ice?  Now this was a first.  I said, “Steven why would you need dry ice?  I can bring some out too you if you really need it, but the curiosity is killing me”.  Steven said “You asked if we were cold enough this morning, I thought to myself, what if we were not cold enough, I wonder if he would give us dry ice.”  I get it now, that’s what I get when I state the obvious.  This immediately put a smile on my face and reminded me why I continue to do this, whether it’s 30 degrees or 100 degrees.  Steven didn’t get his dry ice but did pick an oatmeal cookie over the big chocolate chunk chip, "they're better for you" he reminded me.  He asked for a warm sweater and some coffee and went about his way.  “God Bless you” he said as he walked away with a smile on his face.  I mentioned a few blogs ago how I never see Mississippi anymore.  I am convinced that if you pray for someone, they will somehow let you know that your prayer was heard.  Mississippi was in line this morning and he brought his friends Rafael and Joanna.  Joanna was very excited.  She noticed I had some feminine hygiene items in a box near my truck.  “Can I have this sir” She kindly asked.  “Of course”, I said, that is why I brought it out here. She enjoyed some chocolate candy, a boiled egg and some hot coco and told me “I’ll be back”.  Once again a subtle reminder of why I am so motivated to serve.  Mississippi has got a pretty good job now and says he tries to keep a roof over his head.  He was happy to see I still come out.  He promised not be stay away for quite as long next time.  This morning ended up to be a great morning all in all, I even had leftover eggs and canned fruit.  The one thing I lacked was warm gloves.  I got several requests for these.  I will need to find an inexpensive place to pick some up, so next time I will not have to say “No I am sorry, I don’t have any of those”  If anyone has any ideas of where I could get some warm gloves, please let me know.  I am willing to pay for them.  God bless you all and stay warm!! 

OH BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE!!

It was in the 30’s this Tuesday morning when I pulled my truck up to the normal weekly spot.  Everyone seemed happy despite the cold weather.  “Hey Brian, do you have any gloves?”  Mark shouted.  He was excited to show me his unique gloves, one looked like a work glove and the other looked like a down skiing glove.  “Pretty stylish” I said.  Preston was at the front of the line.  He was happy to get a warm cup of coffee and decided to take a ham sandwich this morning.  He said he was starting to get sick of turkey.  Preston's smiling face is a great way to start my Tuesday morning ritual.  The chocolate chip cookies my wife made were a big hit.  2 dozen cookies and there wasn’t enough to go around.  Gary showed up this morning, I always enjoy seeing him.  It has been a while since he has shown up.  I plan on filling his request to get several candles for his home (camp site).  This Tuesday morning was the first time in the 3 years I have been doing this that all of the hot water for the hot coco and all of the coffee was finished.  The twins were there of course.  I got the names right this time.  Albert and Alfred, the guys just call them Al, I guess you can’t be wrong with that.  Lionel made a rare appearance.  He was excited to tell me about his job working in the kitchen at the ARCH.  Lionel is the observant one.  Last time I saw him, he mentioned he thought I had lost weight, this time he commented on my longer hair.  Tylenol and Tums were the popular item this week.  There were quite a few requests for jeans that I was able to fulfill as well.   Gary needs 31/34’s.  Those are hard to come by so I will keep my eyes open for a pair.  I haven’t seen Dogman in a few weeks.  I hope everything is ok with him.  I asked about Laura this week.  Apparently she had a stroke a while back and doesn’t make it out of the ARCH very often.  It’s been over 6 months since I’ve seen Mississippi.  My daughter asks about him all the time.  We hope and pray he is doing well and has picked himself off the streets.  Avon always sticks around after everyone has left; he keeps me company while I load my truck back up.  He was excited to report that he television spot was finally aired.  What a great program he is involved in; see his television debut at http://www.myfoxaustin.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=55BD4D58CC377A321F3ABF00765CD4B3?contentId=5037278&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1&sflg=1 

Broken Freezer brings many smiles

     I woke up this morning to a faint intermittent beep coming from the garage.  You know it is going to be a bad day when you wake up to find your deep freezer quickly thawing everything you have in it.  What do you do when your freezer goes on the fritz?  10 pounds of ground beef, 3 seasoned chicken breast and about 4 packages of bacon.  All I could imagine was having all this meat in my refrigerator eventually going bad and me having to throw it out.  Sears could not come to fix it for 7 days.  What a nightmare.  What was I going to do?  With condiments and some buns I grabbed the doomed meat and headed south east to the library. 

     “Hey Brian!” A few guys said, “What are you doing here?”  Bob was in the front of the line.  He waited patiently as I got the grill started up.  This is when I figured out “OH NO … no spatula” How will I flip the hamburgers?  Bob had a fork.  He was generous enough to let me use it.  He even tried to make a spatula with tin foil.  This didn’t work, but luckily I did bring tin foil.  I cooked the burgers on the foil.  I also cooked the bacon on the foil.  I had to change the foil frequently due to grease fires but it worked. 

     Things were great, there were plenty of folks in the line and all were so grateful.  Bob had his fill.  Preston was in line too.  I call Preston “Bloomington”; he said this is the best way to remember his name.  It is so cool how they know my heritage from Minnesota.  They didn’t hesitate to remind me of the injury to Adrian Peterson and the fate of the Vikings this year.  They love talking (dogging) to me about my home state. 

    This was an awesome time even though it rained on us.  The rain helped put out the grease fires.  Avon had some chicken and told me I needed to do this more often.  Mark was there and enjoyed some Meyer’s sausage.  He asked if I had any Q-tips with me.  I actually had some Q-tips too!!  Mark tells me there is nothing like the feeling of clean ears.