Today there was little wind……  awesome.   Last night was freezing, woke up covered in frost and shivering.  Ended up awake for most of the night but was able to catch at least an hour this morning.

One thing for sure that makes this bearable is the people.  Our core group of 6 is absolutely phenomenal.  They are all my rock, where each of us tries to keep the others’ spirits up. High spirits have led to creative pursuits: for example, we hopped on the bus yesterday and play some songs for the passengers. Turns out we can’t sing wheels on the bus, but can play requests for spare change.

I was talking to Erica today about the way our perception of the world has changed.  To say that this experience is eye-opening would be a mere understatement. Personally, I have felt as though I have grown close to those around me. I find security in them, we are a family.  Each person in their own right gives me inspiration…. except Brady.. just kidding.

Seriously though, my outlook on life has definitely changed.  I for one will never forget this experience, and would not wish homelessness upon anyone.  Over that last few days, I’ve had the opportunity to talk to several homeless persons.  Most have shared stories.  My conclusion: being truly homeless is a daunting and extreme environment.  Enlightenment from those who were and are homeless hits you hard.  It’s a crazy messed up world we live in.  Not knowing were you will sleep, if you will survive the night, always feeling insecure, not knowing if you will eat today or tomorrow.  I don’t ask myself these questions, but there are many of those who do.

Homeless people are people too.  Most are on the street due to situations out of their control.  I for one have never really known how truly fortunate I am to have a bed to sleep in at night.  For example, without the donations of extra blankets and occasional hot drink we all would probably freeze at night.

Well onward then shall we………….   sounding like Richie there…  thankfully tonight is our last night.

So today…   we wrote a song entitled “The Homeless Blues”.  Having a guitar while people passed by worked really well. Originally conceived as a way to entertain ourselves, slowly a crowd formed and we found ourselves providing entertainment for a large group of students.  They showed their support, talked, laughed, made donations, and became (hopefully) more aware of the hardships of homelessness.

Anyways,  I’m out.  I’ll post tomorrow with the word on the final night and day.

Mark

Ok, I finally figured out how to blog. 

Being homeless is definitely an experience.  Last night was for sure the coldest and windiest of the nights.  Between the never ceasing howling wind and the two full time Husqvarna wielding lumberjacks, sleep is restless at the most, but I was able to sleep for more than a few hours.  Apparently you get used to it.

Besides sleeping on our Simons, Sealy, and Serta mattresses, being homeless is rallying great support from the U of L students, faculty and even the community.  This is truly an experience which is both eye-opening and attitude changing.  Little things in life are unquestionably taken for granted.

Anyways, I have to finish typing a paper.  After that, I’m off to collect some more donations… at least today we have a guitar.