The smell of roasting chili peppers on a cold bike ride home from work is one of the most amazing smells I have ever had the fortune to inhale.
It gets cold in the desert, very cold at night.
People really believe that Iowa does not have trees, like a single one.
Homeless people have a great sense of humor. When one of our clients described what he did in the Las Cruces Sun News he said his profession was that of a "cardboard technician and coin collector"
Vegetarian food isn't bad. Also it's harder to mess up while cooking it. I can cook, but I leave the kitchen in a disastrous state.
Getting caught up in the lyrics of the newest Curren$y album can lead to bicycle crashes.
As for the four tenants of the BSC: Simplicity, Spirituality, Community, and Social Justice:
Simplicity is something I'm slowly getting better at. A limited budget helps but the desire to spend money on something I don't need or to be entertained is still there. Yet more and more I'm finding I prefer a good book to some mindless hours on Hulu and Facebook.
Spirituality is where I struggle the most. I really want to believe what I do. I haven't caught that passion that I see in some people though. Not that fake passion of people using religion to show off; but that passion of those who deeply love strangers and want to make the world a better place.
Community; I thought this would be the hardest one. I love being around people but the time I need to recharge is significant. It's been great being around such wonderful people in the Border Servant Corps and at work and it makes living in community that much easier.
Social Justice: Everyday I find out a little more. I discover the policies and the systemic problems that are forcing my clients into homelessness and keeping them there. Most of these people are not lazy people, they are wonderful people with stories to tell. They are smart people who could go far if given the chance.
Homeless people don't need your pity; they need your love and understanding.
They need more than just your donations (though greatly appreciated) they need you to take a step back and start searching for the root of the problem that creates poverty in our society.
That's all for now! I'll leave you with a photo that I've taken of one of my clients. Peace.
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