It started with a smile as I passed by her each day. It moved to a stage of recognition. Eventually, we began to exchange basic greetings. We have a language barrier, but it doesn’t make a difference. She knows I can’t speak much French, and I know she can’t speak much English. However, I don’t need to speak French to understand the pain and frustration she expresses about the cold and the rain that she is forced to endure day after day.
These people that we walk by each day are our neighbors; they are human beings with needs. I feel sad that I can’t solve all of this lady’s problems. However, I can listen, give her my time, and help her have a good holiday season. This woman is not singular. We all pass by people on the streets everyday on our way to work or school or the market. We see them on the metros and at the stations. We see them doing everything they can to make it through another day. What would it be like to help every one of them have a good holiday season?
If you are interested in helping our neighbors on the streets, Serve the City is collecting specific toiletries, food, and clothing items to assemble into boxes at our Focus Day on December 7th. Or, if you would prefer to make a donation, it only takes €10 to make a complete box. For more information, follow the link.
