Day Two: August 18, 2009

Sleeping in the airport was suprisingly similar to sleeping in the shelters in San Francisco. It's sleeping on the floor with the lights on surrounded by lots of noise. Also, you don't know what the rules are and have a hard time sleeping because you think at any moment that you will be kicked out. And frankly with the strict Homeland Security rules I'm kind of surprised that they let me sleep in the airport without a flight to catch the next day.

The Churchwide assembly today was a lot of meetings about creating a Lutheran response to Malaria and human sexuality. I found it interesting that if the speakers who were speaking against homosexuality had said the same things about Malaria they would never have been able to get away with it.

Today I learned that the homeless in Minneapolis sleep in the walkways that connect buildings which makes a lot of since - as the walkways are designed to make it so people don't have to walk outside in the extreme heat. So tonight I'll find out how the police feel about the homeless sleeping in the walkways.

The Lutherans have been very generous to me. Today I got free meal passes for both lunch and dinner and $60 which will go to WELCOME to help with my goal of raising $6,000 on this retreat. These funds will help us feed an additional 5,000.

Insert pitch here begging you for money! Donate online.

I don't know if I have any thoughts yet about the differences between the homeless in Minneapolis and in San Francisco. Hope to learn more over the next six days.

Prayer: Tonight I remember the queer saint of the day...

August 18: Death of Pope Alexander VI- 1431-1503; Pope Alexander VI, born Roderic Borja, was allegedly bisexual. Fathering several children with several mistresses, he was also thought to have had several handsome male pages as lovers as well as a man named Jem. (Excerpt from Queerly Lutheran, Wilgefortis, 2009)

Day One: August 17, 2009

This morning I got on an airplane in San Francisco. The only thing in my pockets is my drivers license (to get through airport security). I am not bringing any money or credit cards on this trip. On this street retreat, I'll be attending the ELCA Churchwide Assembly during the day, preaching at 2 services at Salem English Lutheran on Sunday and sleeping on the streets or in a shelter each night.

Today I spent all day on a plane, with no money. For this whole trip I'll have no money and will be begging for my food. Obviously I can't get away from my power and privilege on this retreat and I imagine that there will be people who buy me food and help me out that might not give money to someone who is homeless. The purpose of this retreat is not to recreate the experience of someone who is homeless. Simulating the isolation, trauma and sense of having no support from family or community is not what I'm interested.

Instead I hope to educate people about what it feels like to sleep on the street, to beg for food and about issues of hunger and poverty. I also hope to raise funds for WELCOME. All the funds I raise begging that go beyond my food expenses for the week will be used to feed an additional 5,000 people this year. If my work inspires you to give, please click on the image at the bottom of this blog, or visit www.welcomeministry.org

Tonight I arrive in Minneapolis too late to attend any of the free meals. So tonight I go to bed hungry like many individuals all over the world. Because my flight arrived at 10pm, too late to scout a place to sleep on the streets I'll attempt to sleep in the airport tonight. I'm not sure of Homeland Security allows it anymore, but I'll fund out.



Sleeping with me tonight are the 9,000 individuals who are homelessness in Minnesota each night, 7,000 will receive shelter, while 1,000 individuals will be turned away. Hundreds of uncounted individuals will be spending the night under a bridge, in a car or perhaps with me at the airport. (source: http://www.mnhomelesscoalition.org/facts/homelessness/)

Prayers: Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. And if I die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.

Day 5: diva of God(Dess)

"I'm interested in diamonds, not this chaos," said the woman at the shelter observing two woman fighting in line for breakfast. I've begun to notice that all of the fights and drama I've witnessed at the shelter have been insighted by the inconsistancy of staff "rules." Last night a woman was removed from the shelter loudly and in the midst of the cold night because she has nightmares and eats in her sleep. The yelling caused by this incident caused several women to have nightmares and several others to yell as well.

This was counterbalanced by the evening worship service that the women had celebrating Easter. Two women and a man came to lead a service one a pastor that was recently laid off. The sermon was surprisingly touching, but my desire for a bit of hope in this space must have helped. The sermon had great messages to encourage the women to look in their hearts to see what types of behaviors and relationships they needed to let die so that they could be healthy. I confess I was surprised that I didn't hear a litany of sins they should address. Normally on street retreat I discover that the only people actually talking about faith with the homeless are much more conservative and literal than I happen to be. The creepy part of the service is that the man took the women aside in corners where they couldn't be seen for a hugging prayers that seemed a bit creepy (but possibly well intentioned).


This afternoon we also had a wonderful celebration of Carmen's 25th year as a Franciscan sister using things we found or begged for on the streets. From condom balloons to inflatable ostrich costumes it was an amazing time. It's the kind of creative celebration that is always possible, but doesn't always happen I'm such a busy world.

My feet (still on the same pair of socks) are very angry with me. They feel like the are going to crack each time I move them. Taking a shower this morning felt amazing, though it was hard to enjoy since I had to keep an eyeon my clothing so they didn't get stolen. While I'm still in the same clothes a new pair of underwear makes me feel clean. Publicly accessible bathrooms am showers are a vital health need for our communities. But this week I've learned that bathrooms aren't enough- toilet paper is also required!

One of the most needed items from our guests is bags: duffel bags, rolling bags, purses, backpacks. Carrying a bag all day and seeing the wear and tear a bag can go through helps me to see how crucial this necessity is. So got extra bags you don't need? Bring them or mail them to the Welcome Ministry (1751 Sacramento St, San Francisco CA 94109) along with adult clothing of all types.

Tonight I pray for everyone working towards recovery from addiction, affliction, health problems, failed relationships and failed thinking. God(dess) help us to let go of the past and to live in the present trusting firmly in support of the earth below us. Blessings upon blessings (Happy Passover)