Giving and giving....

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Vance

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Hi everyone, this topic is sort of 'rant' in some sense. I have been spending my daytimes this week helping the needy people at Angel's Kitchen, Shelter and Salvation Army. Wow, I don't realize how bad shape they are in. I learned several things from this volunteering. I usually think that 'needy' people are too lazy to not taking action to get out of poverty, boy I am wrong... VERY wrong.

One example: one woman told me that she had a beautiful family, husband and two kids. She was required to be at hospital for some kind of surgery, she went there and had a surgery then stayed in the hospital overnight which was ordered by her doctor. However her husband was supposed to pick her up but he never did... Doctor, nurse and that woman have been waiting and waiting.. doctor decided to ask someone to drive his patient to her home. One of them did and that woman found no one was at her home and everything that she owns disappeared as well. She had nothing but one picture of her kids. She asked for help from state and other social services but no one lend the help. The police tried to find her kids but couldn't locate. Actually, there is much more than that but she have no place to live, have no money, etc etc... Just one picture of her kids and she end up living in one of shelter ever since.

Her and other many stories really opened my eyes about America. I found out that I got a job in political analyst position which I don't even make a effort to get that position.. I was going to tell them that I never want to take that job in first place but Nas and my mom have a good point, I have the access to newspaper resources to recieve the first-hand informations and such. I asked my 'new' boss about writing a article on these 'needy' people and today's economy. Of course with Nas' help for grammar issues, my 'new' boss like my idea and accepted. I will tell you people about it later... Plus, it pay much more than what my current job pays me so naturally, it got me 'hmmm'.

Oh! Last night, my family and I went to one of restaurant and we saw one 'needy' woman, she have no socks and her face reveals that she have some kind of condition (really, really bad skin). Apparently that one of waitresses let her in to keep her warm (very windy and chill weather last night). Anyway, I have the belated money gift from my mom for birthday and I planned to buy 5 0r 6 DVDs with that money but I made a decision to give it to that woman instead. I know it may not good idea since she probably will buy a hard liquid but it is not my place to judge, right? She maybe will make the best out of it by buying the socks for her feet or something. How do we know anyway? But boy, I feel good that I gave up my 'wants' for her needs. That 'needy' woman was shocked when I gave the money and told me, "Thank you and God bless you." We turned around to walk out of that restaurant, she asked me (thru my sister and Nas [Firebird] who are hearies) why I gave her the money, it got me thinking for few seconds... then I told her, "I am a liberal and God & Jesus told us to help the needy people by giving the money to them and serve them. That's what I am going to do for you. It was just right thing for me to do." We left the restaurant and I was thinking about that woman all the way to my mom's place. I sure as hell hope that she will be okay somehow.

In this case, I really wish I am rich so I can establish some kind of service for them... or establish the business for them to get the jobs and such... but I can only do what I can for them in my limited ability & finance. I am sure that in God's eyes, it is much more than enough.

Oh well, I just want to share about my week. I definitely am going to change my lifestyle, I mean, I am going to give up my time and some of my money for them from now. I come back to my place which I am at right now to get my gifts, I forget to bring these with me lol...

In any case, have a Merry Christmas!

Edit: It is no doubt that there will be no or .. one or two responses in this topic but I merely want to share what happen in this week. To share the spirit of Christmas, I guess. Later folks.
 
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that is a WONDERFUL thought and actions u have done Magatsu! it is very heartwarming!! KUDOS to u! :hug: along with ur being offered a new job! :thumb:

have a wonderful and safe holidays!
 
You are not alone. I volunteer quite a bit of my time with those less fortunate, and it is always humbling and uplifting.
I like the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi---

Lord, make me an intrument
of your peace;
where there is hatred,
let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;and where there is sadness, joy;

Grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood,
as to understand,
to be loved as to love;
for it is in giving
that we receive,
it is in pardoning
that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying
that we are born into eternal life.

Have a joyful Christmas.
 
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I know how you feel. Yes, there are people who are homeless because they can't help it and some who can help it. It's a matter of hearing what's happened. I've heard stories where all they say is that they couldn't find a job that they WANTED. Well, you can't expect to get everything you want. However, you are expected to earn what you want. In this case, these people had very good reasons for being homeless. There are times when I wish I had millions of dollars, then I would donate lots of it to improve the lives of these people.
 
Magatsu,
First, a big Thank You and congrats on putting your own wants aside for this holiday. It takes somebody special to do that. I volunteer as well, but I never had an idea of what a lot of it was like until I joined the PD. I now go into neighborhoods that I never would have before and see some things first hand. It really changes a person. Anyhow, a 'Way To Go' is in order for ya'!
 
wow, this is very interesting stories to share, and thats very kind of you to help out, yeah its sad to see some people who needs big help like they went through some bad experiences and whatever happened to them. I surely do hope it turns out good someday.
 
Doing something for others is what makes a person greater than others. Those people should be called HEROS!
 
Yea there is lot of them out there. I have seen them and it is sadden me to see something like that. There is a shelter near my home and can only take in limit of ppl also just for woman and children are allow to go in. I was wondering what about men then I learn that they have another place just for men. But at least they are out of cold weather and go in to stay warm. Sometimes I even heard they sleep in the abandant building and that is sad.

I am proud of you doing such a heartwarming thing.
 
Thanks everyone. It really hit me hard yesterday, I don't know why it didn't happen to me until last night. I guess something happened for a certain reason. I still couldn't take that 'needy' woman off from my mind...

VamPyroX, lol I don't know if I can call myself 'hero'.. but I know that I am going to give up my time and money for them even though I am on tight budget.

Beowulf, I like that Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi :thumb: *copy/paste*

btw, I am using this mom's computer with *yuck* AOL under Nas' account. I don't realize how headache it is (too many unnecessary popups).
 
I just frozen up for a moment here, I gotta say how proud I am with you, Magatsu. We do need people like you that have a great big heart. I admire what you have done and It's brought tears in my eyes. :hug:


I also volunteer too as much as I can, and yes it is a good feeling to help others in need. ;)
 
Wrap a small gift, such as a paperback novel, throw a few candy bars into a small sack, and go to a VA hospital. There are so many of our veterans languishing there for years on end without anyone visiting.
Trust me, the joy in their eyes and the tears of gratitude will be something burned forever into your memory.
 
That is so sweet of you, Magatsu. That will show you are caring person and more willing to help out as you can. One day, you should tell your own kids to let them know it is okay to help others if they are hurt or poverty. It is just pour out of heart to make them smile and feel good. Today, i noticed that more peoples are out of job or have no home, they chose to walk around on street or live on Shelter. I think that I am mostly blame on Bush that he force all of Men and Women to go Iraq to leave behind of families. Business are bad shape and more struggling. I just wished Bush pay attention to US familes, money, business, low-income/homeless, and need more improvements. How sad for homeless/shelter people have struggle with their life.
:(
MC
Mommyof3
 
Magatsu said:
Thanks everyone. It really hit me hard yesterday, I don't know why it didn't happen to me until last night. I guess something happened for a certain reason. I still couldn't take that 'needy' woman off from my mind...

VamPyroX, lol I don't know if I can call myself 'hero'.. but I know that I am going to give up my time and money for them even though I am on tight budget.

Beowulf, I like that Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi :thumb: *copy/paste*

btw, I am using this mom's computer with *yuck* AOL under Nas' account. I don't realize how headache it is (too many unnecessary popups).
Click to expand...
I know that you don't consider yourself a hero... but you are. We are among those who are what you would call a "unsung hero". Those are the ones who do something great, but no one really notices it. I do a lot for the community at RIT. I've been involved with several organizations and have done a lot with events, community service, philanthropy, etc... and people don't know what our organizations really do. As a result, we're a bunch of people giving a lot back to the community... anonymously. :roll: It still makes us feel good to help anyway. I'm always on a tight budget. I try going out to get laid. I try doing things with others in person. I try to do a lot of things... but I end up doing these things instead because it makes me feel like a better person. :thumb:
 
Magatsu,

That was very sweet of you to give up some of your time for other people.

"I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35)

Amen.
 
Magatsu !!! I wish I could meet you in person and give my regarding best hugs...

well, I was the same thing that you went thru at first.. I thought "needy" are lazy.. after police took my 2nd ex husband to jail for voilence domestic abuse and attempted murder... that time I had 4 little children.. and big house.. He got out jail with only few days.. I was scared, decided went into women shelther for few days till we get our restraining order.. after we got the order.. He stayed away .. All sudden, he wont pay at all with house payments, bills and food.. I was so struggling with budget.. only living on my sdi.. welfare turned me down and food stamps turned me down cuz of "Big House" and 2 vechiles.. I was like.. uh? i only asking for temporary needs.. it turned out for worse.. sold the house but ex husband took all the money which we made profits.. we looked for apartments, no luck.. finally found old apartment that i used to live.. I got involved with women shelter for some voulteering jobs.. I saw those kids and mothers even dads.. they are much wrose conditions than us.. I thanked Lord that I am not into drugs or drinking problems.. it made the mess.. I learned alot to stretch the budget and alot of things.. I got involved in Humanity for the Habitat.. and Slavation Army during holidays with kids to serve those needys... its like our *re-pay* to them that they helped us to go through..
Now, I successed my life with my kids.. I felt bad some families had LONG road to be successed (cuz of drugs/drinking) its hard to focus on right path for their families.. or even diseases (depressed/drugs or confused.. can caused some mentally/physically some seriously ill or diseases)..
also, alot of prayers and attend to kids' church. that helped me alot with their patiences and work together..

Since, I didnt have time to helping something with those programs... but I still empty my pocket when I was head out the door from food store or stores with left over money to put in offerings or make it cerficate (McDonalds or anything) so they can EAT.. not cash, they will run out and get hard liquor or drugs..
That's something I learned.. if you dont want give them cash.. make it cerficates.. they will go in and eat... than spend cash on something silly.. I know its not my judge.. that will teach them little bit that eat is important or clothing too than hard liquor or drugs.. :D

I posted here about one day I saw dirty & shaggy homeless teenagers even few youngers like 6-10 years old sitting on all together in downtown mpls McDonalds.. it hits me so hard.. I wouldnt go anything first than my own kids.. after i made few errands then stopped Mcdonalds to get some cerficates, went outside.. passed it around to those kids.. you could see their eyes lit up..
Its nice to see people and kids' reactions with shock or happiness, sometimes with no emotions cuz they couldnt get their own better life to improve..

well anyway enuff of my tears.. hehe
some of you think "needys" are lazy (not all of them).. why dont you guys try go out and volunteer shelters or salvation army to serve meals.. you will get the idea.. I still get the chills (goose bumps) to see them.. so sad.. all we have to is.. pray.. that our home USA grow better economy..

:) :ily:
 
I've one story to share.....

I saw this homeless mother with 2 child wandering around the car by the ATM bank. asking for money -- I assumed and I was right. Other people refused to offer and etc. so I was next in the line after 2 cars. this homeless mother tried to talk to me, i couldn't understand her.... i asked her if she could write. of course she could. and she asked me for lil money for the hungry children. poor kids and the mother. so I offered them 20 bucks and she thanked me and said god bless you. They left to eat at Little Casears Pizza place. I felt so good for what I did for offering them a little money to help themselves to eat than starving.
 
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