Problems...

             “I am excited to see you guys next week.” It was already seven days ago when Greg said good- bye to us. I was very excited that another Saturday has come; I was anxious to see Greg again. However, I had to go to Philadelphia for a conference; therefore, we could not go to Harrisburg until 9:00pm.

            As soon as I got back, I took a quick shower and hopped in Andy’s car. Andy went to Harrisburg last night and he let Greg borrow his sleeping bag for all of his stuff got stolen. Therefore, we bought a sleeping bag for him on the way to Harrisburg. I could not wait to see Greg’s face with smile. The thirty minutes drive to Harrisburg felt longer than it used to be. When we arrived, we looked for Greg. Andy and I walked around for a while, but we could not find him. I was very disappointed and I could tell that Andy was feeling the same way from his complexion. We were hoping that Greg will show up sometime soon but he did not come back no matter how long we have waited.

            While we were waiting for Greg, we talked to Bruce. I met Bruce about a month ago when I first went to Harrisburg with Andy. He is a big and old black man who likes to talk and drink. To be honest, I cannot understand him very well since he slurs a lot. When he talks, he drools but it seems like he does not notice that. It is only my guess, but I think his habit of faltering is caused by the combination of alcohol and some type of disability. Anyways, the conversation we had with Bruce was very helpful for us to learn about him. Bruce has ten children and four grand children and they are all scattered over the US. When he was younger, he was a part of a gang clan in Philadelphia. I could not understand why he had to choose to be a gang member so I asked. After listening to my question, Bruce laughed and said “You gotta be real. Weak people need protection.” I was rather surprised when I heard his answer. I did not have sympathy for those who are involved in gang activities thinking that they are the ones who make horrible decisions. However, Bruce was telling me that in fact they are victims of violence and poverty. I could not believe that the world has gotten that sad.

            Bruce’s stories were quite fascinating and somewhat entertaining; however, it seemed like Andy was more concerned about Greg. He finally asked Bruce where Greg is. Bruce clicked his tongue, and made a gesture that was indicating drugs. I don’t know about Andy, but when I saw that, I could not believe my eyes. Bruce continued, “Do you see that street? If you go to that street and turn at the corner, he will be there.” As soon as I heard it, I wanted to go and check it with my eyes. For a moment, I felt betrayed by Greg. Because I thought he was a right minded person, it shock hit me harder. I asked Bruce if Greg does drug frequently, and Bruce replied: “yes.”

            Andy and I talked to many other people, but we were already enervated. Around 12, we walked toward Andy’s car to get our blankets. On the way, Andy told me that he wants to go back telling me all our works seem meaningless. I was thinking the same way, but I felt like we should stay and be consistent. I told Andy how I felt and he soon agreed. I looked up and saw the dark sky. It was very dark but I could still see the glimpse of stars.

            Since we brought enough blankets, we could sleep relatively comfortably. We woke up at 7 and went to the church called Grace united Methodist church – the church that provides breakfast for the homeless every Sunday. We sat down with a guy named Ryan who is only nineteen years old whose entire family is addicted to marijuana. He escaped from his house to be away from drugs. While we were talking to him, we saw Greg coming in to the church. He greeted to us and sat right next to me. I greeted him back and asked him where he was last night. He said he was at a friend’s house. I did not ask him anymore because I knew that the truth really does not matter.

Whether Greg is right or Bruce is right, the fact that we need to help both does not change. However, from the experience this time, I began to think about what it really means to help the homeless. I realized that something about the homeless ministries in Harrisburg was not right. People do not work and get good meals three times every day. I think such a circumstance like this is only promoting laziness among the homeless. They do not feel the need to manage money wisely; therefore, they squander it in wrong ways. May be I sound arrogant, but after living like the homeless for two days, I realized that it is not too bad to be a homeless in Harrisburg. Nice meals three times every day, no need to work, money from the government to spend for whatever, and pretty comfortable sleeping places (as long as you have enough blankets which most homeless people do have)… why not be a homeless?

Oh! About the sleeping bag! Apparently, Greg’s new blankets are stolen again which means Andy’s sleeping bag is now gone.

Issac Won