Our day started off with an eventful trip to Tom Thumb, a regional grocery store. Everyone at the store was super friendly! Every where we walked, they said Hello and asked if we needed any help. Even the butcher set us up with two very nice beef patties. We can't wait for our "American Cuisine" dinner this week! We saved $75 dollars using Katie's Red Card membership.
Only half of our group went to the grocery store, but others went on a run in the neighborhood. While on the trail they saw a REAL cowboy riding on a horse!
After unloading the groceries and having a quick lunch we began to plan our day. The organization we were supposed to be working with today double booked us and we were left to our own resources. Sarah had the idea to make PB&J sandwiches and hand them out on our own. We decided to tour downtown Dallas and bring the sandwiches with us in case we encountered someone in need.
We learned a lot from this experience. As we were navigating the streets we found that it was really hard to identify whether or not people were homeless. What things were we supposed to look for? What signs are there that a person is homeless? What if we thought someone was homeless and they really weren't? We struggled with this for a while. As we were walking the streets looking at the different buildings we met Alonzo.
John and Sarah approached the man first with a sandwich and found that his need was greater than just one sandwich. He told us of friends and others who need food too. He had a very touching and personal story that he shared with us. He had a very unexpected family crisis that left him homeless.
This whole experience today really got us thinking about each person's story. People's situations can change so instantaneously and we are very grateful for the support systems we have in our own lives. We look forward to getting to know more people as the days go on!
While we were touring downtown Dallas, we were able to see Dealey Plaza, the location of John F. Kennedy's assassination. This was a very moving glimpse into history. We are excited to visit here again on Friday!
Later in the evening we enjoyed dinner at Mi Cocina, a Tex-Mex restaurant that is a Texas staple. We treated the Woodiel's to a "THANK YOU" dinner because they are letting us stay at their house all week and are being very hospitable. We are very thankful.
Tomorrow will be an early wake up call to work with Reconciliation Outreach, one of the larger organizations working with the homeless in Dallas. Check back tomorrow for more updates!
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