Mexican Food's the greatest! Jodi's big on ethnic food at holiday's. She even does corned beef for St. Patrick's Day... why I can't get her to cook meatloaf is beyond me... that's the first serving of one of many pans of Mexican Casserole served this week. It was a huge success and everyone in line, Mexican or not, was happy to shout out a big "Gracias!" Beatrice, seen above, styling in a pair of American Idol star shades that came in a happy meal last night, speaks Spanish, yet rarely does to the guys in our line who don't speak English. Don't know why. She's more of a silent, almost regal like presence with us week in and week out. Phil and Bart call her "Queen" Beatrice... and it's sort of stuck. She gives so many hours working side by side with Jodi and Evelyn that the three of them have an affection that's a blessing to share. You should get to know them. They're all 3 royalty in my book.

Angry and ready to fight, the first man in line last night had pushed several weaker men aside and when I approached the line, violent words had just made the leap to threats then physical assault. Quickly stepping in with words of peace, the new man up front would have none of it and was just as angry with me for butting in. Fortunately, the men behind him were regulars and they knew the routine- just let the trouble go and the trouble will go away. It's not worth the violence to physically pull someone away from a spot in line and one never knows what kind of weapon they might carry. Might seem like a wimpy way to handle things- but it's worked for us and we're rarely taken advantage of. This week there were several men with problems of one sort or the other. One particularly disturbed man refused to accept a meal- he just stood around our line mumbling threats. Apparently a veteran, he feels betrayed by his government and the nation. He repeated over and over: "This country owes me more than it could ever pay!" He wandered from one end of the line to the other uttering incoherencies. Sad and tragic.

We never know what to expectwhen we pull up to our corner, so we arrive with a plan. Our line is set up the same week in and week out. Our catering trays are full and come out hot, inviting and ready to begin the blessings of a full plate. Angry people, displaced by poverty and personal challenges need the comfort of order and security. So each of us has a job to do- from handing out plates or sandwiches to opening the night with a greeting and prayer- whatever's happening when we roll up is quickly embraced in love by each of our workers. We can't fix the problems of a disturbed veteran or heal the spirit of an angry man living in poverty, however, we strive to bring peace, love and understanding... or at least a listening ear.

No smog! Strong, hot winds are blowing and as we drove into the city it gleamed like something out of a dream of the future. It's not until you begin to walk the streets that you see what's hidden at the base of those huge monoliths of money that tower in the skyline. No doubt our image of the city is changed by our service among the homeless. Each week, each of us sees something different, experiences the same night, but in a different way. Each of us were curious to see if our friend would be in line again with his daughter: he wasn't. Another friend in line said his daughter was still with him but didn't know where they were... maybe Disneyland! Getting into the van, I noticed this sign that looms over our final prayer spot each week: We Serve Breakfast All Day. I love breakfast for lunch, dinner or at midnight. One of my favorite meals is a bowl of cold cereal before I go to bed. The folks who wait in our line don't experience those simple luxuries. I'm guessing just seeing this sign must make them long for happier times. I thought about how wonderful it would be if one word, one simple word were added to it: We Serve Breakfast All Day - Free. What fun it would be to work out a deal with the owners of this little diner where we could pay for so many breakfasts a week- and then hand out tickets in line to people who looked like they needed cheering up and just say: "Hey, doesn't breakfast sound good right now? Go get yourself some eggs and hashbrowns, biscuits and gravy... or maybe just a bowl of cold cereal, it's on us." The place is open 24 hours a day- think I might look into it - anybodys view of the city, of life, will definitely improve with breakfast. Hope life is going well for you this week. It'd be great to have you join us as the weather warms up. You're needed, now, more than ever.

for changing lives,

Eric

email: eric@centralcommunity.com

phone: 1-951-689-5806

web: http://www.centralcommunity.com