Sandwich Day 30 - June 8, 2008

Until we meet again....and we will...

Dear Diary – I need to tell about a very special day. First, I guess I need to give a brief update since the last time I wrote. Our friends were spotted again by Rick the following day which made me glad that they had not moved on. The next week when I saw them, they said that they found the bag of sandwiches and the note that I had left.

Sandwich Day has continued every Tuesday. Rabbit is still in rehab…he will be there for a 5 month stay which in my opinion is a good thing. Jack and Susie had an opportunity for a job that would provide a place to live and money but that did not work out for reasons that I will keep out of this public diary. Since then, they have split up. Susie is now working at a different location and living with new friends. Jack has stayed away on Tuesdays – working the other side of the highway. He apparently was pretty upset about missing out on the job and Susie leaving. A few weeks ago Hopper and Manson mentioned that they were ready to move back to El Paso. They have friends there and Manson is set up for better medical assistance. Rick checked into bus tickets and it worked out that our church was able to provide Hopper and Manson a way back…which brings us to the farewell party for Hopper and Manson last Sunday.

My friend JJ and I pulled up to see Wheeler already there. Makes me smile at how much these folks have become our friends. Jack was there and it did my heart good to see him. I can tell things have been rough for him but I can also tell that he is strong and will get through. I asked him if he was still reading his Bible and he assured me that he was. This was the first time for JJ to visit The Cove. It was fun to watch her introduce herself to all and watch everyone welcome her. The group had been partying the night before and all were pretty hung over. Me, JJ and Wheeler went across the street and bought a couple of boxes of chicken and bottled water. Some really nice folks from a near by church brought two big sacks of soft tacos. We had plenty of food – shade and breeze on this extremely hot June day. All in all, there was about eight to nine bikes parked and if you were a passer by…you would see allot of bikers hanging out with the best homeless folks around…munching chicken and tacos…all laughing and taking in a God given day.

Andy and Cameo pulled up on their bike for “Church at the Cove”. They have been so faithful every Sunday to keep it going. Once again, I watch the unity of everyone and I know in my heart this is what Jesus enjoys seeing most amongst His people…relationship. Andy’s message was perfect for the occasion. He spoke from the book of Matthew when Jesus was about to ascend to heaven. He told his disciples to GO AND TELL! He told Hopper and Manson that they were to remember to take the message with them. We all held hands and prayed and once again…I was proud to be a part of the group to be seen by so many cars passing by. The afternoon was winding down and it was time for Rick to take Hopper and Manson to the bus station. Hopper came over to me and said “Thank you Miss Vicki for everything”…and we both let a few tears fall. JJ and I prayed over Hopper for safety and blessings. It was bitter sweet watching Teresa, Taz, Jack and TJ say their goodbyes.

We watched them load up in Rick’s car and we all waved and yahooed as they pulled away. Bless them Lord and thank you for the honor to know them.

---------- Vicki