Sometimes I Write

Last Thursday we met Matt and Robbie for lunch. Ted’s Montana Grill has good food and every condiment known to man right there on the table waiting for you. Nikki squeezed in a few minutes with us between appointments. It was nice to sit and visit with them. We had a great conversation about whether or not there is a difference between buffalo and bison. 🙂

After lunch, M & R took us on a turf tour of the areas where the homeless teens sleep, hide to do drugs, and where they tend to hang out during warmer weather. I have to admit I was surprised to actually see syringes just laying on the ground and hidden in holes in the rocks and walls on the river walkway. Heroine use is really big in Denver. My heart hurt as we passed a spot on the river where across from us under a bridge we could see a temporary shelter and someone sleeping in a sleeping bag. I kept thinking about how cold it was out there! I wanted to rescue whoever it was. The irony is that the riverwalk is shadowed by newly built, multi-story condos. Business people run and walk down there during their lunch breaks. The mayor wants to eradicate the “homeless problem” in Denver. What he means is that he wants them to be invisible. Funny thing…they are…to those who aren’t looking for them.

We made our way to Hannah’s coffee shop and there we met a few of the street kids for a Bible study. Actually, of the 4 who were there, only 1 of them still lives on the streets. The other 3 have found their way off the streets and are doing pretty well and growing in their faith. They were friendly and didn’t seem to mind us joining them. Matt, Becca and Don taught me how to play rummy while we were waiting for the others to show up. We had a GREAT Bible study. We read and discussed a few chapters of the book of MARK. I gained a few new perspectives hearing the story being understood by someone who wasn’t fluent in Christianese. It’s harder for us to get our church teens to read out loud and participate in discussions than it was for them. Cheeto showed up in time for us to leave to go to Shakespeares, a local bar and pool hall. He remembered Benny from last summer. We’ve been praying for him since before his baptism back in October, and he seems to be doing well.

As we headed for the pool hall, our discussion resumed about Buffalo vs. Bison and we were informed by one of the guys that there is indeed a difference…free range rather than raised in a herd. I haven’t asked Jeeves yet, so I’ll accept that position for now. HaHa On the way we met up with a huge crowd of homeless teens/young adults and learned that one of the girls had her baby taken away that day. She was distraught and angry. Earlier we had learned that another girl had her 2 children removed from her a few days before. I was so confused as to what I should be feeling and thinking. As a mother, I was horrified at he thought of having someone take my children away from me. On the other hand, I hoped it would be incentive for these girls to find a place to live and do what it takes to get their children back and stay off the streets. Plus, it was freezing outside and I couldn’t imagine anyone being out there for long, let alone a baby or small child.

I really had a good time playing pool with the kids. (I keep saying kids, but their ages ranged from about 15 to 23) At one point while playing a game with Don, he put the cue stick behind his head, draped his arms over the ends, and said, “Hey Niki! Remind you of anyone?” I laughed then he kicked my butt in pool! Later he came and asked me to be his Spades partner. I was thrilled! I don’t think I’ve played since college, but I used to be pretty good! We sat down at an empty table and waited for our opponents. I asked who we were playing and he said, “Titties and Smiley”. I felt like he waited for my reaction, but I didn’t give one…or maybe I felt like he was waiting for a reaction because I was nervous about doing or saying the wrong thing. They showed up a few minutes later and we played until it was time to leave. Titties and Smiley were pretty nice though they mostly talked to each other and not to me. After the pool hall, we all walked down to a park. On Thursday nights, different families from supporting churches take turns serving a hot meal to the street kids. This week was chili, corn bread, and peaches. (Did I mention how cold it was?) I counted about 30 people there not including the family feeding everyone. We stood around and talked until it was too cold to stand still and everyone went their separate ways. The Goldman’s were gracious enough to take us in for the night and we stayed up late talking some more. I loved watching the Goldman children tease and play with each other. They are 16, 13, and 10, and it’s obvious they love each other and their parents. It made me wonder what our three will be like at that age.

The next day we met with the DB Denver team, spent some time with the Hartnagles and went to Colorado Springs. (More about our meeting later…) What a fast but full trip. I love this ministry. I wasn’t as uncomfortable as I think most people would be. Maybe it has something to do with how I grew up. Before you go thinking I was a street kid, let me tell you that I know how blessed I am to never have had to face a night alone on the street with nowhere to call home, no food to eat, and nowhere to belong. There were times I felt some of those things, but I still had options…That’s a whole different story. There is something about those teens I can relate to. I recognize it though I can’t name it. Hmmm…food for thought I guess.

Please continue to pray for our family and the direction we are headed in. God already knows his plans for us and we’re just watching and waiting and waiting and waiting…sorry. We know what we want to do and how we want to do it, but working out the details is a bit trickier. We need guidance and encouragement, and answers would be nice. Hopefully we’ll know something soon. God bless you all and thanks for continuing to read my thoughts as I journey on. I leave you today with more song lyrics.



Ginny Owens – If You Want Me To



The pathway is broken and the signs are unclear

and I don’t know the reason why you brought me here

but just because you love me the way that you do

I ‘m gonna walk through the valley if you want me to



‘Cause I’m not who I was when I took my first steps

and I’m clinging to the promise you’re not through with me yet

so if all of these trials bring me closer to you

then I will go through the fire if you want me to



It may not be the way I would’ve chosen

when you lead me through a world that’s not my home

but you never said it would be easy

you only said I’d never go alone



So when the whole world turns against me and I’m all by myself

and I can’t hear you answer my cries for help

I’ll remember the suffering your love put you through

and I will go through the valley if you want me to.