UPS & DOWNS, February 1999 - WAYFARERS' HOUSE NEWS

HAPPY FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS to Tray'Von, Mary Lou and Jordan.

WELCOME to Amauri Daechele Townley, born Jan. 29, 1999, and weighing nine pounds, 7.5 ounces. Congratulations, too, to mother Nicole and brother Jordan. Welcomes also to new residents Jean , Anna R., and Angelina. Farewells to Debbie, Shirley, Patty, Jessie and Anna C. and our good wishes.

More congratulations: Denise made it to the top of the Section 8 housing list and should be receiving the certificate shortly. Although the wait was long it is good to see Denise and her family happy. First she volunteered at the hospital, then was hired permanently, has worked very hard and will now get housing. Great job! Anna C. also received her Section 8 certificate and has found an apartment; she is just waiting for the keys. Sharon has been approved for disability and SSI. (She thanks Leona for her prayers and all the volunteers for their positive affirmations.)

Mandy, Denise's daughter, who is in eighth grade, has received notice that she passed and scored well on the Maryland Functional Reading Test: Level II. Students enrolled in Maryland's public schools are required to pass this test as one of their graduation requirements. Mandy has also been awarded "Student of the Month" at Elkton Middle School.

Some eighth graders from Bohemia Manor High School recently visited the House. In addition to entertaining some of the younger members of the house, they are inviting the residents to the Drama Club's production of Arsenic and Old Lace at the high school auditorium.

It is Lobby Day again! On February 18 residents, staff, and friend s of Meeting Ground plan to travel to Annapolis to meet with legislators to request their vote on issues regarding the homeless and the poor. Proposed legislation addresses issues of affordable housing, nutritious food, a living wage, and health care, with requests for additional funds for addiction treatment, and increase in funds for food, shelter and affordable housing, a pilot in-class breakfast program and an increase in TEMHA (Transitional Emergency Medical and Housing Assistance) grants.

On Feb. 4 representatives from the Center of Poverty Solutions spent the evening at Wayfarers' explaining to the attendees the issues and the itinerary of the Lobby Day events.

Our thanks to Sharon and Mary Lou for their work on this issue of UPS & DOWNS.

Voices in the Wilderness
On Jan. 15, 1999 Martin Luther King's birthday and the eve of the eighth year since the 1991 Gulf War began, Voices in the Wilderness members began an 18-day walk from the Pentagon to the United Nations. As they passed through Elkton, they lodged at the Elkton Presbyterian Church on Main Street overnight and were welcomed at Wayfarers' House for dinner and for breakfast the next morning. Although the political concerns of Meeting Ground are focused on advocacy of people who are poor and homeless, all people are welcome to share with us.

It was also a great time for the women to share with each other while we prepared the house and meals for visitors and wayfarers such as the peacemarchers, Voices in the Wilderness. While working together, Jean and I learned that as young girls, she in California and I in Philadelphia, one of our responsibilities was to polish the silverware for the holidays. We both enjoyed it because we could see the end result of our efforts. I guess it is no wonder we work to so well together here at the House, even though we are so different otherwise. It is just these situations that teach us tolerance. After all, if we can't be tolerant of each other, how ca we expect John Q. Public to be tolerant of or receptive to the homeless?

Thank you, Jean and Anna, for being my arms and legs, Patti, for her vegetable platter, Stephanie and Anna for vacuuming and cleaning, Marsha for her "wheels" and everyone else for the joint participation. I hope the peacemarchers accomplished their goal and safely arrived at their journey's end. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God." Matthew 5:9. Sharon Gatelein-Parker

AN ANONYMOUS CONTRIBUTION
Today I went into prison Where I looked on anguish and strife,
But the message I learned from a convict there I'll remember the rest of my life.
The prisoner said he was contented In paying society's due,
"It's easy to render to Caesar." he said, "When you have the master with you."
Oh, I've seen his anger fly out of hand, For he was only human, you see.
Then bowed offender and asked God to forgive, Unashamed when bending his knee.
Many long years it has been Since I had the faith that this convict has shown,
And though I was with him for only awhile, His message has pointed me home.
Yes. Today I went into a prison And saw there to my disbelief,
The face of our savior , The Lord Jesus Christ, Worn on the face of a thief.

HEAVEN'S GROCERY STORE
I was walking down life's highway a long time ago. One day I saw a sign that read "Heaven's Grocery Store. As I got a little closer the door came open wide, and when I came to myself I was standing inside. I saw the host of angels that were standing everywhere. One handed me a basket and said, "My child, shop with care." Everything a Christian needed was there in the store, and all you could not carry you could come back for. I got a box of wisdom and a pod or two of faith. I just couldn't miss the Holy Cross, for it was all over the place. I stopped to get strength and courage to help me run the race. By this time my basket was getting full, but I remembered I needed some grace. I didn't forget salvation, for salvation was free. So I tried to get enough of that to save both you and me. Then I started up to the counter to pay my grocery bill , for I thought I had enough to do my master's will. As I went up the isle I saw prayer, and I just had to put that in. For I knew when I stepped outside, I would run right into sin. Peace and joy were plentiful. They were on the last shelf. Songs and praises were hanging near, so I just helped myself. "How much do I owe?" He just smiled and said, "Just take this with you wherever you go." Again I smiled and said, "How much do I really owe?" He smiled and said, "My child, Jesus paid your bill a long , long time ago."