..a date on the street..

I waited for sometime while my eyes scanned the surroundings. There are many inevitable changes that took place after 3 years since I've been there. Now the sky is filled with gloomy clouds, and drizzles will fall anytime without notice. I sat on one of the benches and waited, but I saw not even one of them. I stroll around holding the plastics of food that I bought earlier hoping to find just even one of them. I was persistent not to go home until I will find them. And on the grassy edge of the playground, my heart beats faster as Rachel, 12,  is inhaling that plastic container with toxic inhalant. Her blonde hair, mostly covering her face is enough to say that she hasn't been to wash room for days. I called her, and she finished washing her hands on a portion of stagnant water probably from the last night's downpour of rain. With her is Joemarie, age he cannot identify. He grown a bit from the previous years I saw him but just as Rachel, his hair is now blonde. We sat on the bench, and they hastily eat, the kind of hunger you would not wish your love ones to experience. I am aware that moment how it is to have nothing, and how a something could mean everything. I know what refuge is for I know how it is to feel lost. I know what sunshine means for I've been under drizzles many times. My momentary thoughts were distracted when Joemarie said that there are still many of them, and I told him to call them so they too can eat. And without fail, they appeared one by one. One of them asked me if I'm alone, I just nodded as she continued to eat two breads at the same time. She pre-empted my asking if she can bring as well for her mother. Who can say no?

My most hated moment came when the foods are running out of stocks. I can feel some drops of rain fell on my cap. The clouds are growing heavier, but then a portion of the sky is shining. As I watched them eat, I know that I am only feeding their temporary hunger. After this, tomorrow will be another struggle day. I just hope that  another Jesus in Blue Jeans will pass by and provide them with something that is more permanent. I have a long way to go when it comes to self-giving and serving, of delaying gratification and putting other's needs first. I don't have everything in life, but these kids are teaching me how to embrace what life is giving me. It's enough that Joemarie can remember my face, but forgotten my name, and just seeing them again is God's grace.

I texted my mom how I felt so good. And before I left, a beautiful rainbow appeared across the sky just beneath where we are sitting. 

I just had an appointment with God. 

I just had a date on the street.