George

Living in an area with like 10 homeless people at each sidewalk, makes people eventually resistant for their need, I suppose. But I still can't get used to it. In fact, it troubles me more and more. That's why I signed up to volunteer on Saturdays to handing out food. For a few hours I say good morning and fill bags. Nothing wrong with that, however, I miss the connection. Then I met George on the street. Every morning, when I open my curtains, I see him, sitting in his electric wheelchair, at the same spot across the street. He is different from most others, he's not crazy or aggressive and doesn't eat from the garbage. It took a while to find the courage but this week I started a conversation and I offered to buy him a hotdog. We sat there for an hour while he shared his story with me. I had a hard job to understand him, as he has no teeth, though I learned enough to get a picture of his situation. He has an ex-wife, a son (he never sees), he had his own business but suffered back problems, couldn't work anymore and as a result couldn't afford his home. He's just a few weeks on the street and already robbed. He feels nervous, has to watch his back all the time because some homeless "colleagues"  are after his wheel chair or even want to kill him for that. 

While we were talking, he repeated saying how he appreciated my company and that I was so kind. I said: God loves you. And He has a better plan for you. That touched him and we talked for a moment about Jesus. You know, this is what I learned the most: it's not the food or clothes that these people really need. It is to be seen. Since nobody knows what to do with this country-wide problem, we ignore, well, we pretend to not seeing them. I don't say that no one cares, there are many people who do! But the need is still huge.

Holland

For daily shopping, San Diego downtown has a wide range of options. But one store is my favorite: The discount shop of Nash. He actually is the manager and comes from Irak, but he represents the store. Last year, I used to do my shopping there every week and he was happily surprised with a costumer from the Netherlands;) Since then, every time I show up, he goes: "Hey Holland!". Even after my 7- months- break, the first time I set foot in his store, I heard the "Holland- yell" again. I love to be seen too! (see photo with Nash).

Speaking test

The TOEFL exam will test on 4 skills: listening, reading, speaking and writing. Last week we arrived at my most feared part..the speaking. People who know me, can tell that I often need a lot of words to communicate what I actually want to say..right? And besides, that I like to prepare things very, very well. Okay, here is the thing: I get a topic, for instance "tell about a teacher you admire and why, give also examples". Then I get 15 seconds (!) to prepare and 1 minute to do the story. That's insane!  I have to record it on my phone as we practice and afterwards we play it in class. For sure, I felt I want to run away ..but since we have only 2 students, that would be noticed;)

Did I already introduce you to my neighbors? It's a kind of special shop, with an interesting shop window. I pass it many times but 've never walked in. I don't think I need something at the moment but if one of you would like me to bring a souvenir, I can get it for you....hahaha, no! No way!  (curious? see photo);)

Wish you all a great weekend!, love and hugs, Marieke