Homeless and despised

How society deals with the homeless

While doing my regular shopping at Ralph's, waiting in line to pay, a homeless, stinking and shabby, old guy stood patiently at the counter with a handful cash and a bottle of Wodka. I guess he collected those dollars by begging, and the first thought that came to mind was that he could do much better with that money. But his life must be so hopeless that this seems the only way to handle it. I couldn't stop thinking: "what happened to you, how did it come this far? What happened when you were born and grew up? Did you have had any love, any chance to succeed in life?" I believe that God is his Creator and that He had (and still has) such a better future for him in mind. But he totally missed it. He has to endure the contemptuous glances of people who had more luck in life. I saw the girl at the counter, she openly took distance, grabbed a tissue to receive the money from his dirty hands, anxiously avoiding contact and put the money UNDER the money tray which means not suitable as change for "normal" customers.  She told him unfriendly that she could sell him this bottle now, but he can't come back as he smells of alcohol. She started to sanitize her hands thoroughly, while her colleague refreshed the air. All the time the man didn't speak a word, probably used to be outcast.               And this is only one sad observation. I see daily many, many people who sleep on the streets, eat from the trash, scream not -understandable words and wear torn, loose-fitting clothes. They are not able to communicate properly (anymore). It touches my heart but I avoid contact too. They scare me.

In class

My class decreased to merely 2 students and we have a good teacher who explains very well. He is more strict than my teacher last year, but I like that better. I get a better view on my strengths and weaknesses in this language. I got my first report already and we had a test last Friday as well. That was really hard and I notice I can improve my skills on listening tests a lot;). It's been 3 decades since I practiced listening tests so it's a kind of disappeared;) or maybe it never developed that much. But the key to really improve my language skills is to train my ear. Much more than to know each rule or exception. So I became a fan of "Friends", since this is daily, simple spoken language;) I also try to watch several talk shows on TV, although the presenters seem so dramatic, so too much, they blow everything up to big stories but actually say nothing. Yeah I'm a Dutch, I know, we don't do drama.

The weekend 

It was pretty hot, like the Netherlands last week, so time to go to the beach. I live close to the harbor but it takes me almost an hour to get to the beach by bike. A long but nice trip! I found the beach volleyball courts and watched the games for a while, then I tried to play a bit, but you really need socks on the sand, it's burning! (Remember next Saturday to bring my socks!) On Sundays I love to go to church. Last year I attended a big, big church, named "the Rock Church", but it was hard to get to know people, so I looked for another one nearby and that was a better choice! The direction is more inward, which means I have to climb by bike for 4 miles.. in the burning sun. That's a kind of challenge, but on the other hand: downhill goes much easier! I met a girl who was there for the first time too (she just moved from Oregon) and we got connected, sharing our faith, our stories and our phone numbers. That night we went to church again for a worship night and lucky me, she picked me up with her car;). I'm looking forward to next Sunday!

Baseball

Who loves watching baseball? I went to a game yesterday: Padres (SD) vs Dodgers (LA). The atmosphere was real fun, the speaker is cheering up all time, supporters of both clubs are sitting here and there in good harmony and there is plenty of food and drinks. But the game.. do those guys actually get tired during a game? The pitcher throws a ball, no one moves, the batter misses the ball for 3 times, if he hits, a view players go for a short run and one for catching. Most of time they don't budge an inch. You can go to the restroom, then pick up some drinks, talk a bit and you didn't miss anything haha. But I had a great time, together with a bunch of students. A Brazilian guy next to me did a good job explaining the rules to me. It makes sense if you know where the ball suppose to go, though.

Thanks dear readers for your support, I love to read your comments.

Hugs, and like the Californians use to say: have a good one! (means- have a good day!)

My address: Vantaggio Suites, room 39,  927 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA