So yesterday was the official debut of the Orlando chapter of Project Downtown...and it was a rocking success. About 15 people gathered together in one place at 6 AM for no other reason than to please Allah (SWT). Together we made what felt like a year's worth of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, (and iced tea!) and yes, jelly IS harder to spread than peanut butter! Before we started, we all sat down in the musallah for a pep talk. Or should I say, a niyah talk? We reminded ourselves that we weren't doing this for ourselves, we weren't doing it because our friends were doing it, we weren't doing it because it'd make us look good. Our only purpose for being there was to please Allah by helping those less fortunate than us. At that moment, any lingering trepidation or anxiety I was feeling just melted away. Regardless of what we accomplished that day, as long as we kept our intention pure, the rest is just gravy, insha Allah.
So we got out there. And it was...incredible. While we were distributing food and toiletry items, I was amazed at how humble and polite everyone was. Everyone calmly took maybe one or two of each item and then went about their day. And the stories they had to tell! I met this one man named Jimmy and his wife, Sharon. Sharon had a torn ACL in her knee, so Jimmy said they went to the VA hospital. That is how I found out he was a veteran of the Vietnam war. He served three tours of duty, lasting 33 months total. I was stunned at how someone could put their life on the line for three years, and then decades down the line end up on the streets of the very same country for which they risked their life. Jimmy and Sharon are trying to save up money for an apartment, and insha Allah I'll be making duaa they get it.
We also met Harmonica Man, who taught us how he plays the harmonica. He was like, you can get one for five dollars. Just keep in in your pocket. Practice, and you'll get it in 5 or 6 months. Much easier to carrier around than a guitar. Blow into it like you're talking, but mute your words.
There is another man who sits outside the homeless shelter on a chair, and draws and writes poetry in a journal. When I passed by he seemed completely absorbed by what he was drawing, he barely noticed me. There was also a woman with four kids who was there. The girls were absolutely adorable. As they left, I recall high fives and plenty of "Byeeeeee!" and hand waving. So sweet.
Another man was walking with a crutch. I stopped by to give him some toiletries. "How's life treating you today, sir?" I asked. "Oh you know, my leg is all f...pardon my language," he said, stopping short. "It's okay," I said, surprised and a little pleased that he didn't want to curse in front of me.
That morning is not a day that I will soon forget. It was a learning experience for all of us, and it truly opened my eyes. I look forward to going back.
