McDonalds and Chess

I usually will not be writing multiple blog posts in one day, as I clearly demonstrated from Morocco... However I thought I had several stories to share that required a new post.

Today, in training, I was paired with another girl and went on an "Urban Plunge" where we were each given two dollars, a bus ticket and told to supply dinner for myself and another person who needs it. We hopped on the bus and headed to Dupont circle.

After wondering a bit, we made several observations of the Dupont area. I saw streams of wealthy people either wearing business clothes or else expensive workout outfits. There are Starbucks at every corner and Whole Foods and other health stores that permeate the area. On the other hand, there are many people in the neighborhood and hanging out in the circle that, by contrast, do not seem to be in a hurry to get anywhere. This is a place where many homeless people reside, lounging in the grass and playing chess to pass the time.

The first people we met were young men that were selling a newspaper that compiles articles written by homeless people. We spent our money at McDonalds, (hey, it's cheap!) and hung out and just got to know them. One of them told me about the years he has spent on the streets and the other one described how he survives off these earnings and from receiving disability from the government. These guys were so personable and down-to-earth that it was hard to imagine that one went from shelter to shelter. So many people fall on hard times and in a city like DC that suffers from ridiculous housing prices, hard times can destroy a person.

After we let the guys go back to selling newspapers, we headed over to watch some chess in the park in Dupont circle. Ali, an older man in his 60s, came up to us and invited us to play with him. Despite admitting how bad we would be in chess compared to these people that could rival professionals, we went with him anyway and asked for pointers instead. From there, he gave us advice on chess, life, boxing, karate, and even life in the 60's and 70's. He is perhaps my favorite person I have met so far, has lived such an interesting life, and now spends his time in the park playing chess. (THIS IS NOT MY PICTURE, SORRY!)

I pray that we would not be quick to pass people by, but instead take the time to get to know people in all walks of life.

"Jesus promises a life in which we increasingly have to stretch our hands and be lead into places where we would rather not go." Henri Nouwen, In the Name of Jesus