friends and family,
we appreciate you all for following us along our journey via this site. it means a lot to us since we cannot keep connection with anyone other than our family who would suffer from not knowing how we were doing. it is great to know we are loved. right now there is a really loud and annoying man getting angry at Verizon because they won’t sell him a phone for 25 dollars which is the price it would be if he started a new contract, but since he lost his phone the cheapest phone he can get is 195. this guy is pretty angry and is insulting Verizon. interesting where our priorities are now… because i’ll be insulting the rich people at the bars that won’t give us money for food later. just kidding… i’ll be nice, but i will honestly at least be thinking it.
the mood swings of this life are so so much to handle. those of you that know me know i was voted “most moody” my senior year of high school, and this is driving me crazy. you’re angry because it’s hot and you’re sweating waiting in line at a mission for food, and then you’re ecstatic because you’re full. then you’re angry because you’re broke and can’t get any money for dinner, but then somebody puts in a dollar and you dream of a double cheeseburger with a side of unhealthy and all of a sudden you’re happy again. it may not seem like much because i’m too tired to truly describe it all, but trust me that alone is exhausting… as if the rest of this life isn’t. 
well, it’s back to the street. we are doing well, and we haven’t lost too much weight. 
we really do eat well sometimes, and those times hold us over to the next one for the most part. also, don’t worry about danger. a lot of people were worried about our safety from the dangers of the city, which do exist, but since we are downtown in the hustle and bustle tourist areas life is pretty much safe. we are still watching our backs, but there are reasons you see so many homeless in the places you visit… it’s because it is safe to be among groups… especially groups of beautiful rich police gaurded people.
have a wonderful weekend!
dimps
June 21, 2008 at 1:12 pm
hey, its ashley dasuqi, ben knows me but tim probably not, im erin rodgers’ roommate from last year.
anyway, just wondering if you guys are telling the guy you meet whether or not youre out there by choice, and what your story is as to why you are homeless should people ask. would be interesting to know in a future post! and glad youre eating. ive heard it said, a few times, that the homeless in nyc never go hungry. i would imagine its pretty much the same situation in philly. keep learning, and remember to be careful not to apply the attitudes and thought patterns of a few guys to ALL homeless people. picking up patterns is def. a good thing, yet there are so many different people out there and some thing are inaccurate to stereotype, as im sure you know better than me. see ya, ashley
June 22, 2008 at 12:53 am
Hey there Ben, it is so great to read your updates. Just wanted you to know that we love you bunches and bunches. Melissa was asking about you the other day and looking at your picture. We are so proud of you!!
Love!!Dana :0)
June 22, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Hello Ben and Tim,
I just wanted to say that I have been thinking about both of you frequently. I have been praying for your health and safety and also that God may open my eyes (as well as the eyes of many others) through your words and experiences. I am curious to hear your answer to ashley’s question above. I was also curious if you think you guys are treated any differently being around 20 years of age since in my experience, most homeless that I see appear to be more middle-aged.
Ben–I miss seeing you around and spending time with you. I read over the letter you wrote to me and quotes you sent me in 2006 when I was going through that rough time and it really made me wish that I had gotten to know you better. Tim–I have never met you, but would be thrilled to have the chance. I can only imagine what a wonderful man you are.
Let God be in control. “Unto You, O Lord, do I bring my life.” – Psalm 25:1