i am convinced that many of the mentally ill on the streets are mentally ill simply because they have nobody to talk to for so long that they begin to talk to themselvs. then, after a long period of time of talking to themselves they become to wrapped up in having their own conversations that they lose touch with reality. i don’t know if that’s possible… i’m no psychology professional, but i’ve witnessed so many mentally sick people and i have witnessed the loneliness of the streets. sitting on these streets for so long, especially on a rainy day where you are confined to something with a roof (if you are that lucky), you have all these thoughts, all these struggles that naturally need to be vented in community, but being alone you have nobody with whom you can do that. i have caught myself talking to myself several times, and it is depressing. our energy is running low because it has rained all night and we slept pretty poorly on concrete because we were in an open area where we could be seen and could have easily been kicked out or arrested. it is hard to sleep soundly when you are nervous of being arrested.
well, the clock is ticking on my time here. other than the continual rain and a cloudy, depressing day, a lack of food and only $00.35 in our pockets… we’re doing well. 
thanks for your thoughts and prayers.
July 14, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Hey brothers, I just wanted to say that i’ve been prayin for ya’ll. Prayin that ya’ll would be taught exactly what it is that God wants ya’ll to learn. Thank you for the updates, they are a constant blessing and reminder of the things that God has been teaching me over the past year.
Union Station can be okay for homeless people, as long as you don’t lay on the benches inside. If you see Cowboy or Richard over there they’re pretty nice people, but are seriously lost. I pray that ya’ll might come in contact with them and just encourage them and show them the love of Christ, both of them have seriously been without either from what i could tell in my few interactions with them.
God Bless you guys,
Woody
July 15, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Well it sounds like the weariness of homelessness has really set in for you guys. Despite the lack of sleep and food I hope you guys are staying encouraged. I’ve been reading C.S. Lewis and I came across this and wanted to share it with you. “That when second things are put first, not only first things but second things too are lost. More exactly, when there are greater goods, or ultimate ends and proximate ends, if we put lesser goods, like survival, before greater goods, like values to survive for, then we lose not only the greater goods, the values, but even the lesser goods that we’ve idolized . . .” I’m sure you understand survival mode more than any of us. But do not lose your purpose of being out there. You are there to glorify our beautiful savior and learn so you can be a light. I pray that you guys are able to move past your weariness and hungry stomaches and not lose focus of the greater good. Your in my prayers!
July 15, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Hey guys –
I’ve been following along in your adventure from the beginning… through all the ups and downs and I wish I could be of more encouragement to you guys in your time of need, but all can offer are my prayers and a few pieces from scripture:
* Deuteronomy 31: 8 – ” It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do no fear or be dismayed.”
* Psalm 28:7 – “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults and with my song I give thanks to him.”
* Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
* Romans 8: 26-28 – “The Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Remember, even when you feel most alone GOD is always there with you. Try and find him in the sunshine, a flower, a smile from a stranger, the rain that gives life, a rainbow after the rain, etc.
- Becca
p.s. Ben, thank you so much for calling Ryan the other day. You have no idea how much that meant to him (and me)… we all really miss you.
July 19, 2008 at 8:54 pm
are you still in dc?
July 20, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Hey guys,
You are both in my prayers while you’re on the streets…and the people that you are coming into contact with.
These posts have reminded me to look out for the homeless people of Philly while I’m here and not to ignore them. And, it’s been a reminder for me to not fall into materialism and consumerism…argh! It’s such a struggle.
That story about Prisilla was so encouraging, even though you could probably count on one hand the number of times that’s happened.
Praying for you,
Courtney Davis
2 Thess. 3:5 “My the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and the steadfastness of Christ.”