by Richard Cote

My homeless experience started many years ago. The first few years I considered the experience careless and carefree. But as it dragged on, that experience slowly reshaped itself into something deeply scaring on my psyche.

I would like to say that my circumstances were difficult from the start. You see, I am a Vietnamese refugee with an extremely displaced family. I have not seen any family members in nearly twenty years. This places me in the same category as a prodigal son, the same parable from Christ. My survival is attributed to my own volition with that of the spirits. Coming from these circumstances of discomfort and alienation doesn't lend to an even start.

But what choice is and was there? And to make matters more rancid I had no outlet for my life's trials. No voice, no release, no hands to help—but that of the spirits. Most people cannot phantom this reality but it exists for a multitude. It is just one of the reasons for homelessness.

After several years, I started to lose hope, praying for demise for myself or my circumstance. These prayers can go on unheard for years. When your church offered it assistance to me it was one of the reasons for my actual survival. It was a long process in me getting off the streets. Whatever good came my way insured another day.

Please do not underestimate the smallness or largeness of any deed. They are intangible but meaningful. I cannot put a finger on the reasons of my fate. If any good comes from my survival, then know that your church had and has a hand in that matter.

May the family of spirits smile on each of you for your efforts. And I hope I honor your efforts by being a continual extension of what you gave me.