Open Christmas 2010

I first heard about Open Christmas one day in St Martins Church so it couldn't have been more than 8 years ago. My understanding was that it was a soup kitchen 4 addicts, down and outs, homeless people. Then I met an organisers, learnt more about organisation that keeps people alive 4 about a week in December. I said i'd visit 1 day but as I also ran a scheme 4 lonely people I wasn't available. Then I heard and read that the project was in danger neighbours in Highgate objected 2 homeless in their back yard. I prayed 4 understanding, a place 4 following year. Our prayers were answered St Georges 6th form college in Newtown. Newtown: Guns, gangs. I talked a few people into going there, giving it a try. Imagine a large hall filled with homeless, disabled, lonely people with various hurts, pains mixing with volunteers who once travelled that road, had never been there, people with compassion, love, medical experience, counsellors, mentors. Caring people willing to give up their holidays 2 keep people alive. Give hope, warmth, shelter. Non- judgemental listeners. At Open Christmas u can have manicure, pedicure, shower, read play games watch tv, make friends, drink eat all day. I went on Christmas Eve 2 see if Shirley's Tribe had got there in cold snowy weather. Reception and security were kind helpful friendly. I got a name badge and shown into the hall. Some of the gang had already settled in, had spent the night, were loving it. Some arrived while I was there. I got a bag of cakes sandwiches,sweets and fruit and went looking for the rest of the gang who I knew would be around the Bull Ring. I collected 2 bags of gifts and 2 plants, prayed 4 strength and carried them into church. The plants I dedicated 2 lost loved ones. The gifts I gave 2 whoever wanted them. I felt like Mary Poppins. The bags were like bottomless pits. I knew some people were not going to bed hungry. I directed a few to the Open Christmas. I met D. Who had just moved into a flat the previous day and needed lots of stuff. No furniture in my bags but he got ornaments, the first pyrex dish 4 the microwave. I then went 2 a pub and directed some1 2 Open Christmas. Then totally exhausted I slipped and slid home. My feet refused to defrost. My last thoughts b4 I fell asleep were did I really carry about 8 bags and from whence cometh my strength? I woke up very late on Christmas Morning. I'd missed numerous calls and messages. I had not dreamt it. I still had some presents. I spent the next few hours giving directions 2 St Georges, sent prayers and good wishes, Yesterday I slipped and slid to Open Christmas. I waited ages for a bus and a very rude driver refused my bus pass and wanted full fare. I didn't argue but got off and took his photo. He apologised and said he was talking to some1 else. I got to Constitution Hill and had 2 ask directions. I'd passed the centre. Back 50 yards. As I reached the centre I dropped. Dizzy spell, tiredness, cold. I don't know if I hit my head. I was helped 2 my feet and escorted 2 reception where I was searched and led to seat. D was sitting there. Yes I did give him lots of stuff last night. He'd prophesied over me and i'd gone with him 2 a taxi and encouraged him 2 go 2 Open Christmas. He had epilepsy,they were looking after him. Somebody had broken a window the night b4. A lift son had taken his father home after hearing that the sick old man was at Open Christmas. I got a cup of tea and a sandwich. Sat with the tribe. Others had changed their minds and gone to Open Christmas. I got the cutters out and cut some sandwiches into stars, snowmen, angels, santa, angels. As no one seemed to know when the last buses were I spent some time with Elvis Presley who was feeling lonely this Christmas without her, set off home. I asked for a lift from some1 going near me but he was full. I found 15p at the bus stop. There isn't as much money on ground nowadays. I used 2 pick it up, put in church collection or senior coffee morning. The bus took long but 1 hour later I was home praying 4 all at Open Christmas.