by Katrina Bandeli

First impressions are the most important; we only get one chance to show the world who we are. For many this first impression is lost, and second impressions are rarely given a chance, because of being in the wrong place at the wrong time and ending up in unpleasant situations, such as homelessness. When many of us come across those who are homeless, we assume that they must be drug addicts, alcoholics, or have some mental disability; after all why else would they be there? We view them as dirty, uneducated, mean, and lazy. Without realizing it, we cause ourselves to fear our brothers and sisters in Christ through false assumption. We walk past many who are in need, without a care, concluding it is their fault for being in that situation, and we have nothing to do with them. “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”(Matthew 7:1-2). Many have simply been through some misfortunes, and getting help is out reach. On the contrary help is just one person away. We have to be willing to help, and not just through OYO but everyday, when we pass someone less fortunate.

During the trip to Philadelphia, the OYO students participated in Hands of Hope. We passed out lunches; consisting of PB&J sandwiches, a snack, water, and a care package with basic toiletries and socks. However, instead of merely passing out these items to the homeless we passed by in the park, we stopped to talk with those who were willing to share their time and stories. My group came across a man, John, who actually flagged us down, and was more than willing to talk. He told us about his life, and how much he would love to golf again. Although he stuttered, he had a lot of insight on life and how to live, saying that people are wrong to quickly say they dislike something, that in order to truly dislike something one must fully understand what it is, and research. Many of the others we met were college graduates, who lost their jobs and cannot seem to get another. By the end of the night our stereotypes of homeless people were proven mostly wrong. Although there might have been some who for whom drugs and alcohol led them off the track they had intended for their lives, they are all just like us and need help to turn their life around. They have hopes and dreams that have been lost along the way, but can be retrieved with God’s guidance.

Another organization we helped was the Ray of Hope, founded by an ex drug dealer, Raymond, who served 12 years in jail. After serving his time, he found God and the help he needed to change his life around to help those less fortunate in his neighborhood. His organization helps renovate homes of the elderly and those who cannot afford to hire contractors, repairs old playgrounds for the neighborhood kids, and made a new basketball court for the basketball league. We helped Raymond by cleaning up the surrounding area of the basketball court, picking up garbage. Some of the guys helped move furniture in Raymond’s warehouse. Raymond was a great example to us and to those who find themselves in tough situations, that it is never too late to change your life for the better, and that God always has a way of revealing his plan for us.

Those who went to the OYO trip in Philadelphia can agree that money is not the only factor when it comes to being impoverished. A person can be impoverished for a lack many things such as: friendship, food, water, shelter, security, family, and love. We found this all too true while visiting a nursing home, the Simpson House. Some of us played Bingo and visited with the residents. One particular resident, Donald, spoke to us about his service in the navy during the Second World War. He traced his family back to the Mayflower and traveled to 23 countries. He was impressed at the questions we asked him, no one has ever been so interested in his stories to ask such questions such as “Did you ever see a whale [while in the navy]?”. This led him to tell an unusual story of how his ship got a whale caught on it and the hassle they went through to get it loose. We learned that by just being there with him made his day, it made no difference what we asked him about, he was just glad to share with us and have some company for the day. Living in a nursing home is a tough ordeal; one must give up their home and most of their belongings, and some residents may not have family that lives near by to visit them everyday.

It does not take much to show someone they are a human being. A simple ‘Hello’, or a smile, can prove they exist and make someone’s day. They may not know you personally, but you will leave an impression with them as someone who took the time to notice and validate them. So let’s take the time to make a great first impression on someone, and allow them to give a second impression. Jesus made the best of impressions by visiting the sick, poor, downtrodden, and demon possessed. If there is one lesson I walked away with, it is that a homeless person, an ex- convict drug dealer, and an elderly man, all contributed something to my life. John taught me to give the world a chance. Raymond taught me to make amends, give back, and have patience in God’s plan. Donald taught me that there is a wealth of history in all of us, waiting to be shared appreciated. If only given the chance imagine what they can contribute to society.