I was told of a conversation today a friend had with an older man who lives in or near the Park. He's Eastern European and difficult to understand, but often asks to sing when we congregate for worship. I have no idea why he came to America, or what led him to the this Park with many of Baltimore's homeless and hopeless.
He's soft spoken and mild mannered, but his voice is anything but. He's a strong baritone, singing songs of worship in a capella, as if he were on stage. The first time most people hear him, his confidence and projection come as a surprise.
Today he and my friend were talking about the challenges our youth are facing. She mentioned she's from another country and is adopted. Recognizing the unending questions she may have about her past, he talked to her about who she is and the people with similar circumstances. Without blame for anyone but the situation, he said, "You are unjustly hurting."
She was as surprised at his intuitive comment as she was her response. I think he was probably right. I have to ask people how one type of situation or another impacts them, I'm amazed how much this man from the other side of the world, who barely speaks English, intuitively knows.
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