When a homeless person gets soaked to the skin, they stay that way. No safe place to go; no protecting roof. Wet clothes clinging to shivering skin. Shoes squelching. As a tiny newborn baby also; exposed to the elements. Washed by rain, chilled by wind, burned by sun; naked and defenceless. The continuing storms on Saturday saw a new meaning to wetness. We have no "parapluie"; no trading booth. And it was not possible to work from the back of the car. There was not the let up that had been forecast; strong gales and sideway rain. A young Iranian, selling all kinds of olives and sweetmeats gave shelter in his tent. And there we sat, knitting and watching the storm, drenched from trying to protect our stock. Few of the stalls opened. Our total sales were four jars of jam and one tea cosy. As we were stacking the crates and boxes - it was impossible to load them into the car without major damage, and there is night security there, so all would stay in the Iranian's stall overnight - chilled hands were clumsy, and two crates of jams went crashing to the ground. And every young French stallholder ran to help and console. Back here, socks could be wrung out, and every layer of clothing was dripping cold water. But a roof, safe, dry clothing, heating.... We are not poor; we are rich and blessed. We have no rights to these things. And unless we give, others will not stop being cold and wet and naked. This is why we work as we do. In deepest gratitude and thankfulness and awareness of our great riches. This is why we buy and do nothing that is not needful; so that we may give to those whose basic needs can never be met unless we, who know Jesus, will give. We explain this so often, as it seems to have become lost in the mire of these days. If you stay in touch with these realities, then all the campaigning and protesting, all the clamouring for "rights" becomes the hollow echo it is. Sunday brought calm and SUN! And the French Market was alive. Who needs to travel? The air rang with greetings and hugs and laughter. We were there early, to rescue our stock and set up properly. Many of the stallholders are young, itinerants, and they work hard. Watching the garlic potato stall couple.. great skillets of steaming fragrance. All day long they cooked.. the aromas totally un-Irish. A kind lady bought some for us, and the hot delicacies were welcome. And the crepe lady! Watching her work was to see an artistry. Fascinating. All day they toiled. Two of the men busking with music on accordion and guitar. French cigarettes in the air... It is a world apart. And sales were good for us too. Better than since our last day with this market. And so many seeking prayer and to talk. Always this, for that too is why we are there. Touching the world at our point of need and ours. From the sanctuary and struggle of our lives as Nuns. Firmly and fully based in that and in that alone. So supportive for once to be cared for; the car loaded, ,and all hands there for us. So now we check and dry out stock, for the deluges started again before we left. Jams need relabelling as the computer ink runs easily. They laughed as they asked if I were coming with them to their next venue! Itinerant nomad nun! Wonderful thought indeed, for they go to Co Cavan next. So as we write this, they will be all packed up and that a job in itself, and on the road now. Leaving us with warm smiles and good memories. And always holding them in prayer .. children of God, with warmth in their hearts for a stranger. So different from the suspicious faces we can see here. Or the over-deferent So onwards now, seeing what next there is to do and make and write. For the care of lives is a daily one . So that tiny naked babies may be fed and clothed and loved; and the homeless know that there is love and caring for them in this wild and windy world that seems not to care. Please, will you not help us in this work? Buy from us, give to us? We are all so very rich are we not? Maybe use or spend a little less to spare for these blameless ones who suffer so? Some kind ones save small change in a jar, then cash it in and send a cheque; all helps and our banks here accept all curriences and make no charge when we are depositing. Others send a set amount each month; a dollar a day is little to spare and we can do so much with that.. and if we know that that is coming in we can do so much more. A dollar a day will feed one of our wee ones. Please; think about it? And pray on it? Thank you and bless you... Our sales page is always there... and we are always here to serve you. http://www.xanga.com/sistersofgraceofchrist Blessings this sodden and chilly day. | 
