yesterday

Yesterday it was cold.

I'm not saying this for sympathy, but to try and paint a picture.

I'm Scottish, I know cold, but not like this. The wind was careering around like a rapid dog, wearing you down and biting at any glance of bare skin. I stood outside for maybe ten minutes before i lost the feeling in my glove-clad fingers and toes (i literally couldn't feel the click of my index finger on my camera. The poor guy from India didn't know what hit him.)

It was Saturday afternoon, time for the mobile soup kitchen. To say i'd avoided leaving the house all morning would be an understatement, however, i've never been so motivated to go out and see the guys.

Whatever i was feeling was nothing in comparison. i can't even imagine. apparently a refrigerator box and a keenly picked supermarket back yard and you're all the way... i'm less than convinced.

It's easy to forget how many people don't have the luxury of four walls and a roof when you're all cozied up in bed with a good book and a duvet twice as thick as you, but yesterday i remembered. And again this morning at six when i woke up and willed myself into the crisp morning (central heated) air. i actually can't imagine what it's like and pray that i'll only ever have to imagine.

One things for sure, i've never seen so many volunteers out helping or so many donations of stuff for the guys (one woman had hand knitted them all scarves) or so much gratitude for a (relatively small) thanksgiving meal, some clothes and a short hello.