Indiana—It was 7:00 a.m. on a Fri. in Sept. when a group of tattered freshmen at Indiana Academy began looking for their breakfast in the very gully that would also be their home that night. Once found, it only took minutes to eat the half-cup of cereal, quarter bagel slice, and half an orange they found. Questions like, "Is this all we get?" reflected that the decision to set aside time to experience and discuss "need" was well worth the planning. The students were already uncomfortable with even the thought of becoming hungry. This was an untraveled road that would lead them out of their present experience and into partial empathy.

Classes were attended with slight hunger, no shower taken, and bodily limitations, like: blurred vision, hearing loss, blindness in one eye, desensitized fingers, and stiff knees and elbows to mimic the physical challenges that affect one's ability to perform a job or schooling. Soon classes were out, supper was found, and it was time to accept the fact that flattened cardboard boxes were the only thing to help lessen the discomforts of dew and 48 degree weather. Some students engineered full enclosures, while others chose to brave the elements and sleep on top of their boxes. "It's hard to sleep when you're cold," said one girl after a restless night.

As the sun was setting, students gathered around a barrel-lit fire while four adults shared their experiences with the homeless. At the conclusion, everyone held hands in prayer with the realization that the one benefit they wouldn't want to be without, in good times or bad, was each other!

On Sabbath, the Glendale (Ind.) Church's ongoing homeless ministry guided students in the organzation of preparing over 100 sack lunches, making hygiene packets, and sorting clothing the church and students had donated. Soon vehicles were packed and students loaded the bus with a prayer for ministry that would meet more than just temporary physical needs.

Once in downtown Indianapolis, students went into action to aid the many homeless. Seen and heard were: prayer circles, tears for a regretful past of alcohol and a torn family, wheelchair misfortune, shared stores of how God saved them from a deadly bullet, a broken arm from a mugging, waiting in lines for clothes, voices of thankfulness with "God bless you," tiredness from sleeping in an abandoned garage, scarred fingers from frost bite, and hugs of reassurance. These were just a few of the experiences shared.

Soon resources were depleted and it was time to leave. There was no more to give, and still people were coming in anticipation of assistance. The stark reality was that to end living under bridges and digging in dumpsters for leftover food is a long time project. However, for that day, this experience was blessed with the many "Thank-you!" and "God bless you!" exchanges.

Rhonda Crumley, Indiana Academy freshman class sponsor