"The wooden ship"
Dec 23--98:     On the last 24 hour trip in Oakland, It was late and was looking for a place to sleep/rest. I walked for a long time and went down a side street--away from downtown. I found some kind of playground that had a large wooden ship. It had ladders and a couple of decks. I climbed to the main deck and found a place to rest.

     I was surprised that other street people wasn't sleeping there. Sleeping on wood is better than concrete and it provides some privacy away from the main road, and the noisy traffic. It was extremely cold for the Bay Area, and I didn't bring a regular sleeping bag. I had a lightweight fleece bag and this didn't help. I was grateful to have a place to stop and get off my aching feet, and drop the pack and shield. I didn't sleep at all that night. It was too cold.

     While praying about the ghetto assignment-- during the night while wide awake-- I heard in my spirit.  "Do not let this cup pass from me".  This was unusual because it wasn't me praying this; and the word wasn't directed to me. It was as if someone was speaking in my behalf; because I was to weak to speak in my own behalf-- and unsure about this asignment; and looking for a way out. This word was very clear and distinct.

     "This cup" had a significant meaning to me. I won't disclose that meaning. This struggle went on all night and into daylight. Peace didn't come until my feet hit the ghetto.


Photo of the spot on the ship

Scan of a newspaper clipping/cold


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