Every morning my bus ride include passing by St. John's church. (I believe this is the name.) This is the "Church of the Presidents". Most of our presidents have attended it since it is located almost in the White House's back yard. Cut through the park from the White House and you are there. If not for security reasons, it would be a quick walk! Anyway, I have noticed that it has suddenly become a nighttime resting place for the homeless, just like any other church. There are carboard barriers placed between the pillars to set up 'rooms'. You can see the curled up figures of people sleeping in the doorways. Since my bus usually is going by a little before 6AM, there is usually very little movement.

Except for today. Today, in the front courtyard there was a man kneeling in prayer. He was facing straight east. It was extremely obvious to me and would be to any other observer. In DC, certain streets run east/west, and the one the bus was on was one-not to mention the brightening sky! I do not know for a fact that he was Islamic, but appearances told me so: The early time of day, the position in prayer combined with how he was facing. Yet, he was on Christian property. And he felt safe following the dictates of his religion. Where else in the world could he do that?

Makes me proud. And humble. And ashamed that we have people so homeless that we don't have anywhere else to help them.

p.s. The homeless can't stay in the parks at night-that is where they go during the day.