It has begun!

I am sitting at the downtown Oklahoma City library writing this post.  Kris Williams and Apollo Gonzalez dropped me off at the downtown Embark terminal a little after 3:00pm and thus, my journey began.  When we pulled up to the bus terminal, we saw a couple of police cars and a fire truck assisting a man.  He was out of control and clearly under the influence of drugs.  I asked someone what had happened.  Apparently they knew the man and said he was on K2 and was hallucinating and had become aggressive.  For those of you who don't know, K2 (or spice as it is sometimes called) is a street drug that is a mixture of herbal and spice plant products, but it is sprayed with a potent psychotropic drug as well as other toxic substances.  I understand that it is legally sold in smoke shops.  It has been around for about 8 years and it is a popular drug with teens.  That man will be spending the night in jail or detox.

 I met a couple of people at the bus terminal and they gave me some suggestions on where to eat this evening and where to sleep.  I have only the clothes I am wearing and need to get some blankets for tonight.  I will call 211 and see if they can provide some suggestions.  I think I am going to one of the missions for dinner tonight.  I have seen a couple of people at the library that I know.  I am surprised I have not seen more.  Be The Change has been doing outreach at the downtown library as there are a lot of homeless or at risk homeless people that use the facilities here.  The library security staff refer to the young homeless kids as 'street pirates'.  We are working with many of these young people and many boast of a gang affiliation.  Some of the folks we work with identify as 'Juggalos' of 'Juggalettes'; the name given to the fans of the group Insane Clown Posse.  Gang affiliation gives these youth a sense of belonging and importance.  They long for acceptance.

Well, I need to leave the library and try to find blankets and head to one of the missions for dinner.  I will probably not be able to post anything else until tomorrow morning.  Hopefully, I will have some good stories to share.

Much love,
Jonathan