Let justice roll down...

Each day brings unexpected situations as I interact with my neighbors.
I have seen families that I love dearly get evicted from their homes, or experience illness within a family member. I've watched my neighbor who is going through dialysis, and is living in poverty continually open up her home to relatives who need a place to stay for various periods of time. I am often humbled through the interactions I have with those around me.

I've learned through many situations what it means to set boundaries, and to take time for myself.



Late this afternoon I took my neighbor who lives below us to a truancy meeting for school. She has missed 10 days that have been deemed "unexcused" since the beginning of the school year. "L" is a 16 year old teenage Mom, trying her best. She gets fantastic grades in school, and is really respectful. The reason she has missed so many days of school is because when her baby gets sick she has to stay home with her. "L's" Mom is going through dialysis three days a week and could not make the meeting at school to discuss her daughters absences.

As we sat in the stale waiting room listening for our names to be called I thought of what my life was like at 16. Nine years ago I was concerned about who was going to ask me to the school dance, if I was going to make the soccer team, and what clothes were in style. Such a contrast from what my neighbor faces each day; if she will have enough money to get her daughter formula, how she will get her homework done while their are four children living in her house under the age of 5, if her own mother will live to see her graduate from High school, and many other situations that plague her.

Finally after sitting around for over an hour, we were called to an "interview room" to meet with a school representative, and social worker .. The social worker was very understanding and we worked out a plan where "L" can take a bus with her baby girl to school. Her daughter will be able to attend daycare at the YWCA across the street from her school.

I am thankful that we didn't have to have an in-depth court hearing, and that "L" could go home today knowing that she has viable options.

Life is so much about our story. I am so grateful the social worker who met with us took time to hear "L's" story . Building trust and lasting relationships takes time and patience. I am thankful that my neighbor felt that she could bring me into this situation that she was dealing with.

Afterwards we picked up her 7 month old daughter and had a late lunch at Perkins.
We shared a meal and were able to laugh, and talk about regular life things and simply enjoy being.

God, I pray for your mercy to fall down on this family .