Connecting faith and suffering...

Inspired by how Lupita wrote a blog every week or 2, so trying to blog more, even if its short. This week we had a really great Spirituality Night. Jessie prompted us to think about the suffering of the innocent here -- who do we know here who suffers innocently. As we wrote about these people, she encouraged us to think about how this just as easily could have been us, and what that really means. How does our faith help us get through this, or does it at all? 

I wrote about a few people here, people I have grown to love dearly but really seen some of the more difficult aspects of their life. A friend who has to live at home to protect his family -- not only from the dangerous characters in the neighborhood, but from an abusive father. He will start working and studying to further his education but also contribute. Another friend sold water and candy on the streets for some time, again to help provide for his family ... starting at age 13. He said when he was younger neither Christmas nor New Year´s existed for him. Another friend was forced to drop out of school because his girlfriend became pregnant. He is 16, but was also kicked out of the house after this, leaving him to work to provide for his new family. Another friend has issues at school with others starting rumors, and has a difficult family life on top of this, strugging with domestic violence and lack of food in the house. All four of these people have generally kind, happy and caring personalities -- they didnt deserve these situations! 

So when we thought about how our faith connected into this, a few things came to mind. First, as Mom told me once, prayer connects us all. A way for me to connect with them, and also to have faith that God is watching out for them, since I am unable to in the way that they truly would need. Also, realizing that sometimes God´s way of solving these problems is by showing His love, but that love might come through other people. I alone cannot provide all the love that these people need, but combine my love, Jessie´s love, Tasha´s love, etc. -- and then that might be enough to get them through. God is shown to me through these people, equally to them through me.

It is a big challenge for me to be here, trying to live in solidarity by taking shorter showers and cooking basic meals, but realizing that I can never truly be in solidarity with the people here. I dont live in a cane house or a dangerous neighborhood, I dont experience alcoholism or domestic violence in my home, I havent felt hunger from not eating for a day or more, I wont go without water, etc. So what can I do? The best I think I can do is really listen to the people here -- open up my ears and heart to listen to their challenges, how it makes them feel. Then, I can keep learning from them, because goodness knows I am learning so much!

Thanks for reading, for ALL the cd´s, mail, emails, love -- you guys are the best and your support is so crucial for this year!

Love you all,

Isa