First off I completely apologize for not updating the blog for the past month. A birthday and anniversary pasted and finals were taken, but I just didn't find the time or anything interesting to write about. But tonight I feel the need to rant and then possibly back up and give thanks. I think I've said this before, but Travis & I teach at an inner city high school. Most days you wouldn't know you were at an inner city high school. I'm sure we deal with things all the time that we don't even identify with that label, but that others would see at "ghetto." And then again there are times when it creeps up on you and becomes very real and overwhelming. You feel helpless and unable to facilitate change. You lose that sense that what you're doing is honestly making a difference and that it is worth everything you go through.
This past weekend the captain of the varsity basketball team at our school, was murdered. Travis, being a coach for the team, is crushed. It was a case of wrong time, wrong place, and of course had to do with gang violence. So many questions come out of this. But I guess my biggest question is what do we have to offer these kids that is more enticing than the streets? Most are unable to afford college with how ridiculous tuition costs are right now. And then we as a society tell them that they can't do anything without a degree. As a nation we have outsourced so many good jobs and have reduced the value of a plumber or trades to something that only immigrants or idiots would choose to do. What do we leave them with?
The streets offer quick answers and even faster cash. It offers a sense of community and protection. And most of all it gives them purpose and value within their sphere of influence. How do we combat this? I know some of the answer to this, but it just seems easier to head out to a suburban school where kids die from drunk driving or suicide, where it seems they have a choice in their tragedy, rather than senseless violence.
But in all things give thanks. Right now, what we specifically have to offer, is our belief in the plan of salvation. I'm grateful for Temple work and a Savior who manifests the godliness of all people through sacred covenants with our Heavenly Father. I guess that is where the hope comes from that we continue to share and deplete with these kids, and then we go to church or the Temple and have experiences that renew that hope and faith.
Sorry for the soapbox. If you would like to see the story about Mario you can go to this website. http://www.wwlp.com/Global/story.asp?S=8339816. If not, thank you for listening. I don't want to be a Debbie downer, but just wanted to provoke thought on what we can all do individually to make the things or people under our stewardship just a little better.
