roadtripping to LA

My coworker recently suggested we read a book called Tattoos on the Heart, by Father Greg Boyle. Father 'G' as he's known in the projects of LA, has been working with gang members for over 20 years. Out of his ministry has developed 'Homeboy Industries', an incredibly impressive organization that is thriving in LA's Chinatown (www.homeboy-industries.org). It's true, the businesses have taken flight (see below for more info). However it's not just the businesses that have taken flight, but truly those who have come to work there--in the best way. Homies from rival gangs work alongside each other in these industries, breaking down the gang walls and entering into relationship.

You may be wondering why i know so much about this organization all of a sudden. well, my coworker Chris suggested the TN staff read it, and after my roommate picked my newly ordered copy up and went through 1/2 of it in a day's sitting, I was all the more prompted to read it. Phenomenal. I recommend it to all. It's re-converting me as a lover of God and belief in the power of love..and GOD as LOVE...to transform lives. (For more on the book, see other blog entry). Only a couple of chapters into it, and my decision was made...I was joining some friends from Tierra Nueva on a week-long road trip to San Fran and LA. I needed inspiration, revitalized vision for ministry among the marginalized. I wanted to visit similar-hearted ministries in other cities along with my fellow friends and coworkers...and together grow in vision and heart for the people we work with.

(the crew +1 and our van)

So, in the beginning of September we jumped in a donated 15-passenger van and header down I-5. I was hoping for change, but I didn't expect to come back with such renewed hope and inspiration, as well as connection to my brothers and sisters. After a brief stay in Vancouver, WA, we headed down to San Francisco's Mission District and InnerChange's Casa San Dimas. There we were welcomed into a community of people who work with gangs and those in and out of juvenile hall.

InnerChange's Mission statement:

"We are communities of missionaries living in poor, marginalized neighborhoods around the world – places most people want to avoid or ignore. We seek to live out the good news of Jesus among the poor, both with words and deeds." FOR more info on InnerChange: http://www.crmleaders.org/ministries/innerchange

(this is one of many amazing murals in the Mission District of San Fran,
with myself, Teddy & Ryan)

There is much to say about our 3 days with this community, however to try for brevity, I would say these are the gems:

• the joy of being amongst a similar hearted ministry was not only encouraging and inspiring, but helped me realize there are more of us out there!
• the director's stories will forever be with me, two journeys--Jose from El Salvador, Celida from Mexico--intertwining in San Francisco as a beautiful couple that is adopting the shunned and family-less youth getting out of Juvenile Hall. Former rivals are now rapping together about the love of God surrounded by a new community. Love is winning these kids over and transforming their lives. "If we are trying to be successful, we are not able to love", says Jose.
• the value of accompaniment, friendship, having someone coming alongside is not to be underestimated. We live in a world longing for connection, to be known, to be heard, to be loved. Too often we overlook the importance of simply being with.
  

After InnerChange, we headed down to LA, the 7 of us and two new companions: a traveler kid who's rode freight trains across the US 6 times since this January...and his pitbull. A guitar, drums, and a van-load of singers enlivened the journey south. Homeboy Industries was the final stop. After lunch at Homegirl Cafe where we enjoyed incredible service & food, we were given a tour of the building:

• the Homeboy Bakery where the lead chef all 'tatted-up' offered us steaming pain au chocolat fresh out of the oven (they supply delicious french pastries and artisan breads for the cafe as well as local stores such as Trader Joe's)
• the Homeboy Merchandise store with hip clothing designed and produced by the homies as a part of Homeboy Silkscreen & Embrodiery (which has over 2,000 clients (PS YOU too can order custom shirts, pens and more with silkscreen or embroidery for your team, your school, and your business. Contact Homeboy Silkscreen & Embroidery at 213-623-7955:).
• Father G's office whose glass walls are in direct line with with front doors
  
• the offices of 9 Case Manager, 3 Mental Health Therapist, a full-time lawyer, the Domestic Violence specialist
• the high quality computer lab
• the tattoo removal lab
• the Solar Panel Installation Training room
• and other classrooms where people gather throughout the day, ranging from Grief & Loss, Driver's Training, Parenting classes, GED, & Substance Abuse.

My social working self walked around the building with my mouth dropped. They have meetings called 'Secure Base', where the case manager, therapist, mentor, drug/alcohol counselors together meet with each employee (homie) once a month. Its a social workers dream.

The day we were there, people kept apologize for being 'out of it'. That morning one of their employees, an 18-year old who came early every morning to wash the windows and do maintenance, had been shot 3 times in the head. He was in critical condition and Father G was with him at the hospital. The 'stories' from Tattoos on the Heart, are real. They are not just stories, they are lives, humans, being pulled down by violence that doesn't let go.
oh LORD have mercy.

a final quote that's in: Tattoos on the Heart:
"our truest measures of compassion lies not in our service of those on the margins, but in our willingness to see ourselves in kinship with them"--Pema Chodron

I am incredibly grateful for the way this trip, and Father G's book, is directing and enhancing my own compassion,
my yearning for change,
and my desire to be in kinship with my those whom society has placed on the margins.

By the incredible LOVE of the Triune God...may these margins be erased.