light breaking through the darkness

Today is the shortest day of the year and Christmas only days away!

A month has passed since my last post...and a lot has happened. I have experienced a deepening grief over the darkness in this world that rips families apart, traumatizes and abuses individuals, and speaks lies and deception into the hearts of all.

The waiting for new LIGHT has never felt more needed.

Now this day, the shortest day of the year and only a couple days before celebrating the birth of Jesus, I am reminded of the reasons to hope. I am grateful for the LIGHT that does and is coming, both the spiritual light, as well as the sunlight that will be increasing in the coming days.

The darkness has felt strong and yet there are glimpses of the light. Here are some snipets...

I have received panic calls from two individuals within a couple days of each other, who had to leave their homes because of physical abuse and substance abuse. After some random craigslist room for rent visits...they each have found housing, albeit temporary.

Christmas presents are being delivered as we speak to families of inmates & migrant families. Last night I delivered presents to the children of some who are incarcerated in our county jail, and during the day I got to be the distributor to some who came to our Family Support Center. Two in particular were a delight to see as they have been living with their uncle 3 hrs away since their mom was jailed 5 months ago. They ran around Tierra Nueva... 'betania...come here... betania...puedo dibujar (can i draw/color)?" Although I dislike the commercialization of Christmas and present-obsession of our culture...I have to say it's quite a treat to provide new crayons, card decks, soccer balls, winter jackets, and other new toys to children who have very little.


I have had the joy of spending more time this month than ever with one Mixtec family in particular, as they seem to have faced hardship after hardship. As I mentioned previously, the father was deported a month ago, leaving the family financially dependent on his wife, mother, and younger brother to support themselves, and nine kids. This month has not been any easier. The mother was denied energy assistance (for electricity bills), and the younger brother ended up in jail (unjustly in my opinion) for a period, and other difficulties I can't mention. However, a week and a half ago at 8am the daughter-in-law delivered this beautiful healthy baby girl.

Their generosity and hope amidst the hardships, as well as their love for each other (and for me!) has been an encouragement to me. Last week I got a call during my dinner break at my other job to come eat freshly made tamales. Not minding that I literally had to eat and run, they welcomed me, laughing at my attempts at speaking Mixtec and sending me away with a bag of 10 extra tamales. And on Sunday for our multilingual potluck and worship service, the whole family came bringing homemade tortillas and caldo de pollo (chicken soup).

A couple of weeks ago, I took the three elementary schools kids to another TN family's house to play with their kids, jump on the trampoline, and put together puzzles. On Saturday I jumped in a van with 11 others, and drove to Everett's Pied Piper children's theatre to see 'Elves & the Shoemakers', bringing along three of the kids I've mentioned. Another TN volunteer organized the event, arranging a van, snacks for the road, and free tickets! It was a delightful event on a rainy day!

So, a merry Christmas to you all.

may HiS LIGHT be ever brighter this season in and around you.