Saturday, August 9, 2008

Dispartiy

On the radio this morning there was a piece about the Olympics. The were discussing how many of the extravagant building that are housing the events were built by poor workers who couldn't afford to buy tickets to see the events. A startling disparity that will be forgotten in the midst of the excitement.

I see this disparity up close when to the shopping plaza near my house early in the morning. In the shopping plaza there is a Home Depot, and if you get there early enough you will see men, mostly of Hispanic decent, standing in the parking lot. These men are waiting for work, they are day labors. These men leave every morning to work in homes that they couldn't afford to live.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Happyness and Sadness



Last night was one of the happiest moments and one of the saddest that I have had in my neighborhood to date. After two year of talking, scheming, and frustration the neighborhood Friends group decided to put on a movie night in the park. To our surprise it was quite easy and very successful.

With a borrowed laptop computer & projector, a crudely made screen of PVC pipe and a bed sheet, and several extension cords from the neighboring house we watched 'A Bugs Life" with our neighbors in the park. Without advertising the event we managed to gather 12 people and catch the attention of several more as they walked through the park. What we thought could only be pulled off with outside help, generators, and lots of money was not the case, we had all that we needed among ourselves. And with relative ease we can replicate the even at a moments notice. This was one of the proudest moment in my three years of trying to love my neighbors.

It was also sad because I am leaving the neighborhood. Even with things looking so bright. I realize that I am missing something. I am missing a spiritual community. I recently decided to move to East Boston to join some similar minded friends and become a community. Although I know this is good for me, and am excited about moving, it is hard to leave me current neighborhood when we have accomplished so much.

Photo Credit: Assbach (click)