waiting on the world to change

last night, I watched a 20/20 special on "children living in poverty" (in the U.S). They had a particular focus on Camden, NJ, and showcased the lives of three kids. diane sawyer and her crew kept in touch with them over a year, and beyond the clips of the kids in their homes, we get to see an interview that she does with them in present day.
It was a really tough hour of television, as the memories of our trip there two years ago came flooding back. the abandoned buildings, the sign reading "heal camden" set beneath a cross, the decrepit streets that are too often the centre of crime and drug dealings.

a part of me was glad that this town was finally getting some representation in media, but the other part of me just wanted to cry because the situation there is so dire. the statistic of how 70% of "drug seekers" are actually from suburbs nearby still shocks me. people are often quick to blame the community itself for how "crime-ridden" it is, and don't understand that much of the crime is brought INTO the town.

one of the kids featured was moochie, a girl that we actually met during our time with Urban Promise. I remember asking her for her name when we were doing crafts, and being in disbelief that she could have such a cute name=) the segment showcased her broken family, with her dad suffering from alcoholism and brother constantly getting into trouble with the police. moochie wishes to be able to go to college (she just started going to kindergarten), and hopes to be a judge someday.

one of the most heart-breaking moments during the broadcast concerned a 6 year old boy named Ivan. his mom, brother, and him have no permanent home, and for months their only living space was an armchair that would be their bed at night. We see Ivan on his first day to school, excited (he really wants to learn to read) but also anxious because he fears the other kids won't like him. the class however, welcomes him, and he isn't so frightened anymore. the moment that breaks my heart is when the teacher asks him about the various meals in a day. "What's it called when we eat in the morning? Before we go to bed?", the teachers asks, and Ivan is visibly confused. He's stumped, unknowing of terms like "breakfast" and "dinner" because his family is barely able to eat once a day.

the broadcast, other than being nostalgic, also reminded me of how much God's grace is necessary in the everyday. we must stop dividing up our time between what is "godly" and "everything else" and truly look to how we can reflect the love of God in every aspect of our lives and our neighbours'...

when will we learn to acknowledge the face of God on these forgotten streets?