new digs

This month's rather big news (and the reason I have been too busy to blog): We moved!

Into a trailer across the street. No more than 50 feet away from the old one.

After too many months of breathing mildewy air and coughing non-stop, we finally sought refuge in a cleaner space. The trailer is actually smaller--three people in 500 square feet--but we have a big, covered front porch and the whole place feels like a nicer place to be.

The process of the move allowed us to see something about one of our landlords: he's a slumlord. In fact, so much so that we started writing new lyrics to "Mr. Sandman"....Mr. Slumlord, bring me a dream. He tried to keep us in the old place no matter how unhealthy, and even the new place had some major issues right away. Crossed wiring, a leaky roof, a stove that the utilities guy said was unsafe, and on and on. This process was sobering for me. I grew up in a mindset that gives me the confidence to assert my rights to safe housing. On top of that, I am not behind on rent, so I don't feel like I have to do anything I can to stay in the good graces of my landlord.

What of those who have not learned to stand up for themselves? What of those who are so afraid of finding themselves homeless that they'll put up with just about anything for a little extra time to get the rent in? I fear the things that neighbors are putting up with, and that our landlord is neglecting in the name of saving money. It calls to mind the scriptural charge to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. I reminds me that I need to have my eyes open to those around me who are in need of a voice, and who are bent under the burden of oppression in some form or another.

On an exciting note, our small group community has gone above and beyond to help us transition, to move our junk, and to help with clean up. It has been an amazing portrait of the body of Christ in action. To any of you who are reading, Thanks!