I am no longer an employee at Family & Children Services...

I dropped off my keys, my work phone, and all of my notebooks and papers.

I'm officially unemployed now (and, yes, I am considered to be unemployed because I am actively seeking other employment. But, don't get me into statistics and how much I *hate* when sociologists and psychologists put/waste so much time and effort on them).

Chris gave me a hug and everything. She even said "If anything ever happens, you can always come back. Not that I'm saying I *want* anything to happen... you know what I mean."

That was rough.

There were so many people I wanted to say goodbye to, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I knew that I would just start bawling... As it is, I was tearing up on my way to the car. The sky opened up and poured on me. I decided that the clouds were crying enough that I need not join in.

On my way back home after ward, I saw a homeless man crouched underneath the overhang of the grand display of the Michigan Theatre on the corner of Burdick and Lovell. It was then that I thought to myself: "Am I abandoning this town?" This place that has given me so much... so much hope. So many friends. So many great opportunities to really learn what life is all about. This poor, struggling hub for artists, peace lovers, politicians, and people from all walks of life... it's ripping at the seams. Am I leaving this place to the dogs?

Then I reminded myself that one need not look far in this great country to find suffering. Even in a nation that is audacious enough to call itself the last remaining "superpower" in the world, the USA is no stranger to unnecesary brutality, corruption, starvation, poverty, and rampant disease. While Kalamazoo does have a staggering 24% of its population living at or below the poverty level, Grand Rapids has 15% of its population (a MUCH greater number of people) falling at or below that very same line.

I must realize that no matter where I go, there will be need. There will be hunger. There will be sadness, disease, and death. I must not ask why it is that I serve where I do or why I serve in a particular capacity. No. All I can do is perform what services I can in the best manner within my capabilities.

"...It's all I can do."

Love,
David