Tomorrow morning, my husband is taking our two kittens to the Humane Society to have them fixed.  It is only going to cost $20 per surgery for each cat.  Can you believe it?  The reason we got such a discounted rate is the fact we live in an urban area.  Both of our cats were living rough outdoor lives when we rescued them.  One cat was found by an abondoned house behind us and the other cat suddenly appeared in our basement Thanksgiving weekend.  That is a long story in which I will spare you all the details; however, I will say...being a pet owner is one of the biggest blessings in my life! 

One of my favorite stores in my urban neighborhood is the Mexican grocery store on Central Avenue.  The store is actually a short walking distance away from my house and is very convenient when you need to pick up something quickly like tortillas or milk.  One of my favorite items sold at the store is glass bottled Mexican Coke.  If you have never had Mexican Coke...it is a bit sweeter than American Coke.  Also...off Central Avenue, there are several Mexican bakeries and an awesome ice cream shop.  Let me know if you  want to partake/enjoy any of the Mexican food and drinks offered in my neighborhood! 

Yesterday afternoon, my husband and I attended our daughter's graduation from the KCK Saturday Academy. This is her first year in the program.  She has an opportunity to participate in this program every school year through her senior year in high school if she chooses to do so.  This wonderful program provides educational opportunities beyond the classroom.  The Saturday Academy program was created to "help Wyandotte County students by providing enrichment to support their science and math electives that will help their college and career goals". The program is made possible with the support of KU School of Medicine, DST and Euronet along with the Kansas Health Foundation and the KCKCC Science, Math and Technology department.

My hubby and I were discussing yesterday the fact that our daughter has many opportunities as a result of us living in an urban area. She is excelling in a number of ways and now she is excelling academically through Saturday Academy and soon...Sumner Academy. 

Last night, Friday night, was a blast!  My husband and I hosted/interacted with 15 kids on our front porch. We had the windows opened in the front of the house and the stereo turned up high for the kids to enjoy.  The kids ended up having an impromptu dance contest that a blast to watch!  I joined in the fun and I could tell my daughter was embarassed by my dance moves.  I do not know why because I am a decent dancer!  Her father on the other hand...dancing is not one of his natural giftings.  HA! 

One of things I love about our neighborhood is the diversity of the people and last night we had a number of children of different backgrounds laughing, giggling and showing off their dance moves.  The neighbors next door were having a party and we had several new little friends stop by and introduce themselves.  This type of community, we never experienced at our former residence.  My urban
neighbors love to hang out on their front porches and socialize with others around them. 

When you have an opportunity to interact with individuals from different backgrounds, you have an opprtunity to learn from others...their customs, their beliefs and their experiences.  Most importantly, when you grow up in a diverse neighborhood, you have an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the commonalities you have with your neighbors rather than the differences. 

My friend Dana and I went for an hour walk this morning in the light rain.  The time passed by quickly and before we knew it...we had walked three to four miles.  My friend is an amazing lady.  She and her husband moved into my neighborhood 18 months ago.  Like my family, they moved to the urban core to make a difference.  Dana and I have a lot in common and I can't wait to spend more time with her once I am out of school.

One of the interesting things Dana and I discussd this morning was helping people versus enabling individuals in our neighborhood.  For example, there use to be a large family that lived across the street from my family.  This couple had a number of children and as a result, monetary means were always tight and often they were short on cash.  One week after they moved in, the husband asked to borrow $35 to fill up his gas tank.  He just got a new job, he was short cash and was not going to get paid for two weeks.  We graciously gave him the money to help his family and then two weeks later he asked if he couple borrow more money to put toward rental furniture.  My husband and I talked about this request in detail and came to the conclusion that if we continued to lend money...then we were enabling the family and the cycle would continue and would not stop.  We told him not to worry about paying us back for the gas money; however, we could not be able to give him money in the future.  We continued to help the family...just not in monetary ways.  We invited the family to our church and the children were given lots of love and food.  The family received two food baskets twice a month and additional assistance in a number of other ways. 

My friend Dana is dealing with a similiar situation.  She and her husband are helping a young couple that have a child and no jobs to support their family.  As a result, the couple are living with extended family to make ends meet.  This couple is always asking Dana and her husband for rides and they have graciously helped this family as much as possible.  Like us, they had to put their foot down and had to pull back when it came to providing transportation.  They continue to take the family to doctor appointments or to Walmart to buy baby supplies and etc.  However, they are no longer taking them to places such as Game Stop or the Sprint Center.

In closing, where is the fine line between helping and enabling people?  I think it is a gray issue that each individual and family have to determine on their own. 

Since we got out of class early this evening, I ran to church and joined in on the Seder meal that we celebrate every year at the Presbyterian church I attend.  Of course, we discussed the story of the Israelites' exodus from Egyptian oppression as well as Seder rituals and traditions.  One of things I zeroed in on during this special celebration is how oppression continues today in our own communities, our nation and all around the world.  I thought specifically about oppression in my neighborhood.  I'm sure there are many people that feel like they are oppressed through financial challenges...relationships...and in many other ways.  In my neighborhood and church, there are illegal immigrants and I wonder how they feel about oppression?  I bring that up NOT to get into a major discussion about immigration reform or illegal immigrants!!!!!!!!  It is to help all of understand what it must feel like to be an outsider, the fear of being caught, and the consequences that come with being found.  I have learned a lot of this topic since my pastor is all about justice and mercy for all of God's people no matter their circumstances.

In closing...I hope each of you have a blessed day on Easter Sunday.  

Monday was a BIG day for our family!  Our 13 year-old daughter received a letter in the mail stating she was accepted into Summer Academy of Arts and Science High School in KC, KS.  For those of you that do not know about Sumner...Sumner is considered one of the top high schools in the United States according to US News & World Report.  Per the Washington Post, "Sumner Academy of Arts and Science has been ranked the top school in Kansas and one of the top schools in the nation. The ranking, was through the Challenge Index, which measures how effectively a school prepares its students for college."  To read more about Sumner...go to the following website...http://kcksumner.schoolloop.com/    Sumner has a rich history of tradition and I encourage you to view the site or Google Sumner Academy! 

I have to tell you that when we moved to Kansas City, KS...I told myself that my daughter was going to attend Shawnee Mission North High School no matter what!  I graduated from SMN in 1986 and wanted my daughter to be able to experience all the joys I experienced at North.  I think I secretly wanted to relieve my memories through my daughter!!!

I remember when my husband started nudging me about Sumner.  Through the course of approximately four years and and many conversations with family, friends and one of the school counselors, my icy exterior began to melt.  I began to realize that my daughter would walk away with an OUTSTANDING education from Sumner Academy.

Well...here I am.  I am delighted for my daughter because she is SOOOOOOOOO excited!  She can't wait to  attend school with her neighborhood friends and to start earning college credits.  When I was her age...college credits were not on mind!  I think all that was on my mind was BOYS!

This is another perfect example of how my Urban neighborhood has changed me for the better!