Intentional Living
For those of you who read our monthly update regularly, you have probably noticed our absence in keeping you up to date with all that is happening at GUM. On a personal note, we welcomed our new baby girl Ziah to the family in February! She is beautiful, healthy, and looks just like her mother. We are loving our newest addition and settling into life as a family of 6.
Spring also brings thoughts of renewed life to mind as I walk to work through the neighborhood each day. I think about the importance of really seeing the lives around me and of engaging with my neighbors on a deep level. If I'm not intentional, it is often easy to overlook why Danielle and I chose this neighborhood in which to raise our family. We desire to see our community transformed; to be a community that people want to live in rather than leave. We envision a community that is strong, offers good jobs, encourages intact families, and has access to healthy food and safe homes.
Our community is similar to other low-income and marginalized neighborhoods, in that our language defines our experience. Residents will say they "stay here" rather than "live here." From our community's context, to "stay here" implies a temporary residence - it's a way station before the next move or upheaval. Sadly, it's not uncommon to see piles of personal belongings left on the curb in the early morning, after a family evacuated the night before.
So, why did I share about the personal story of my newest addition to my family? Because we choose to "LIVE here." This neighborhood is our home, it's where I work and our children play. Our family is completely invested in the change and transformation of our community. We are intentionally choosing to be present, every single day. I honestly love our community and look forward to the transformation ahead!
As GUM continues to impact lives in our community, we would love to invite you to join with us. Want to live out your philanthropic dreams by supporting this community's transformation? Become a monthly donor at $30, $50, $100 and see what a difference you can make!
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Josh Dorrell
Executive Director
Baby Ziah