The Cycle Continues

You cross under the Periferico & it takes about 8 seconds to see the difference. Kids & stray dogs running everywhere, makeshift houses built out of piles of trash, drugs & graffiti out in the open & on the street corners. This is where life hits you in the face. Poverty begins to take on a new meaning for those who "have everything".

Most of us don't understand the cycle these people are trapped in. The harsh reality of scrounging around in the trash for food or items to make a roof to cover your kids heads at night. But what's even worse about this cycle is what goes on behind closed doors; the violence & abuse. The single men & women who fight to keep their families alive from either "loved ones" from within or the crime & battery on the outside.

And there is no HOPE. There aren't government programs to help. There aren't any financial corporations to provide loans. There are no food banks. The cycle continues from one generation to the next because there is no way to escape.

Julia is a part of this tragic cycle. I have written about her before & shared about her a number of times. This past Christmas while were in the States, Julia was to flee from her abusive husband, along with her 6 girls & baby grandson, in order to get a new start. After a little more than a month, Julia has returned to her husband & abusive home. It was too hard to stay away. Though she found a safe haven, it was too difficult to leave the only life she's known behind. So the cycle continues...

What's next for Julia? Our prayer is for protection over her and her girls. Our prayer is for health & safety of the 7th little one growing inside her (undoubtedly conceived from a moment of anger, drunkenness, & abuse). But even more than that, for FREEDOM. That she can find HOPE in Christ. It's the only thing that can save her & her family.

Pray for Julia.