Ugh

I don't have much to go on tonight. I don't feel like blogging. I don't feel like talking. I don't feel like praising.

This afternoon, there was a knock at the door. It was our new neighbor, Ashley. We'd seen her about a week before for the first time (she came over not once, but twice to use a cell phone- barefoot and slightly rude), but now she was back to ask for a phone charger, or to use my phone again. Odd. You would think that anyone who has been settled for more than about 2 days would have access to a telephone.

Here is a girl who couldn't be more than about 18 years old, smoking a cigarette and looking completely strung out. She moved in to a guest house in the back of a "compound" down the street, where several questionable characters are [unfortunately] taking up residence- including the man who rear-ended our car in 2008, and then tried to keep it from being reported. Just as her first impression, this encounter with Ashley was equally awkward. She began asking strange questions about my age, whether or not I smoked, went to see bands in the bar, if we could be friends, etc. Very strange.

The best part (Worst part?) of the story was her immediate request to have me take her to Woodburn, a town about 20 minutes away, to meet up with "some guy" on the other end of my cell phone. I'd had it. Boundaries were crossed. There would be no ride, sorry.

I had to watch my words, and held every thought captive. I wasn't afraid of her, but some of the people that come in and out of that house appear to be up to no good. There are people believed to be using drugs in that house, and their numbers are growing. To make things worse, many of the wholesome neighbors and homeowners on our street are leaving our neighborhood due to layoffs, foreclosure, or other reasons. It just seems like our wonderful neighborhood is taking a dive. It no longer feels safe for our children.

We've instructed the kids to never answer the door, nor speak to anyone from that house. Surely, if there was an emergency, we'd be there to help, but I don't want such negative influences around my family. I cannot stress how "wrong" it felt to interact with her. She could be harmless, or she could have agendas. We'll pray for her.

I don't know what God is allowing to happen, yet I'm confident that things will be looking up in the future.

Good Night