The trenches of my peacemaking work are sometime literal, rather than metaphorical, trenches.  Working in the world of vehicle residents occasionally involves actual ditches, but thankfully the ditches and trenches are usually more abstract. Approaching barriers, real or abstract, is the bulk of the work I do in the trenches day in and day out.

I think what can be tricky in my life is to see the work ONLY as facing and overcoming barriers; meaning, sitting IN the conflict is not something I’m practiced in.  I have enough experience now in the world I negotiate at work that I tend to immediately move to solutions and resolutions rather than sitting with and understanding the barrier.  Even with the teams I am working with, when they call for advice or answers, I would like practice sitting with them in the moment and hearing their thoughts and answers before solving it or offering mine.

The upcoming election definitely brings me anxiety.  Working with populations who don’t hold power has given me new perspective on the impact political choices have.  My station in life and identities have allowed me to stay fairly oblivious, as elections rarely had impact on me, but I am learning the domino effect of even simple tax bills have on the folks I work with.  I have been finding hope in, ironically, learning about the atrocious ongoing history of the United States- in each era that seemed hopeless, there were people unwilling to give up, and they made all of the difference. I have been listening to Sharon McMahon’s book, The Small and the Mighty, and it’s been a helpful encouragement to continue doing the good in front of me.