So I didn’t get a chance to write about my visit last week. It was a rather quiet visit this time. Only the mom was there. Usually when there is everyone from the family, there is a lot of excitement and enthusiasm, but this time it was almost sad. She was telling us about all of the financial problems her family was experiencing. She told us how her son just recently found a job. And I was both happy and sad to hear this. Happy in the sense that they no longer need to rely on cash assistance to support their family, but sad because his job requires him to work 12 hours a day, 3 times a week—night shift, at a factory. When I asked her where he was then, she said he was actually looking for another job as well. As we were about to leave, we saw him come in all dressed up, looking like he was ready to go to an interview. He said he had just gone to fill out some forms. The fact that he dressed up simply to fill out some applications shows a lot of dedication and determination. It is amazing that he is already working full time and still looking for yet another full time job.

The mom really wants to find a job as well. She was telling us how she feels so bored all the time and how she wishes she had something to do. I wish there was something we could do to help her. With her minimal English language, it is hard to find a job, but we were thinking that we might go around Devon avenue and see if there was anything open. We’ll see how it goes. While she was telling us all of this, I started making the connection between what we learned in class and what was going on. Our family is officially at the stage where the honeymoon period is over. The excitement is waning. Depression is starting to set in. Financial assistance is gone, and frustration and boredom has taken over. I really hope this does not become a permanent situation. They are still incredibly positive which is really great. Hopefully, things will start getting better for our family!