On Wednesday I went to pick up Erika. She asked if I was going to meet her where I normally do. I assumed (wrongly) that she wanted me to drive closer to her house. I did not want to get into the habit of driving into Los Pinos too deeply, so I said I would meet her at the usual meeting place.
I have to talk to Erika about being more open with me when it comes to her safety. While I thought she was trying to shorten her walk, in reality she was using good judgement.
After spending the afternoon together I took Erika back to Los Pinos. She asked if I could drop her off at a different main road. I said sure. She said the path she was taking last week is not safe. People are being assaulted there.
Boy, did I feel like a schmuck for assuming that Erika just wanted to shorten her walk. In reality, she was being wise. She was looking out for her safety, my safety and the safety of her baby.
Los Pinos has been very "caliente" lately. My friend Molly, who is doing ministry in an area of Los Pinos that is more dangerous, has not been able to do home visits in one area for over about a month. She says every time she speaks to the families who live there, another person has died.
That is why I have not done any home visits, and have no plans to. Erika, herself, says it is not wise for me to go to her house. We have a whole world to explore together. No sense in putting anyone in danger.
Note to self: Do not assume. Ask questions. Encourage open communication. Reinforce in Erika that I respect that fact that she makes wise decisions. Safety always comes first.
