So, its taken me a little while to tell people this because its actually a little disorienting. Funny how good news can be as disorienting as bad sometimes...
Some of you know that I interviewed for a position as the Child Welfare Attorney with the Lummi Nation up in Bellingham. Well, I got the position so, come August, I will actually be employed, living in the place I want to live, doing the thing I want to do. I am blessed... and maybe a little bit scared. For the past several years, I have kept myself sane by telling myself that it will be better later. Now I am almost done. What if it doesn't get better? What if I'm really not cut out for this? What if I can't do it? But those are the thoughts that I am trying to ignore. I'm trying to rest and breathe and relax.
Here's a brief explanation of my job. I will function basically as the attorney general for dependencies that are heard in tribal court, meaning that I convey to the court, along with social workers, why children need to be removed or separated from their parents. I will also represent the tribe's interests in state court dependency cases in which a Lummi child is involved. Lastly, I will 'prosecute' juvenile delinquency cases that are diverted, meaning they are essentially provided services rather than being sent to detention. Tribal courts are an interesting place to work. They have the benefit of flexibility, which can more effectively address the needs of children and families, but there are unquestionably cultural differences that make misunderstandings likely and harmful. I'm excited about the challenge. And if you're ever in the Bellingham area, that is where I will be for a while.
Keep me in your prayers.
