Kara Busse
Through working with the families, I’m reminded of the following quote:
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes it’s the quiet voice at the end of the day that says ‘I will try again tomorrow.’” I am moved by the courage that our families demonstrate daily, in spite of their sometimes desperate situations.
 An elderly man that was violently assaulted on the path leading to his corn field has decided to return and continue his work there, despite the risk of being assaulted again.
A young man of 17 learning to live with epilepsy has made a conscious decision that he is not going to allow the real fear of convulsions that accompanies this disease get the best of him. He is convinced that his attitude affects the quality of his health and he hasn’t convulsed in over a year. When he tells of his experience he sounds like a wise and much older person who has survived decades of challenges.
A single father of two young girls, whose wife and son died during childbirth has decided to take a nightshift position so that he is able to help his daughters with their homework and provide support and attention to them during the day. Some family members doubted that, as a man, he would make a good single parent; however his girls are doing well in school and it’s clear that a very loving and healthy bond exists between the three of them.
 A 26 year-old single mother of six sons made the difficult decision to leave her abusive husband and face the various obstacles that being the sole provider implied. She says that it is worth the struggle because she knows now that although they often have a difficult time eating well, her sons are never hungry for love and a healthy example. Presently she is struggling to find work but continues to hold her head high.
These are a few of the families that, to me, define the word courage. Their stories help me get up in the morning when I’m feeling lazy. I could tell a dozen more stories because this kind of courage is present at the Family Development Center daily. I feel privileged to witness their stories, obstacles and triumphs. While at times I’ve found myself feeling stuck in the sadness of people’s daily struggles, I am trying to train my senses to listen carefully for that quiet voice of courage that may act as a bridge of change and healing and encourage us to continue moving forward.
Kara Busse has been working with Familias de Esperanza, Common Hope, for almost two years. Initially, she worked in the education department as a social worker with middle/high-school students and their families. Presently, she is working in the psychology department as a social worker. Her interest lies within the field of clinical social work and her current work provides the opportunity to focus more on mental health issues in children, adolescents and adults.
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