Our Return to the FCC!

Thursday morning we woke up and started driving back to the Family Crisis Center, anticipating perfecting the organization of the shed that we worked on last week. However, when we got there we were faced with a surprising announcement.
Elishia came into the room and informed us that two of the current residents at the center were willing to talk to us and tell us their stories. The first woman started off her story by describing that it was her second time at the center after being abused by a second man. What was most shocking was that she went to church that Sunday with the center and her abuser showed up with a gun, so while we were in Knoxville, this close, these actions were taking place. The second woman was married to her husband for ten years and had three children, but the abuse happened only two years ago after her husband was laid off. After two years, it was evident to her that the abuse was not going to stop so she fled the state and after her husband found her once, relocated to the FCC. Although these were not the only stories we have heard from victims of domestic violence on this trip, it was so recent and fresh that their stories were more intense because you could see it in their eyes that the fear was still present.
After the two women left, we did return to the shed outside that we had organized the first time we went to the Family Crisis Center. We organized all the jeans by sizes and continued to hang up clothes so that they were out of a box or off the floor. We left the shed by hanging a simple sign simply saying "You are beautiful", so that when these women go in to this shed, sometimes with nothing, there can be hope for them to continue with the progress they have started by being at the shelter and out of their abuser's house. 
We ended our time at the Family Crisis Center by meeting with the therapist on site. She has an office where women could sign up for personal one on one time, however the women are never required to go. In addition, she runs a support group every Tuesday night, and although those too are not mandatory, every seat is often filled as they gather and talk about their stories and topics relating to relationships and abuse. Overall, the strength that was displayed both in the women that have experienced domestic violence, as well as the women that run the shelter, really became an inspiration to continue spreading the word about this serious issue and volunteer at shelters like the Family Crisis Center, in Washington D.C.
That night, before a great homemade macaroni and cheese made specially by Dave, we had a great reflection. We all sat around in a circle and we had to come up with solutions to the overarching issue of domestic violence. However, all of the solutions had to incorporate something that the previous person answered, and from there the person expanded on it. The reflection was very good because it ensured that everyone's ideas were heard and that we all used each others' ideas to build one big solution to the problem.
Only one more day left in Knoxville!