High Street Bridge

So the bridge in the picture on my blog is high street bridge. It is our closest connecting point to Oakland, and is a bridge I cross a half a dozen times a week. It is also the dividing line between Alameda, and Oak Town. Cross it, and you literally are in a different world.

East Oakland is one of the sketchiest places around. The amount and type of crime that goes on around there is enough to cause concern even for the most Urban of people. The poverty there is in your face, and the amount of hopelessness that you see is almost palpable. Outside of an Oakland A's game or a mission to find the best burrito or bahn mi sandwich in the bay area, there is no reason for most people.

Then there's small town - 25mph - family laden - tree lined Alameda. Outside of the odd stolen bike - or jay walking incident, crime is non-existent here. The houses are old but well kept, lawns are mowed, dogs are walked, and smiles are exchanged.

What I don't understand is how these two worlds NEVER intersect... It's eerie how these two place are literally separated by this bridge, but behave as if they are worlds apart. I don't like it, I don't think it's right, and I don't think it's what Jesus would establish if he were mayor. But at the same time, I like the safety of the Island, and I like that I don't have physically needed people all around me. I need to figure out how to make heads or tales of what Jesus is asking me to do in light of this reality.