Occasionally, we have troubled kids who, in lieu of juvenile lock-up, come to Island Girl Power to volunteer with the girls and take the various classes we offer.  In discussing a setback that happened with one of them, Juanita said in passing “Tatuada’s house is always open for people who need it”.  

That phrase just floated back up to me as I was eating supper, and I realized it made me feel very good.  The thing that keeps me coming back every single time, even when I’m frustrated, fed up, and overworked, is knowing that I’m known as someone everyone can trust and can find a safe haven in.  I’m happier having my home as a place where it’s taken as fact that you can always feel welcome, nurtured, and safe than I would be with a paycheck for what I do.