Lately I've been looking at some 2010 Census numbers for our neighborhood. Population is way up from 2000, mainly due to new housing. There are now hundreds of kids in the neighborhood, though I never see many of these neighbors. We've met perhaps 30 different families over the past couple of years, but really only know fewer than 10 very well. Doubtless some we've never met take the elevator straight to the parking garage and drive everywhere, but there are also ones who cannot afford a car but I still don't see on the sidewalk or at the playground. I hope they're doing well.
There is also an amazing diversity of income levels and backgrounds, which is not odd for an urban area but still something I haven't gotten used to. It's a constant reminder of how globally connected we are; it's hard to hear about famine in Somalia without thinking of the Somalis who have settled in Seattle (including some who made a great little short film "Our Hijabs" for the SIFF Adobe Youth Voices project).
Another side of this is the organizations based in South Lake Union, including many global health non-profits, who may not do famine relief but combat diseases like malaria that disproportionally effect the developing world.
The next question, keeping in mind the second commandment "Love your neighbor as yourself," is how best to love all these neighbors. I'll let you know when I figure out the answer.
