So apparently, a new gang is moving into Buffalo, the West Side. MS-13, which stands for Mara Salvatruchas (13 was a number chosen to pay homage to the Mexican Mafia), originated in LA (from my understanding of them, while studying in Central America, they're serious). El Salvadorian immigrants striking back after being terrorized by other gangs of LA. But a new gang moving in means turf wars with the gangs already present, and in this case, mostly with the Bloods, who inhabit most of the northern West Side (2 of the guys that I work closely with in our store our bloods, one inactive, the other active). I (and my housemates) live somewhere in the middle. One of the guys that I work with at the store told Kim, our manager, that things were going to explode and to be careful in the streets. Yesterday, 2 teens were stabbed mid-afternoon a few blocks from the store I work at (with inner-city youth), on the corner where the post office is that I send all my mail through. Gang-related, probably drug-related (though not necessarily having to do with MS-13). It hits close to home though (it's a good thing my parents don't read my blog!!). Yesterday as well, a warning went out from the Buffalo Police for all motorists to be careful of an MS-13 initiation right having to do with bumping into and mugging people in their cars. Susannah and I took a looong walk yesterday evening (and I again this morning), completely unaware of all that had been taking place. Praise God that his hand of protection was over us.
Pray for Buffalo... Satan wouldn't be working so hard if good things weren't happening here. And good things ARE happening!
