It's a mad, mad, mad world.

Strange times here at Common Ground.

The mood has definitely shifted amongst the Woxy students. Most of us went into this thinking we'd merely be gutting houses. We had no idea that we'd also find ourselves caught in the midst of a political struggle. Many people have become visibly depressed or disillusioned because of the events of the last couple of days, and two students have even left because they feared for their safety. Unknowingly, we have all volunteered to be a part of something much bigger than we thought.

A few people have expressed their concern for my well-being, which is very kind and understandable, but I don't think there is much risk in being here. I don't fear for my safety, and there really is no reason to. The cops are after Brandon, not white college kids with connections.

But it is strange. I'm having trouble knowing what to think anymore. What are we a part of, and what role do we play in it? It would be easy to say that we are just concerned students who came here at the wrong time, but the fact is, gutting houses is a political endeavor. Not everyone in this city wants those houses gutted. We didn't know that, but there it is, and here we are.

Being here has given us all plenty of time to think, and at the moment, I'm not sure what to think. I don't know who to trust or what to do. I'll continue gutting and be involved for as long as I need to, but I'm not sure what my purpose here is anymore. Things have gotten blurrier. Suddenly we're involved in the dark world of drug cartels and crooked cops. It's exciting on one hand, but distressing and confusing on the other.

Who knows. I'm just going to try and keep my head up, and try and remember my place as an individual. And I'll keep you updated.