Heat of Altar

We have arrived in Altar and the air is so hot that it burns. I’m guessing that it’s at least 115 degrees. ‘Can’t find a thermometer to find out for sure. We’re in an air conditioned (thank goodness) migrant shelter lounging around. Our speaker should be here in an hour or so and then we’re pretty much free for the evening.

Today, I picked up a ‘Kino in a Box’, as I like to call him. It’s a monk, (probably actually St. Francis), and is a sacred object for many in Magdalena. I found it amusing that there were miniature monks in glass coffins for sale, so I’m going to add him to my collection of amusing religious paraphernalia which currently includes a Jesus action figure. =)

I also picked up a pretty blue/purple crystal rosary. I’m not Catholic, but the idea of meditation in a Taize style interests me, so I’ll use them in my own sort of way. Something uber sweet about the rosary…there’s a cross with a crucifix, but behind the crucifix is a robed person holding up the cross and Jesus…God…resurrected Jesus? I’m not sure, but I like it.

I saw Padre Kino’s remains again. ‘Just as interesting as last time (interim trip 2004 with Babcock and Adrian). I found it kinda neat to see that the cross he wore around his neck 300 years ago is slowly oxidizing (must have been copper) and leaving a turquoise tinge on his left clavicle (collar bone). There’s also a small button settled on his sternum.

We had lunch in a restaurant called ‘Las Gorditas’ in Magdalena after shopping and ate a variety of gorditas and quesadillas (chili, cactus, pork, cheese…). I was most excited about the half-liter coke bottles!!

Side note…we saw a Wal-Mart in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. Hmm…

The UCC group really seems to be growing up. Even the youngest ones (12 years old) are taking a critical look at border issues and immigration. Over the course of three days, our group reflections have gone from a purely meditative period to a time of intense sharing of emotions. They don’t like what they’re seeing and want to do something about it. It will be exciting to see how this experience affects the course of their lives.