Reflection

This week, we observed life on the border, spending time with permanent residents as well as migrants. Four faces have been etched upon my heart: the migrant sister, Ruben (the 14 year old), Jeanette (the abandoned girl) and a meek woman in downtown Nogales who asked me for enough pesos to buy milk for her baby. These faces spoke loudly to me at the time and are still speaking. They ask for understanding, for compassion, for the chance to have a shot at a life to be proud of. They are sisters, daughters, sons, mothers…all living on a prayer.



I feel challenged to meet these needs in some way, shape or form. They are myriad in nature, but not infinite. Starting with small actions, a movement could be created that would span the globe over time. What gifts do I have to contribute to the cause?

I was glad to meet the Grupos Betas guys. (Us talking with them at their El Tortugo out post in the desert [first photo] and a van full of migrants being transported to the border [second photo]). To see an agency on the Mexico side of the border reaching out to people with humanitarian information and aid was reaffirming of the job No More Deaths and others are attempting on this side of la fronterra. In partnership, we could do even more, though sadly, we could work forever without affecting the issues that have led to the current migration of workers. Policies must change. The Mexican government needs to begin protecting and advocating for its own people. The United States government must take a more humanitarian stance on its foreign trade policies. To continue the corporate rat race without attention paid to those at the bottom of the ladder will lead us to a place we may never recover from.