Day Two - Across the Border - June 29, 2010
After safe arrivals on our first day and a good night’s rest, we were all excited for what the second day would bring us. Our schedule was filled up with lots of places to go and new places to see. We began with an early visit at the Border Patrol Station in Nogales , Arizona (approximately one hour away from Tucson ). We were welcomed by two men, Jorge and David, with a brief PowerPoint summarizing the work done by them. Following, was a tour around the station where we all learned shocking facts about the number of people that were caught crossing (57,000), or the number of pounds of marijuana (almost 300,000) found in 2009. Although, we were quite amazed by the cool equipment they had, such as the night vision goggles, it was obvious to us that these men were hard workers and were very dedicated to enforce the law, even though they knew those who they kept in their detention center were, for the most part, good people. These immigrants did not know the law and traveled miles away to come to America to support their family. I did learn the other day that it wasn’t because they crossed because they wanted to; it was their last resort and they needed to. We all reflected for a moment and thought, if it were us, we would do anything to support our family, wouldn’t you?
After our first trip, we visited the American side of the dividing wall that most of us have never seen before. The sight we saw was of a fence originally 15 ft. high but more was added on as people attempted to climb. There was trash on the ground, and one border patrol car on duty. Peeking through holes of the fence, we could not imagine what was so harmful on the other side…
Moments after, we easily drove across the international border crossing over to Mexico ! We were all excited in our air-conditioned van. Suddenly, all the street signs and bulletin boards and stores were in Spanish! By lunchtime, we arrived at the Hogar de Esperanza y Paz (HEPAC or Home of Hope and Peace), the place where Marycruz (one of our trip leaders) works. We met Engracia, AlmaRosa and her beautiful, yet shy, granddaughter, Andrea. They were sooo kind to prepare us one of the greatest, LEGIT Mexican meals we will ever have; rice, beans and a tortilla soup with some delicious, spice sauce. Yum! With full bellies, we had a quick tour of the Hogar. By that time, the weather was at its highest so we took a quick nap.
Our next, exciting stop was at a public place where children were offered music, art and dance courses during the summer. Fortunately, we got to meet a local artist, Guadalupe Serrano, whose art was found all over Nogales, Mexico. We were explained that the Mexican government supports the art made because it gives the city more character and attracts tourists. We then traveled to the Mexican side of the wall where we got a chance to see some of Guadalupe’s work and other artists, as well. We took the time to examine each artwork slowly and think of what they represented. There was some art that was 3-D, some colorful and some metal. They were of humans walking, carrying objects, a little bit of their ancestors and culture and basically, bringing all that they were. It gave us a greater perspective of who these crossing immigrants really were. This was a great risk and many brought so much with them, and unfortunately, many would lose the physical items that they would have originally brought. We also looked at two huge posters made to create a pair of walking feet and the blue sky by the faces of the Mexican community. Last but not least, was a painted picture of united people together, which was a happy sight to end with .
To wind down, we drove to Mary Cruz ’s home and had dinner awaiting us. It was prepared by her daughter and we got to meet her adorable granddaughter, as well! She prepared us spaghetti, potatoes, beans, mashed potatoes and rice, all while looking after the cutest baby ever! It was another LEGIT and delicious meal which we got to share all thanks to Marycruz and her family. Her home was wonderful and she actually built it all herself! We then went out to her front porch and played with her cats and her granddaughter, whom I got to hold! Yay! We debriefed and talked about the life-giving and life-sucking moments of the day. The group shared that we were confused about who was the enemy after encountering both sides. We could not blame the Border Patrol for doing their job and we couldn’t be angry at those who were desperate for a better life. Though, we did share the great moments we saw today; the simple, happy children on the street and the comfort the foreign place gave us. Overall, we had a great experience together and it was a great way to unravel this big day, along with one great view of Mexico ’s mountains and cloudy blue skies.
With great thanks to God and Marycruz, we left Mary Cruz ’s house and traveled back to HEPAC to prepare for bed, meeting new creatures, some creepy (cockroaches on the shower curtains)…and some more creepy (toads)!
Despite so, the day was a great learning experience for all with connecting moments that we will never forget.
Much love back home,
Rebecca Andriani
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