DAY 6 - THURSDAY

PASTORA ROSE MARY'S STORY, MUSTARD SEED CAFE, HUMAN RIGHTS, LEGAL DETAILS OF THE IMMIGRATION PROCESS, A FESTIVE DINNER

It was a full day in many ways! A full schedule, full bellies, full hearts. We began the day listening to Pastora Rose Mary share her story of growing up in Bolivia with a loving, faithful family. She told her parents at an early age she wanted to do what she called "reverse mission work," meaning she wanted to serve God in the U.S. This amazing, well-educated woman chose to get additional education in California and at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. However she told us her best education has been listening to the people she serves. Her hope is that whatever is done to ease the refugee situation is done with human dignity for all people, irregardless of status. 

We had a delicious lunch at The Mustard Seed Cafe, where they serve food to anyone without charge. Volunteers prepare lunches 3 days a week, often using fresh produce from their garden, also tended by volunteers. 

  

Susana from The  Border Network for Human Rights  spoke with us after lunch. They work to educate people at the border on immigrants' human and constitutional rights. This organization, working in El Paso & Las Cruces, are the only two organizations along the southern border that have a working relationship with the Border Patrol. They're the ones who produced the documentary called "The 3-Minute Hug." You can watch the trailer here and view the entire documentary on Netflix.

Late afternoon an immigration attorney spoke with us, presenting a detailed account of the U.S. immigration process. Saying it's complicated is a gross understatement. If it's complicated for us, English-speaking individuals, imagine what it's like to a refugee. 

The day wound down with a drive to a beautiful vista to watch the sunset over El Paso & Mexico, an intimate worship service at Cristo Rey with Pastora Rose Mary and Pastor Juan, and a dinner complete with authentic Mexican music.

Pam Larson