DAY 7 - FRIDAY

RUBEN GARCIA & ANNUNCATION HOUSE, REFLECTIONS

Friday was an unexpected bonus with a presentation by and discussion with Ruben Garcia, Director of Annunciation House, and El Paso native. Annunciation House coordinates city wide refugee services, working with churches, health care, government agencies and the border patrol. It is a massive undertaking and he is highly respected across all sectors. For more information and opportunities to volunteer check their website at annunciationhouse.org.

Throughout the week I wrote words in my personal journal that described our experiences. A few of these are listed below.

CHILDREN

Parents were traveling with their children, from newborns to teens. We encountered them in shelters, refugee stories and in our day to day visits around El Paso. The common denominator in all cases was the very evident love between parent and child. Safety, security and a chance for a bright future was their hope.

TECHNOLOGY

Most, if not all, travelers were well versed in technology and connected with their cell. Google Translate, financial apps and phone communication were essential tools along the journey. Many used social media as a travel guide, however misinformation created many problems for them.

GRACE, COMPASSION AND DIGNITY

This was expressed by many of the people we interacted with through the week. Pastors, priests, federal judges, public defenders, immigration lawyers, health professionals, advocates, Border Patrol agents, victims of violence, those feeding the hungry and the refugees themselves all exhibited these traits.

SOLUTIONS ARE COMPLICATED

The solutions are mind bending. Lots of little things help every day from hugs and smiles to opening a door for a stranger. The big solutions are mind bending, affected by politics, security, economics and basic human needs. When we asked what one thing would improve the immigration issue we were repeatedly told that a worker visa program could be a great first step.

PERSEVERANCE

The obstacles to those desiring entry into the US were many. Abusive human traffickers, weather, government interference, difficult terrain, the very real possibility of rape, hunger, illness and financial constraints were just a few of these obstacles. Despite all this, their determination and resourcefulness kept them going.

Bob Larson

OUR LEADERS

                  Pastora Rose Mary                                              Pastor Juan

                                   

Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey (ELCA), El Paso, TX