Wow, this city is so much different than Tijuana! I won't go into too many details on here, but you can feel the tension in the air. We have had a total of 6 kids come through, and 3 have reconnected with their families, which is good.
We have the day off today, so the three of us here with the Mano a Mano program walked into town to use the computers and do some shopping. The weather here is nice in the mornings and then rainy in the evenings. I suppose that is just because of the hurricane in the Gulf.
Other than that, things are somewhat boring around the Casa. We tried to occupy some time with a puzzle yesterday, but just got frustrated. We watch a lot of TV and eat, and that's really it. The kids aren't allowed out of the house because of the dangers of the city. Needless to say, they are bored too.
I hope to get to use the computer at least one more day before heading back to Tijuana on Wednesday, so keep an eye out for another post!
Corey,
ReplyDeleteHave been thinking about you... a lot. As I was facing my own frustrations and discontent at times on my trip to the World Alliance, I knew you must also be feeling some challenges. So much of international exposure trips is as much about confronting our own lives as helping others.
It can all be quite overwhelming. My first instict is oftent o say I am ready to chuck it all in... what was I thinking by doing this!?! But if I sit in peace and allow the experience - both in terms of challenges and simple joys wash over me, new insights do come with time.
How to have conversations with children who are facing such literally life altering moments is a tough one. Does the Casa have resources for art or writing or songs? Sometimes those elements can bring release or normalcy or peace.
There often is not much glamor in the type of work you are assisting with - the realities of immigration, border life, etc. are so foreighn to American culture that to be slapped with them must feel like an assault at times. My mind cannot fully get my head around it.
Know that much of this experience may not make sense until months later in terms of its impact on your way of thinking, your gratitude for what you have back home, your relationship with your family and girlfriend, the resources we are blessed with back here...
I thank you for weathering through it with a open heart. Gail