Dan:
I had a very interesting experience last night. There were a couple of us sitting at one of the dining room tables at around 9 PM, when Padre Luis (the priest who heads the Casa del Migrante) walked in and said that he was about to drive to the border and see if there were any migrants recently deported to pick up. However, if any of us were to go, we had to leave right then, so Oksana and I volunteered to go with Padre. He drove us to the Mexican governmental facilities at the border. There was no one there when we got there, so Padre showed us what the Casa does there. They have a refrigerator there full of bread, mayonnaise and bologna for sandwiches, because quite often deportees have not eaten for 24 hours or more. They also have water and coffee available, and Ritz crackers and various other snack foods. People can be deported any time day or night, and the average is about 500 a day at Tijuana. In fact, Padre said that around 280 had been deported since 2 PM. He took us out to see the exact point where deportations take place. The place looks like an open-air pen or a holding cell. There is trash strewn around the dirt floor and the faint smell of urine. The cell's door is literally right on the border. We couldn't stay there long because the Mexican officials don't like people standing there, so we went back inside. As soon as we stepped inside, Padre Luis was called back because the American officials had just brought in people to be deported. We followed him back out to the cell and watched as the American border officials spoke briefly to the Mexican ones, and then they began to let the people out over the border. There were about 25 of them, all men except one. The first thing that happened was an interview of each migrant with the Mexican officials to determine if the person is a Mexican citizen, if not, they are sent back. Then Padre invited them over for a sandwich and a coffee. Padre made the sandwiches while I handed out the coffee and Oksana followed with cream and sugar. The people all looked exhausted. In conversation, we found out that this particular group had been caught crossing the border the previous evening. They had been walking for about 12 hours in freezing weather in the mountains east of Tijuana/San Diego, and then spent another 12 hours in custody. Padre handed each migrant a flyer explaining the purpose of the Casa del Migrante. Most had contacts in Tijuana that they were going to go with, but several chose to come to the Casa, so we all got in the van and returned. Very few times have I had the opportunity to serve the poor as directly as Oksana and I did when we were serving the coffee. This is one of those experiences that I will never forget, and I will be praying and reflecting with it for a long time.

Quintella- My experience with this trip has been very exciting. I have learned a significant amount of knowledge about the Mexican people and the lives that they expereience daily. I also have learned to not take the things that I have for granted because there is always someone else who is going through a worse situation. I love being here and will be very excited to come next year. Thank you:)

Dave- it's wednesday. we've been here for 4 days now. i love quintella. and shawntay. they are great. i only said that because they were right behind me at the moment. seriously though, the trip is going great. we spent sunday just hanging around the house, went grocery shopping, played some cards and got to know each other. Monday and tuesday we spent roaming around the city, went to the museum, visited a boys orphanage and got schooled once again in soccer. Today we drywalled and heard Patti's amazing story on how she started the daycare/hair salon/bakery - amazing woman. Everyone has been spending time with the migrants at dinner and we've learned a great deal about what these people go through in an attempt to better their lives. The group is great, we have some characters. we're all enjoying this experience together. i'm looking forward to the next few days. we will be sure to update. take care.

Shawntay- Oh my Goodness...I am learning so much and experiencing so much. Today we went to build or help build a family house. It was wonderful. It felt as if I was making a difference or change in someone's life, it was beautiful. I had tears in my eyes. And I am still emotional about it. I am enjoying this mission. I feel that we are truly on a mission for God. And when we leave here, we will remember the people, their stories, and lives. Besides the rooster that I am on a mission to kill..I am having a blast!! I am enjoying the people that I am here with. Dave is sooooo cooL!!! He knows how to do cool voices and makes me laugh so hard that I have to go to the bathroom. Aaron is crazy as well. He talks about people in a good but funny way.LOL. Erik is Old.LOLOLOL...he's the best though. The girls is my Girls!!!! Dan is the man!!!!Oh yeah...(smile) I'm having a blast and a life changing experience. Signing off...Shawntay!!

Aaron- oh my gosh!!! ;) this is soooo amazingly awesome, yeah like totally not even kidding. Today, we went and did some drywall work. We did the ceilings (the hardest part) and just have to finish the walls. Big 2two's have become a staple card game in our entertainment. The Canadians are, as usual, very friendly and cool to hang around. OH and Dave and I have them thinking that we are telepathic because of this clever card trick. We have met Andrès, our guide for the past few days. He's cool, but he's no Hector... Oh speaking of Hector, he made me feel stupid because I couldn't repeat the same 3 phrases in Italian like he could, but oh well. I'm looking forward to seeing the Avenue de Révolucion on friday and all the nigthlife it has to offer. Seacrest out...of cereal...going to store now...

Hola de la grupa de Wayne State en Tijuana!!!

Ohh Boy here goes. This is Erik and Dan and the rest of the students from the March 11th trip. So far we have seen much of the Casa Del Migrante and a little bit of the rest of Tijuana. The first day went rather slow but was good because we were able to get to know each other quite well. See we live in close quarters and I, Erik, snore rather loudly- as Dan says like a dying mammoth. Well anyways we have been having a great time so far and have learned a lot about immigrants and there ever increasing struggles. Many of the immigrants have been able to speak english and have told us much of their lives. Their lives were very much like ours when living in the states and then for one reason or another all of the sudden they had everything taken away. Some of them have been deported and they did not even know how to speak Spanish. We are all grateful for your support and hope that you will continue to pray for us.
God Bless,
Erik, Dan, and all of the Students

A New Perspective...

Well, after 8 days of isolation from the e-world, this is Rakhi finally checking in. As you've read in the posts before, the trip started out with far more chaos than we could ever imagine. Yet, chaos or not, you could not dampen the spirit of all the students traveling to Tijuana to serve. 36 hours, four airlines and a few missed flights later, 9 of us arrived in San Diego and made our way across the border to meet the rest of our team.

(a very posed picture - they were laughing 2 seconds before)

I would use the word "group", but what that 36 hour travel ordeal really did was form this group of virtual strangers into a cohesive team and forged a bond that extended easily to the others who were in Tijuana living the life in their posh hotel. (just kidding - i'm sure it wasn't too luxurious!) Helping lead a trip like this is always an interesting experience - you never know what to expect or what the students involved will take from it. Bear with me as I try to explain a few of the moments that transformed us all...

Day 2: Lost Luggage and Border Crossing

Crossing the border into Mexico, we could already tell the vast difference in attitude and condition of life. Walking across the bridge into Tijuana, we met no officials, no area to present documentation, just a sign at the border and a metal revolving gate beyond which several men stood waiting by a bus to take them to shelters, having been deported earlier that evening. Beyond that we were led into a slew of taxi drivers all willing to take us wherever our hearts desired. This was a sharp contrast to what we would experience later.

Day 3: The Tour & Arrival of Luggage

After a night's sleep in la casa frio (a very cold casa - there is no heat!), we began our tour of the border. If you think there is a fence that separates us, you are partially correct. The whole truth is that there are three visible fences. One in Tijuana, and two more beyond that. There is a saying on the fence that goes something like "you have closed the gate to the city, but opened the gate to the desert." In effect, those trying to cross are now forced into other areas which expose them to the elements of the desert crossing and the mountains. The fence in Tijuana is lined with crosses and "decorative" coffins reminding us all how many have lost their lives in search of a better life. It's easy to think, well, they shouldn't try to come here illegally. The fact is, though, that the risk is too often worth it when they cannot find work or feed their families. At that point, most of them will risk their lives trying to provide. They are not trying to steal our jobs - most of the jobs they do, we would turn up our noses at. They are trying simply to live.

Unfortunately, when a few of us went back across the border into San Diego to claim our luggage, we saw the pervasive cynicism present in the border patrol. As we approached the border, there were signs that assured us that the US personnel were there to treat us in a welcoming fashion, to be polite and courteous. What we encountered instead, was a man, who upon learning that we were working out of the Casa del Migrante, asked if ours were the ones they kept throwing out and if we were working for the competition. I thought it wiser not to debate the point at that time. Another day though.... :)

Day 4: The Orphanage

How could you look into the eyes of these children and not want to take them all home?? That was the sentiment of most of the girls anyway, and maybe even Steve and Ross. To Steve's credit, he did not frighten allthe girls, just a couple. ;) As we arrived, we were met by the children with such enthusiasm, it seemed clear to me that they did not understand their own situation. Sadly, we learned that only about 5% will ever be adopted. Most will spend their entire childhood in the different orphanages. Many of the girls ate up the attention, laughing, playing, roughhousing with the boys, taking their own pictures..."una mas! una mas!"

One little girl was not quite as enthusiastic. In fact, she began crying when we tried to play with her. I must confess she's the one that captured my heart and I may have tried to...bring her back...(steal is such a harsh word, Becky!). It was amazing to see the difference in her by the end of the day. Just a little individual attention, and she, though still shy, was smiling and laughing. Though, Bianca is right and Steve did still scare her, I managed to get a blown kiss goodbye. Sorry Steve! ;)

Days 5&6: Working on the houses...

The neighborhood we worked in the next two days is nothing short of a shanty-town. Houses are built on top of a landfill out of scrap woods and metals. Many of the people in the area work in the landfill, either hauling trash or rummaging through it for cartons, metal scraps and/or aluminum that they can sell. That is how they make their living.

The woman in charge of our project, Paty, used to work in the landfill. Now, she and other women in the neighborhood have empowered themselves and created a community center with a daycare, kitchen and hair "salon". All this because one day someone came by and told them they were worth more than garbage and could dream bigger dreams. Unfortunately, many of the girls still cannot go to school because they lack the time or money. Donations from abroad help keep the center running, and keep many of the girls in school.
<-- Paty is in the apron

<--Berenice...it is her mother in law's house we are working on.

The students worked hard and had a blast, and within two days we had dry-walled and plastered two rooms. (Mr. Rossi - we tried to keep Bianca away from power tools - I promise! We might have gotten into the plaster though.)

Day 7: Another quick tour & back to the US of A

After seeing such desperate poverty, Friday morning we set out on a driving tour of the wealthy side of Tijuana. Multi-level, multi-million dollar, bulletproof houses built on hills and with ocean views. Private garages, gated yards, probably within a 20 minute drive of where we had worked before. Now, I don't have the spirit of voluntary poverty by any means, but to see such disparity between those who build their homes out of scraps and use a cement platform for a bathroom, and those who gate themselves off in their comfort and wealth is nothing short of sickening. Sure, the houses were beautiful, but at what cost? Unfortunately, the driver was going too fast for me to get good pictures of the area...

Later that afternoon, we packed up and headed back across the border by foot. The line to get in grew beyond where we could see, so when someone said there was a bus we could hop on for $5/person, we followed. Well, things that are too good to be true, often are indeed, too good to be true. It's illegal to enter that way. What they do is sell seats on tour buses with vacancy, but with a group as large as ours, we were easily noticed. One or two people at a time, and they turn a blind eye... So back in line we went. I was surprised at how quickly it went, and again, everyone was in great spirits and drank in the experience (and a few lattes and smoothies we found along the way!) An hour later, we were back in the US and never happier to be somewhere we knew our way around and could communicate without issue. What an insight to the experience of thousands of immigrants in our own community...

Day 8: A Little Travel Mix-Up and then Home Sweet Home!

Off to the airport first thing after staying in San Diego, and we are checked in to come home! Well, that is except the two Jills. Apparently, the second leg of their trip was cancelled and they had no flight from Dallas to Detroit. After a phone call, a manager, and about 20 Hail Marys, we found out that Delta had cancelled them off the flight in the chaos of our earlier situation. American quickly put them back on and we were on our way! Megan and I decided we were suffering from airline related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder when the gate agent laughed at our incessant questions making sure we all had seats on each flight. We did, and our flights even came in early! Thank you for all your prayers!!

Final Thoughts...

Thanks for bearing with me - I wanted to try to do justice to what we all experienced in our short time in Tijuana. I'm sure I have left things out. Even as lengthy as this was, it does not begin to scratch the surface of what is going on. One evening, Padre Luis came to talk to us about his own life and the people who come to the Casa. (And yes, Amanda, I might have been nodding off from time to time, but I still heard everything!) The story that struck me most was the mother who was stopped on a minor traffic violation after dropping her kids off at school, and upon the discovery of her illegal status, was immediately deported. No grace period, no chance to notify her children, just "get out." I could not imagine the horror and fear in those children's hearts when their mother did not come to pick them up that day. "These people" are not numbers, they are not "illegals" whatever their immigration status, they are whole people with lives beyond their lack of papers. True justice requires that we begin to see the dignity of the whole person when addressing the issue of immigration, legal or not. True justice demands that we look at the root cause - no one wants to leave their family and their homeland. There is a poverty that we cannot fathom without living it - what are we doing about that? We are a nation of immigrants who came looking for better lives, my own parents included. Just because they happened to have the means to get here legally makes them no more worthy of a better life than some of these kind, compassionate, hard-working people we met in our days in Tijuana. This is not an issue without a face. This is an issue of dignity, of justice, and of life. We cannot fool ourselves into thinking it is about borders - it is about survival and justice. It is about the "least of these." It is about loving our neighbors.

Post Script
As wonderful a time as we had, none of this would be possible without generous donations. Though our travel woes did not make a dent in our spirit, it did make a considerable dent in our budget. If you feel moved to make a post-trip contribution, please mail it to:

Office of Young Adult & Campus Ministry
305 Michigan Ave.
Detroit, MI 48226

Checks can be made to the "Archdiocese of Detroit" with "student service outreach" in the memo portion. Thank you for your support of our mission!

Hero of the Little Mexican Girls

My name is steven, and contrary to Bianca's lies, the little girls thought I was quite funny. At the orphanage, we pushed each other around in little kid chairs...best time ever. Today at our service destination of a small, Mexican community, while Bianca was making unnecessary holes with the drill, we successfully drywalled [partially] two houses, which will be finished tomorrow. Our Mexican friend Salvador, a wonderful human being who introduced us to his family and took us to a Catholic Mass (yes, in Spanish). He has shown tremendous amounts of kindness that is overflowing from us in our work. It's been a pleasure to be part of this group on this trip. Adios.

My first day with Power Tools

Hola me llamo Bianca!! Today we had our first amazing day of Dry-walling, I have to say it was an experience, and i got to use power tools!! It really made me realize how lucky we are to live where and how we do, our horrible travel experience is nothing compared to how some people in mexico have to live. I am just thankful we have the opportunity to help at least a few people, although it may not change things for the country it makes a difference for a few families. We also got the opportunity to vist an orphanage, and I came very close to kidnapping a little girl Luchita (she is the cutest little girl i have ever seen!). I am pretty sure i'm coming back to adopt her. Oh and Steve did a very good job of scaring all the little girls hahah. Overall this has been a great experience and I can't wait to blog again tomorrow!! Thank you for all your support, you are helping make a difference for many families that need our help.

Dias en Tijuana

Hola amigos! This is Becky reporting live from Tijuana's internet cafe. My experience thus far has been awesome! Though no luggage was a bit of an issue the first night (airport difficulties), I could not ask for a better trip. I think we all fell in love with the beautiful ladies of our orphanage visit, (Rakhi tried to steal one). I also enjoyed hearing from the interesting migrants and smoking them in Texas Hold'em. Just showing them Michigan's mad poker skills :). Today we had a great day of dry walling and even though we only have two boys, the girls all used our massive muscles to get the job done. Anyways I just wanted to thank everyone supporting and contributing to our amazing experience. Hasta luego!

WE LOVE THE MEXICANS!!!

Hola como estas! Thats about the extent of Spanish that i knew before i came, and now i can ask various different questions to the Mexicans. You never really know how people live, until you have an eye opening experience. The wall that blocks the migrants from crossing the border brings tears to the eye. While you may think, there is no reason to allow immigrants to enter, it is only done under dire and drastic circumstances. Many men are trying to provide food for their familes. I was provided with the opportunity to mingle and converse with the migrants we are staying with. I was surprised to find that a grandpa was ever a part of the group. He and his son are going to try to make the journey across, and when you hear their reasoning you begin to understand that life is not so black and white. I was touched by their stories, and it only made me want to do all that i can to help, becuase their struggle is something that i am priviledged to help with. More stories and adventures to come!