Hey everyone,
On Friday, the team split up again to either Tierra madre or the convent again. I went to Tierra madre and we nailed chicken wire like we did on Tuesday, but we also helped caulk the outside of the building too. When we got back a few of us went to Albertson's grocery store again this time to buy food for the guests at Annunciation House. We had such a great time with them on Sunday and we felt that we got so much and gave so little, we asked them what groceries they needed and delivered them Friday afternoon.
Saturday morning we left at 6:30am to go on a hike in Franklin Mountains. The view there was absolutely beautiful, and it was a really nice way to cap off the week. Our flight departed at 2:30pm and we got back on time 10:15 EST.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
We worked with Rio Bosque Park, once a wetland but not so wet anymore. The park only gets water during certain months in a year from the neighboring wastewater plant. The Rio Grand would usually dump into this park but because of chanellization the river has been diverted to the other side of the border. John Sproul, the supervisor of the park, told us that because of the physical barrier at the border some animals have trouble going back and forth. So when the Rio Bosque Park dries up beavers can't make it over to the river in Mexico because of the wall. It was interesting to find out that the "wall" doesn't just effect humans.
We also helped John remove the invasive plant called salt cedar, which was taking over the native goodding willow and cottonwood trees. It was tough work in the heat, but seeing how appreciative John was made it worth the while.
We also helped John remove the invasive plant called salt cedar, which was taking over the native goodding willow and cottonwood trees. It was tough work in the heat, but seeing how appreciative John was made it worth the while.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Wednesday 18th
Today we had a break from the manual labor, but it was still a long day of visiting organizations, talking to our hosts, and ofcourse eating. First, we visited the National Border Patrol, a privately funded exhibit on the history of the Border Patrol. There we heard a presentation from Agent Joe Romero and had a chance to ask questions and discuss issues realting to law enforcement along the border. Although, I didn't agree with everything he said, I think it was an invaluable experience for us to hear and think about a viewpoint we won't get from the other groups we'll be visiting this week.
After that we visited La Mujera Obrera (The Worker Woman) an organization of women trying to build up a community made destitute by the loss of the garment factories. The women had formed a horizontal corporation that provided the women in their community an opportunitty to work, take classes, and better both thier own lives and the condition of the community around them. What blew me away was the energy and the initiative behind these women. The woman who spoke to us and showed us around talked at a mile a minute about all the things that their organization does and all the things they have planned. I was really just blown away by how emphatic these women were in taking control of thier lives and shaping them into what they envisioned. We also had a chance to eat at their restaurant and it was incredible.
The last group we visited was the Nonprofit Enterprise Center, which works with the nonprofit groups in El Paso. They presented us with a lot of information about El Paso the city. Then we went to executive director, Frank's house for a cook-out. It was nice to just chill and talk with some nonprofit workers in an informal setting. Today was a long day, but the inspiration at La Mujera Obrera and the issues raised by visiting with the Border Patrol made for a very fullfilling and thought provoking day.
After that we visited La Mujera Obrera (The Worker Woman) an organization of women trying to build up a community made destitute by the loss of the garment factories. The women had formed a horizontal corporation that provided the women in their community an opportunitty to work, take classes, and better both thier own lives and the condition of the community around them. What blew me away was the energy and the initiative behind these women. The woman who spoke to us and showed us around talked at a mile a minute about all the things that their organization does and all the things they have planned. I was really just blown away by how emphatic these women were in taking control of thier lives and shaping them into what they envisioned. We also had a chance to eat at their restaurant and it was incredible.
The last group we visited was the Nonprofit Enterprise Center, which works with the nonprofit groups in El Paso. They presented us with a lot of information about El Paso the city. Then we went to executive director, Frank's house for a cook-out. It was nice to just chill and talk with some nonprofit workers in an informal setting. Today was a long day, but the inspiration at La Mujera Obrera and the issues raised by visiting with the Border Patrol made for a very fullfilling and thought provoking day.
Monday, March 16, 2009
amalgam of thoughts
Hello! Beunos Tardes! Marcy here...
I'm here to talk about some of my experience here. Not sure what's going to spew out yet. I assure you it will be some collection of words and not my lunch though.
A quick summary of time:
We left on Saturday for El Paso. The plane ride was long. Airports really gouge you on the food. The McDonalds was charging an extra dollar to have sauce. wtf?? It took us the entire day to make it to our final destination of the hostel. I had no idea that America had hostles. I'm very pleased to learn this and hope to take advantage of this new knowledge in future traveling.
The hostel is rather nice. They provide sheets, a blanket, bed and a towel. The towel is of little use to me as I'm well versed in the Hitchhiker's Guide and naturally didn't leave home without my own. There's not much of a view but I can't complain on that point. At night we can hear the music of a nearby club. I'd much prefer to go there, but enjoying the music as I drift to sleep is fine too. I've got the top bunk, on the 2nd floor sharing a room with mi amiga Robin. She's graciously lending me her laptop. We rocked out to Missy Elliott's "work it" the first morning here. For those of you who knew me prior, "yes, I still have that song in my head". (It's your fremme neppa venette)
The first day visited "the Annunciation house". It's a place for non-documented people who have no where else to go that helps them get on their feet. Human rights is their main concern, not US immigration laws. Ruben Garcia spoke to us about border issues; he's a powerful and passionate speaker. He also believes that drugs should be decriminalized. I must inform UTEP SSDP about him...
We met some 'non-documented' persons who shared their hardships with us. One man left for America with a group of about 30 people. Only about half of them made it while the rest perished on the journey. (And you thought that s*** only happened on the Oregon Trail!) Sadly, those woeful pioneer stories we hear about moving out to the old frontier land seem similar to what some people still go through trying to get into our country... minus the covered wagons. These people often just make it over with the clothes on their backs. One boy, only 17, left his family behind to try to support his family. Another man with the same goal in mind had actually studied to become an engineer but it was more profitable to become a migrant worker.
You thought your dorm room sucked? You should see how these people have to live. Take a room, cram it full of bunk beds and you have life for the people fortunate enough to have found a safe shelter. And they're HAPPY. They're greatful to have a place to sleep, and clothes on their backs and still they have so many hardships ahead of them.
Today at AVANCE, a non-profit helping Latino families and victims of domestic violence, I learned more about this unrest. In Mexico, the typical worker makes 500 pesos a week, about $30. School is expensive on those wages, because school isn't free. For a family per year, it costs about 500 pesos to send children to Kindergarden, 400 pesos for Elementary, and 600 pesos for Middle School. High School is even worse with it costing 3,000 pesos per year for the child. Can you think of all the times you complained about school? What if you didn't have it? I'm so glad that at least the USA provides education for it's children, even though it can be improved significantly.
I have more to learn but there are some horribly shady things going on in the government there. There's more corruption there than here! The people are in charge are abusing their powers, neglecting and hurting it's people, and it's from the top all the way to the bottom.
It's becoming increasingly evident to me what a state of unrest Mexico is in.
This post is becoming tediously long. I will part with the following thoughts. In 1980, the wealthiest 1% of the country had about 6% of the wealth. Today, the same 1% has 25%. Something is wrong. It's not that they're working harder, it's that they're making the laws that say they get more. They're greedy and it's hurting EVERYONE. The way Mexico is now is the way our country could be if the wealth is not redistributed and the corrupt animals (*cough AIG cough* etc) are allowed to continue their practices. So far, I'm optimistic about the new administration and the idea that we won't be hopping the fence to Canada anytime soon.
Let's hope it doesn't come to that, I don't like the cold and I don't care much for maple syrup...
(But seriously y'all. Mexico's govt is in bad shape. I don't know what we can do to help them... I hope things improve soon. There's a reason people want to come here. If I were in their position, I would too. We should learn from them, and not make the same mistakes.)
More again this week....
-Marcy 'X' Groman
I'm here to talk about some of my experience here. Not sure what's going to spew out yet. I assure you it will be some collection of words and not my lunch though.
A quick summary of time:
We left on Saturday for El Paso. The plane ride was long. Airports really gouge you on the food. The McDonalds was charging an extra dollar to have sauce. wtf?? It took us the entire day to make it to our final destination of the hostel. I had no idea that America had hostles. I'm very pleased to learn this and hope to take advantage of this new knowledge in future traveling.
The hostel is rather nice. They provide sheets, a blanket, bed and a towel. The towel is of little use to me as I'm well versed in the Hitchhiker's Guide and naturally didn't leave home without my own. There's not much of a view but I can't complain on that point. At night we can hear the music of a nearby club. I'd much prefer to go there, but enjoying the music as I drift to sleep is fine too. I've got the top bunk, on the 2nd floor sharing a room with mi amiga Robin. She's graciously lending me her laptop. We rocked out to Missy Elliott's "work it" the first morning here. For those of you who knew me prior, "yes, I still have that song in my head". (It's your fremme neppa venette)
The first day visited "the Annunciation house". It's a place for non-documented people who have no where else to go that helps them get on their feet. Human rights is their main concern, not US immigration laws. Ruben Garcia spoke to us about border issues; he's a powerful and passionate speaker. He also believes that drugs should be decriminalized. I must inform UTEP SSDP about him...
We met some 'non-documented' persons who shared their hardships with us. One man left for America with a group of about 30 people. Only about half of them made it while the rest perished on the journey. (And you thought that s*** only happened on the Oregon Trail!) Sadly, those woeful pioneer stories we hear about moving out to the old frontier land seem similar to what some people still go through trying to get into our country... minus the covered wagons. These people often just make it over with the clothes on their backs. One boy, only 17, left his family behind to try to support his family. Another man with the same goal in mind had actually studied to become an engineer but it was more profitable to become a migrant worker.
You thought your dorm room sucked? You should see how these people have to live. Take a room, cram it full of bunk beds and you have life for the people fortunate enough to have found a safe shelter. And they're HAPPY. They're greatful to have a place to sleep, and clothes on their backs and still they have so many hardships ahead of them.
Today at AVANCE, a non-profit helping Latino families and victims of domestic violence, I learned more about this unrest. In Mexico, the typical worker makes 500 pesos a week, about $30. School is expensive on those wages, because school isn't free. For a family per year, it costs about 500 pesos to send children to Kindergarden, 400 pesos for Elementary, and 600 pesos for Middle School. High School is even worse with it costing 3,000 pesos per year for the child. Can you think of all the times you complained about school? What if you didn't have it? I'm so glad that at least the USA provides education for it's children, even though it can be improved significantly.
I have more to learn but there are some horribly shady things going on in the government there. There's more corruption there than here! The people are in charge are abusing their powers, neglecting and hurting it's people, and it's from the top all the way to the bottom.
It's becoming increasingly evident to me what a state of unrest Mexico is in.
This post is becoming tediously long. I will part with the following thoughts. In 1980, the wealthiest 1% of the country had about 6% of the wealth. Today, the same 1% has 25%. Something is wrong. It's not that they're working harder, it's that they're making the laws that say they get more. They're greedy and it's hurting EVERYONE. The way Mexico is now is the way our country could be if the wealth is not redistributed and the corrupt animals (*cough AIG cough* etc) are allowed to continue their practices. So far, I'm optimistic about the new administration and the idea that we won't be hopping the fence to Canada anytime soon.
Let's hope it doesn't come to that, I don't like the cold and I don't care much for maple syrup...
(But seriously y'all. Mexico's govt is in bad shape. I don't know what we can do to help them... I hope things improve soon. There's a reason people want to come here. If I were in their position, I would too. We should learn from them, and not make the same mistakes.)
More again this week....
-Marcy 'X' Groman
Day 2...Avance
Today was truly a great day. First we went to Avance. Here we learned a little about the organization and we met Sanjay Mathur. He was really nice and took the time to get to know each other. Avance is an organization that helps "young families break the cycle of poverty". They have programs and classes that aid in adult literacy, healthy marriages, parenting, and much more. Soon after we headed to Housing Authority of El Paso. Avance prepared a Literacy Showcase. Let me tell you, it was super nice! It was great seeing all the students (actual parents) presenting different topics such as nutrition, healthcare, mental health, domestic violence, and food allergies. The parents made a big effort preparing the power points. Our group also presented on our culture and life at UMD. I liked the idea of also sharing a piece of us with them. There were many women that took the time to tell us their life stories. I felt very happy that although they have been through a lot they pursued getting their GED and better jobs. I had a great time today and I do not regret coming on this trip. Ok got to run! its dinner time and I am starving :)
Ps. I am loving all my team members!
-Ingrid
Ps. I am loving all my team members!
-Ingrid
Sunday, March 15, 2009
We went to a local park and played soccer with all the kids and it was a blast! Some of us know how to speak Spanish while others of us do not, but there was no language barrier. We all bonded and were constantly laughing and joking around, even if we didn't understand one another. At half time we ended up getting ice cream, but before long we were out playing again. Who knows what the score was by the time we ended..two and a half hours later.
After that we ended up eating with everyone back and the Annunciation House. Once we were done eating, one of the boys suggested musical chairs, which was practically as much fun as the soccer game. It was great because this house, where many of the people are going through stress and tough times, had a happy family atmosphere. They enjoy each others company and were so gracious.
Danielle and Supriya
After that we ended up eating with everyone back and the Annunciation House. Once we were done eating, one of the boys suggested musical chairs, which was practically as much fun as the soccer game. It was great because this house, where many of the people are going through stress and tough times, had a happy family atmosphere. They enjoy each others company and were so gracious.
Danielle and Supriya
Hey everyone,
We had our first day in El Paso. A few of us woke up bright and early to go to 7am Mass at St. Patrick's church, which was a just a 10 minute walk away. The sermon was very good and engaging, and after we walked outside, there was a group dancing with drums celebrating St. Patrick.
We spent our day from 9am-7pm with Annunciation house. An organization that houses undocumented immigrants. We began the day with one of the directors, Ruben Garcia and then we heard the personal story of Addidas of why she crossed the border. Story continued...
Kevin
We had our first day in El Paso. A few of us woke up bright and early to go to 7am Mass at St. Patrick's church, which was a just a 10 minute walk away. The sermon was very good and engaging, and after we walked outside, there was a group dancing with drums celebrating St. Patrick.
We spent our day from 9am-7pm with Annunciation house. An organization that houses undocumented immigrants. We began the day with one of the directors, Ruben Garcia and then we heard the personal story of Addidas of why she crossed the border. Story continued...
Kevin
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