Wednesday, June 22, 2016

El Paso 2016--Day 4, June 22




 – On the way to meet Border Patrol Officers- Driving along the border (Photo by Steven)
Good evening everyone,

On our 4th day of being in El Paso, we started off our day by having some of our students cook an amazing breakfast full of fruit, pancakes, and eggs. We then traveled to meet with two agents from Border Patrol. On our travels, we saw a very important monument where you can be in three places at once: Texas, Mexico, and New Mexico. While we were listening, we discovered many new perspectives about patrolling the border. After we met with border patrol, we made our way to a park to debrief the meeting with the officers. We split up into groups of 4, and one with 5. When we all came back together as one group, the group leaders asked one person from each group to share what was talked about. There were three main things that were mentioned. First, it took many of us by surprise that when some of the border patrol officers had an encounter with a family trying to escape their homeland, they would often buy them food, such as pizza or McDonalds. This was a very touching thing to hear especially since many stereotype the officers as being heartless monsters. In reality, they are just doing their job. One of the officers exclaimed, “This job is not for everyone, but sometimes you just have to disengage yourself and leave work at work.” Second, we also learned that most people who are trying to enter the United States illegally are running from war, other violence, and drug cartels. Before the 18ft fence was built, the number of apprehensions in El Paso County was 110,000. After the fence was built, the number was decreased to 14,000 apprehensions as of last year. As these people are fleeing for their lives, they have to deal with hunger, hydration, shelter, not being detained, and also watching out for their own safety. Lastly, the officers mentioned why they chose to become apart of the border patrol. Officer Oscar Cervantes mentioned that he wanted to be a BP officer because he wants to protect American people. “I wanted to serve my country. There was a sexual offender who entered the country illegally, and tried to escape. When he was trying to go back to Mexico, I apprehended him, making that the last time he would be able to do something like that again.”

Looking forward, we enjoyed a fantastic meal at Carlos Bakery. It was the first time we got to eat out and have soda! The burritos were amazing. When we arrived back home at Casa Vides we finally started the community service project–the mural.
The beautiful mural that is painted upon the wall in the dinning room in Casa Vides is dedicated to the Vides family.
The Vides family consisted of six children and a mother and father. The mother and father were both deported back to their home country, and later killed. After they were murdered a man named Ruben Garcia decided to adopt the six children and bring them back to the United States. Ruben, as we know, was also one of the co-founders of the Annunciation house.  The mural consists of the family, but also others who were affected by immigration problems in their countries. Across the mural there are words written that say, “Si me matan, resucitaré en mi pueblo,” (Oscar Romero–the painter). This means if I am killed, I will resurrect within my people. Throughout this mural, there is a wave that is going across three of the four walls, and the pillars, containing the names of the innocent civilians who were murdered in the El Salvadorian violence.  One group was assigned to go over the names that were across the wave, and the other was assigned to go down to the basement and continue the wave through another mural.

The monument where Texas, Mexico, and New Mexico meet.:
















– Meeting with Border Patrol.













-Small group Reflections



























– Whole Group Reflection.















- Eating lunch at Carlos Bakery
















-Service Project Pictures: