In between, (tomorrow!!) two sisters and I will go to the US/Mexico border in El Paso, where 500 people are being released from ICE (Immigration Control and Enforcement) facilities each day. A nonprofit organization called Annunciation House helps these newly landed Americans get on a bus or plane to where their family is, and provides shelter, food, and a change of clothes until their scheduled trip begins. (I'm told that's how they get out of the detention center - their sponsoring family member buys them a ticket and guarantees a place for them to stay).
Because of the recent influx of people crossing the border seeking asylum (following the appropriate US legal processes), Annunciation House asked for volunteers, making a specific request to the religious communities. So, two sisters and I are fortunate enough to have the time and resources to get to El Paso to respond to the call and help out.
For the next two weeks, we will be living in an annex of Annunciation house in a motel (possibly sharing a single room) with an ever-changing population of people who will be passing through, destined for their families in different parts of the US, where they will wait for their court date at their new home.
Not speaking Spanish will certainly be a limitation, but I expect to change a lot of beds, hand out tons of clothes, make a bunch of meals, and as one person explained to me, "you just need to be a loving presence. You can imagine the hard looks they received while in detention. Your expression of love is all the communication you'll need".
Smiling? Now that I can do! Keep us in your prayers and we'll keep you updated on one town in the US of A with a lot of happenings.
Here's the link our community posted about our adventure with some photos:
Yes, a loving presence is the absolute best you can have.
ReplyDeleteA loving , caring passionate presence is a powerful message to bring .
ReplyDeleteDolores