Border Witness Experience

"to connect the reality that people are living with those who do not know or understand it; to assist in understanding the reality of the border through personal contact; to give voice to those who struggle to surmount oppression and assert their dignity; to service as an educational resource..."
- the goals of the ARISE Border Witness Experience

Listening. Learning. Observing.
We spent Monday with Ramona at ARISE, a local non-profit agency helping immigrants to the United States, focusing on programs in Early Childhood education, English language training, and cultural and creative activities. Our primary focus was to learn more about colonias, among the poorest of neighborhoods here along the border, and indeed, among the poorest of communities in the United States.

We had the privilege of sitting in a neighbor's living room and hearing her story of immigration and the difficulty of everyday life in the United States (while only being somewhat distracted by her two very cute kids). We heard the testimony of women who are working with ARISE, and how the experience impacts their lives. We listened to a Sister of Mercy tell of what she learned while serving in an immigrant shelter in Reynosa, Mexico. We were fed exceedingly well, both academically and with tasty Mexican food!

And then we spent time driving through nearby colonias, and witnessing first hand some of the conditions these people experience. We saw tiny, postage stamp sized apartments, that rent for more than seems possible or equitable, and houses constructed from shipping palettes. We heard how in these neighborhoods plagued with gang activity, there are yet no street lights to illuminate the neighborhoods after dark. We saw fire hydrants painted red, to signify that they do not work. We were told of the potential perils of living next to irrigation ditches, and the very real possibility of annual flooding in these low lying areas.

We also heard stories of hope, of community organic gardens being established, of solar water heaters being installed to save money. We saw homes where neighbors gather to learn and share talents and gifts. We witnessed evidence of small businesses growing up, and entrepreneurship alive and well. We saw that crazy mix of culture so unique to this area, of horseback riders talking on cell phones and cornfields next to palm trees and taquerias alongside Subways.

Overall, we left blessed, encouraged and inspired by the experience, while yet sobered by the realities of the communities so geographically close.There are so very many Scripture mandates, requiring us to love our neighbors, to show compassion to the aliens in our land, to fight for justice, to show hospitality to all.  How ARISE serves the community, not doing that which people can do for themselves, developing relationships and knowing people well, meeting in neighborhood homes, patiently growing and developing new roles after 25 years of service,  is a great model for me as we continue to move forward. Thanks to Ramona and all the ladies at ARISE for a great Border Witness Experience.