Behind all the hardships in a border city

Since I've done a dandy job at updating this thing (jokes), AND we actually have a day of rest and nowhere to be but 3 ft away from the AC/fans, I thought I would write another little post. It is a thought that has often come to mind during my time on this trip. Throughout the first week we had the privilege of touring multiple organizations, shelters, and nonprofits that cater to various immigration needs. One of these places struck me more than any other tour, A-House. Annunciation House is located in El Paso, and is one of various shelters that seek to provide a place for the immigration population. This is their mission statement:

"In a Gospel spirit of service and solidarity, we accompany the migrant, homeless, and economically vulnerable peoples of the border region through hospitality, advocacy, and education. We place ourselves among these poor so as to live our faith and transform our understanding of what constitutes more just relationships between peoples, countries, and economies."

It was a very eye-opening building and the volunteers and staff who work there are such kind people. These people live, work, eat, and wear the same clothes (from charity) that their clients at A-House. The woman who gave us a tour showed us where their food and clothing donations are stored, where the residents sleep and eat, and the chapel. I was definitely overcome by a HUGE sense admiration at these people. They do not really have a separation of work and home, and have heard shocking stories from clients that most could never imagine, but they still have a smile on their faces, love in their hearts, and the great need of service and making sure others' lives are in the right direction. People who stay at A-House are able to stay for as long as they need to, as long as they are working on getting their life on track. That to me was also huge because it seems that most places like A-House have a certain limit on their time of residency.

While this tour has been one that stands out as a great thing, it was also tough to see and experience. I saw many children, families, and infants running around. For some reason I have a really tough time seeing kids in tough circumstances. I asked myself a couple times throughout the tour, "What about those children who are living at A-House by themselves and unaccompanied by a family member?"  I left the tour feeling educated, drained, depressed, but also with faith inside. In regards to the kids, I had to remember to remind myself that their lives are better because they have a roof on their head, food to eat, and people around them who are potentially going through the same struggles. Behind all of the hardships that come in a border city, there is still so much good here, especially in the people. This gives me confidence and great faith that there is good and compassion behind all unfortunate circumstances everywhere. I really hope that after my time in Texas that I will always be an advocate for families struggling through border issues, especially kids. Humanity is a beautiful thing, and so is El Paso.