I've been living in El Paso for almost 1 month now, and so far it has been the most unforgettable journey of my life. I've been blessed with meeting truly outstanding friends, and the experiences we've been through together have made us even stronger friends. The kids who I work with put a smile on my face, love in my heart, and admiration for them all. The experiences (good and challenging) have made us all grow in ways that have never been presented to us before. The people we've met along this journey have left the deepest impression in my heart. And the simplistic lifestyle is one that I am always going to nurture and keep. All you need is love, compassion, and purpose inside of you; the clothes on your back; your feet and intuition for transportation; and beautiful people who keep your soul alive.
I am not going to write down every event or experience that has happened since I last wrote in this, but to continue off of the title of this blog, I have had way more moments that have left a sense of peace in me. These moments force me to stop and actually realize that I am making a difference over the summer, and that the people who I've met along the way have changed me in more ways than I can offer gratitude. Erika, your spritely, optimistic, "we can do it!," and smiley personality just lifts my spirit automatically! You are such a kind soul, and have a gentle heart, whether you realize it or not ;) I really hope to someday be more like you in ways of always looking at the good, even during the darkest days. Erin, gurl, you are such a hoot and bring so much peace with you. When you walk into the room you can just feel the atmosphere become more centered and peaceful. Your thoughtfulness to articulate what you want/need to say, peaceful state of mind, and ability to be serious and too silly for your own good should be something that everyone strives to obtain. You have the ability to make everyone laugh and feel like nothing can go wrong. (P.S. SAIL!) I know that I can always count on you for a good laugh and a chance for adventure! (because we're always getting lost together, haha!) Lilly, I admire you so much! Your need in searching for how the world works and communicates is just fabulous and beautiful. Searching for something is a sign of a true learner and colorful imagination. Your sense of humor is so enlightening and brings so much carefreeness to our lives. Plus, you could care less how others react to what your beliefs and morals are, which is so bold and fearless. Honestly, most people are still striving to be on your level of self-affirmation. I really hope to be like you in the way of always doing what is right for me and giving zero fudges of what others may think. Also, keep singing! Your voice is so BEAUTIFUL! Justin, I just love you and look up to you so much. You are truly one of a kind. You are super-human in that you can do EVERYTHING that's handed to you, and you have the ability to touch so many people's lives with your optimism and positive energy. You put others' needs and wants before your own, and are constantly trying to figure out how you can make someone's day better. You are silly, 7 years old at heart, sometimes a noob, and have really taught me that love can be transfered through hugs and positive energy. Thank you for always putting a smile on my face and my heart! You all have really made a big difference in my life, and I'm going to miss you more than words can say when our time is over here.
The experiences and moments that have been presented will also always stand out as something special. There have been many experiences that have challenged me in ways that have not been tested in the past. It's interesting, because occasionally I catch myself thinking, "I can't believe I'm in El Paso." If you were to ask any of my roommates, we would instantly say, "It's so different than the Midwest, but it's a good kind of different." The culture probably has a major part on the differences that are noticed. The border culture is unlike any other, and is overall an extremely relational one. People are much more family-oriented, and also have a very strong respect for the older generations. People down here are also more touchy in that you greet people with a hug and kiss on the cheek. I fee like that is something that is not commonly seen in the Midwest? Or maybe in just parts of the Midwest that I've lived. I am still in the process of learning Spanish, so we shall see how that resolves in the end. Fingers crossed that I will be able to actually understand more than 2 or 3 words mentioned in a conversation.
One of my most favorite memories from our time down in El Paso has been setting up a basketball hoop, eating tamales, and hearing immigration stories from a family who lives in the colonias. I mentioned what colonias were in a previous post. However, just to reiterate, colonias are settlements along that U.S.-Mexico border that originated as squatting-type grounds. The population of them grew pretty quickly during the 1980's when documented and undocumented immigrants settled in them. There is much poverty that inhabits the colonias, but also really profound beauty that I have not seen anywhere else. We visited a family made up of a mother who makes tamales for a living, 2 daughters, and 1 son. The father is absent and currently in jail. I am not going to write about this experience in much detail, because a lot of emotions were felt that cannot be explained into words. However, I will say that it was probably the most rewarding afternoon I have experienced. There are no words that can be used to describe the look of a child's face when they receive their first basketball hoop. It was even better that it was a group effort in making this family's day. Mostly the men of the group helped assemble the basketball hoop, and the women talked with the family and kids during this time. I had a terrific conversation with the oldest daughter who is in middle school. Middle school is already a pretty screwy time in a person's life to begin with, but having a lot of family decisions relying on your shoulder as a teenager would make it much more straining. When we were about to leave, the oldest daughter gave Erin one of her bracelets that she was wearing. Erin asked the girl if she was sure that she wanted to give it to her, and she said yes with a huge smile on her face. Erin then took off her cross necklace that she has worn everyday, and put it on the girl. It was a beautiful moment, and the girl looked so happy. I am really glad that I was there for that moment, and also got a picture of it taking place. When we were driving back to Cristo Rey from the colonias, I couldn't help but stare out the window and smile. It was such a rewarding, memorable, and wonderful afternoon. It made me think to myself "I feel like I'm living in a dream. This afternoon was too beautiful."
This evening, we are taking a road trip to White Sands National Monument. It is in Alamogordo, New Mexico, which is about 1.5 hrs from El Paso, according to Justin. We are going with the border immersion group that is here from Colorado. We will be heading out at 4:30 p.m. our time, and getting back at around 10:00 p.m. It is a full moon, so we are all very excited to see this view and experience White Sands together! We've heard a lot of talk about this place and can't believe this trip is already here! It feels like it was a long time ago when we were talking about going there. This month has just flown by tremendously fast. It really needs to slow down! Overall, trips and experiences like White Sands have been so memorable, especially with our group.
So Happy (almost) One Month, interns! It's been an amazing time. So excited to see how the rest of our time together unfolds!
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