 |
| "Miss Jennifer, I drew a flower for you" |
 |
| :) |
 |
| One of the girls made this at the summer program. So adorable! |
 |
| This picture makes me proud to say that I work with these people. We are definitely a fun group of goons! |
 |
| View of El paso from Rim Road. Right before we hiked up Star Mountain |
 |
| Wonderful stroll around Chamizal, right next to Juarez |
 |
| Chamizal National Memorial |
2. The U.S.-Mexico border is only a fence, and is referred to as the fence. Never as "the border."
3. The culture down here is overly hospitable and very friendly
4. El Paso feels more like living in Mexico than in the United States
5. Undocumented vs. illegal... Undocumented is the way to go
6. "LLUEEEEEEVVVEE...." (That's more of an inside joke... but it means rain in Spanish :))
7. One word: colonias.
8. There is still so much beauty behind all of the sadness and struggles that exist within the poverty. The shelters, churches, organizations, services, and people who dedicate their lives in helping have really strengthened my faith in humanity.
9. Takis are the sh**
10. El Paso's (and maybe in other areas of Texas) traffic lights are horizontal
11. I actually really, really enjoy authentic Mexican food
12. ALL PEOPLE AND FAMILIES DESERVE THE RIGHT TO HAVE A BETTER LIFE HERE IN THE UNITED STATES, IF THAT IS WHAT THEY WANT.
13. Most families and people who attempt to cross the fence do not want to necessarily come to the U.S. They flee for safety.
14. My new heroes are all Border Servant members! (Justin and Hannah, you two can do everything that is thrown your way - I admire you both very much!)
15. This doesn't necessarily have to do with El Paso, but White Sands in New Mexico is the most beautiful place I have ever seen/been to!
16. The best natural highs come from serving and helping others.
17. Hikes are the best forms of working out, as well as self-esteem boosts.
18. Praying on top of a mountain is my favorite way to pray.
19. Occasionally, children do not have the same last name as their parents. There are also siblings who have different last names from each other.
20. Anything involving water (swimming pools, water balloons, etc etc) are a BIG deal in this culture.
21. In this culture, people greet each other with a hug and a kiss on the cheek, always!
22. Being a program director is the most draining job I've ever taken. However, it is also incredibly rewarding and fun spending time with the kids!
23. Middle schoolers are actually pretty fun to work with :)
24. The youth refer to any man and woman in a teaching position as "Mister" and "Miss."
25. In families dealing with poverty, you will find 10 or more people living in one house.
26. Border Patrol can detain and place parent/guardians in a detention center without consulting with the kids.
27. People down here speak with so much passion and emotion behind their words. It's really beautiful to see.
28. Heat stroke is not fun to experience
29. Hot and spicy food is THE BEST!
30. Not saying that I actually believed this horrible stereotype, but for the sake of awareness and people who make judgements... PEOPLE WHO COME TO THE UNITED STATES FROM MEXICO ARE NOT LAZY!!! MOST WORK 3 OR MORE JOBS JUST TO SCRAPE BY. THIS STEREOTYPE AND ASSUMPTION NEEDS TO VANISH!
31. My allergies are nonexistent down here. Thank you Jesus.
32. There is a big difference between hearing theories of serving at the border and trying to stop poverty, vs. taking action and living out the theories.
33. There are sensors at the fence, so be careful where you step!
34. The violence in Juarez is not as awful as it is portrayed.
35. You truly find yourself when you live in a place that is completely unfamiliar.
36. El Paso is completely completely completely different from home.
37. Spanish is a beautiful language :)
38. Border Patrol can fire their gun if they feel like their life is in danger. However, they have not always chosen to fire at appropriate times.
39. Down here where it's always dry, houses have swamp coolers. They use water, and bring moisture into houses! Quite the opposite of the midwest.
40. People who are privileged in life need to stop complaining over the smallest things. Be thankful, for crying out loud. You have no idea how lucky you are.
41. I've always had faith that lives can be turned around through prayer and God. However, coming down here, and seeing families who have REALLY struggled and have had nothing but their love for God is incredible. They are all such happy people, filled with much joy and thanksgiving. That alone has strengthened my faith.
42. People say "y'all" down here to be gender neutral.
43. I'm actually not a very patriotic person...sorry 'bout it...
44. You have to literally be drinking your weight in water to keep hydrated.
45. Watermelon and lemonade are MUCH better down here, especially lemonade! I'm not sure what they put in...but it's not too sweet, not too sour, only too perfect and refreshing :)
46. Cockroaches are disgusting and make me itch. And people who put fake bugs in your shower are not funny. (cough cough - Justin - cough cough)
47. Tres leches cake, horchata, agua fresca, and pan dulce are my new favorite desserts. If you haven't had any of those before, please go live and try them all. You will not be sorry.
48. 85% of the population in El Paso is Latino.
49. Children are your best critics when learning how to speak Spanish.
50. Coming down to El Paso has been life changing, and I will for sure be crying when I have to leave. I've definitely found a new home away from home.
This list will only be expanding as I go into my last month down here.
Today was wonderful! My roommates and I went swimming for the afternoon, ate at Texas Roadhouse, and then went to Walmart. I still can't get over how pretty the city looks at night. This short week of work is going to feel amazing after this past week. If I don't write in this for awhile, have a great 4th of July weekend! :)
 |
| This picture will always stand out to me. We visited a family at the border a couple weekends ago. The little girl pictured attended Cristo Rey's after school program in the past. Her father was deported, so the whole family moved back to Mexico. She also knows Justin! This was such a cute but sad moment. |
 |
| We did crayon scratch art on the first day of the summer program. One of the high schoolers made this. Too perfect, and another reason why I love my kids. |
 |
| Juarez, Mexico |
 |
| At the colonias |
No comments:
Post a Comment