On Monday I got back from spending a week with the Salesian priests and fourteen students in Tijuana. We were there with Los Embajadores to explore border issues, particularly identity, immigration and service. The Salesians are pretty amazing. They work at the oratorios (community centers) from 8 am to 8 pm, six days a week. Their dedication to the church and to the people they serve was a sign of faithfulness that touched all of us.
We also worked real hard. I was in the "concrete mixing " crew while the other half of our group pick-axed a mountain into sandbags to reinforce a hill. We were also forced to jugar futbol with all the ninos which was a painful experience. We were pretty bad. Or I should say, I was pretty bad.
One of the most stirring moments of our trip was visiting the Border Beach. This is the only place on the US/Mexico border where families on each side can come to meet. On the US side there is a big sign that says the water is toxic. On the Mexico side it's one of the hotter tourist spots in the area. Ironically this area is called Friendship Park. We learned that the greatest economic disparity between any two borders in the whole world is between Tijuana and San Diego.
We also spent some time at Casa del Migrantes, a homeless shelter for people who've been deported from the US. The guy I had dinner with was in he states for 35 years, made $25/hour as a construction worker, has a wife and kids still in California. It was uneblieveable. If he ever wants to visit his sons he has to go to Border Beach (which is only open on the weekend) and talk to them through the fence under the watchful eye of the Border Patrol. See pictures below.
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