Day 3: Jean in Mexico

Day 3: For only 3 days so much has been accomplished. Today was a very busy day of visiting a notary to sign papers for our Mexican organization, buying food, and then visiting two different shelters delivering the food, clothes, our Corona kits, and various supplies.

Shelter 1: I heard two different stories from women that were filled with sadness. One cried much of the time as the memories returned about why she fled and the dangers and traveled with her 14-year-old son to the border. I continue to hear stories of families separated. The parents cross separately, each with a child in the hopes that if one makes it the other has a better shot. But more times than not they remain separated, as one gets to stay in the U.S. and the other is sent to Mex to wait.

This woman's asylum hearing is in January of 2021. On the positive side, I got the chance to read to the children and a few knew some words in English and they were eager to share and learn more. I really wished I had brought a soccer ball for Everett to play with them. They are in this large space (warehouse and not a single ball to play with). This is the shelter we are going to fix up in April (well maybe not now with the virus). They were so thankful for what we brought, and if we can, I want to go back next week and bring some balls and more clothes.

Shelter 2: this shelter had over 100 kids and many of them were running and playing together. I sat and read with a girl and I gave my phone to another and she took pictures and video for me. I had my own kid photographer and she loved the job. I could have stayed there all day with these kids, playing and having fun with them. They were very grateful for the food and especially the medicines, alcohol, and thermometer.

What a contrast between the two shelters. One has a benefactor that raises funds on their behalf. The facility had food, lots of toys for the kids, the kids seemed very happy and the adults worked as a team to run the place. The second is very under-resourced. There were no toys for the kids, no sign of anything for them to do, and it does not serve food. These children seemed more stressed and did not interact with each other nearly as much.

Overall, I see no evidence of sickness in these kids. Tomorrow we head to Tijuana and it will be a long day of travel. We are bringing clothes, books, and hosting a lunch with a huge pinata that we have custom-made (see pic with Francisco). The kids are going to love this. It is a rock-solid pony that they can sit on and take pictures of before we smash it. Thanks for reading and I apologize it is so long. I wanted to give you a picture of what it is like.

Shelter 1: A woman from Guatemala tells of her sad journey in trying to seek asylum

Shelter 1: an old warehouse barely converted to house people

shelter 2: lots of space to run around and play

shelter 2: kids have fun pushing each other around in the stroller