Written by Gabi El-Massri (El Paso Trip 2023)
Our journey began with a 5:30 am call time to the Charlotte airport. As the plane took off, everyone on the flight nestled into a variety of activities to pass the 3 1/2 hour flight: movies, tv shows, books, and naps. Upon landing, we rushed to re-caffeinate and locate restrooms. Anxiously, we awaited our final flight as Rosa passed out snacks. After an hour layover, we were in the air and on our way to El Paso at last. I remember looking out of the window as we descended, in awe of the flat and arid desert below. We reunited with Lily, exhausted from our graduation activities from the past few days. Filing into our van, we headed to a highly recommended but arguably questionable taco restaurant as our stomachs grumbled. We struggled to navigate the entirely Spanish menu, relying on Rosa and Nicole as translators. An array of (non-alcoholic) pitchers , tacos, loaded baked potatoes mistakenly assumed to be fries, and quesadillas filled the table. Displayed on a buffet of condiments was the spiciest salsa I have ever had. Conversation flowed and before we knew it, it was time to depart.
A gracious and kind Sister named Debbie greeted us with a warm and welcoming wave, overjoyed we had arrived. We were ushered into a living room where Brother Todd oriented us to life El Paso style, where water and electrical conservation are emphasized. He additionally introduced us to the complex lexicon of immigration. Our final member, Chavah, arrived halfway through and we were finally complete. As some used their free time to squeeze in a nap after a long day of travel, two groups embarked on walks through the surrounding areas. One group surveyed Sacred Heart, a shelter we will serve at twice in the near future. The other headed into downtown El Paso. A few brave ones (myself included) ventured to the border and flirted with detainment. Subsequently, a rule against unchaperoned border trips was instituted (oops…). As we walked the blocks leading up to the checkpoint, we were immersed in the smells of fresh fruit and Mexican cuisine. We walked past merchants selling a variety of clothing and interesting souvenirs. There was a stark contrast of appearance from the city center, full of elegant architecture and avant garde art, to these blocks. It was clear- we were no longer in Kansas anymore.
Finally, it was time for dinner. Our generous hosts treated us to a meal of fried rice, vegetables, and chicken while paying special attention to our dietly restricted friends (myself included, yet again). We had amazing conversations and gathered in the living room for a presentation from Maria Sajquim De Torress. We were introduced to the mental health and psychosocial work her organization, Jesuit Refugee Services, does with forcibly displaced immigrants. Unfortunately, many of these people are left with no choice as gang violence, death threats, natural disasters, and political turmoil push them out of their countries. They flee to survive and preserve a dignified life. The traumas they endure lead to a variety of individual, familial, community, and social struggles. These include mistrust, mourning, grief, guilt, shame, confusion, hopelessness, and loneliness. Children are further affected as they experience developmental delays, regression, survivor shame, unending concern for separated or struggling parents, limited futures, and increases in their violence as it becomes a learned behavior on their journeys. This leads to some refusing to go to school and a theft of all of their childhoods. They encounter violence, death (including passing dead bodies), treacherous rainforests, and harsh terrain. There is no denying that the journey to El Paso is a difficult one. The JRS steps in once they arrive in shelters, providing a safe space to unload their experiences and a variety of therapies.
If these facts break your heart even a fraction as much as they broke mine, here is how you can help. The JRS has initiated a migrant accompaniment network nationwide, securing support for recently arrived individuals in their process of integration into their new home. They are called volunteer community based companions, assisting with navigation as well as helping to locate legal resources and providing social support. This helps root and support them as they recover from their traumatic journeys. If you are interested, please visit http://www.jrsusa.org/caminar-contiago/
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