Wednesday May 10th, 2023

Written by Lily Frye (Border Trip 2023)

Sluggish from a late night of Whataburger, overlooks, and chats in the living room, we all slowly got ready. Some heading to mass at Sacred Heart Church, others to the kitchen for breakfast, and some to the chapel downstairs for a moment of silence before a busy day.

We headed to meet Michael DeBruhl, the shelter director at Sacred Heart Church. He described how El Paso and the border has changed throughout his time here, as he was born and raised in the city. He told us about his 20+ year career with Border Patrol and how he transitioned from a career of detainment and enforcement to helping migrants in their transition across the border. After telling us more about his experience and how his opinions have developed overtime, he began to to tell us about how the role of border patrol started and how it has developed over time. We then had an open discussion, several of us challenging him to help us understand reports of how border patrol treats migrants. We concluded with a conversation about how the changes to Title 42 will affect this border community.

We then visited Centro Santa Catalina, currently located on the campus of Loretta Academy. We were able to shop around in their market where they sell homemade items such as kitchenware, jewelry, accessories, and a plethora of other products. Each product is made by women in Juarez, who are striving to support their families through their own creativity and talent. All proceeds go back to the women who make the items. During the pandemic when items were not able to be sold in their normal locations, two individuals wrote and illustrated a book titled “I Am Loved, Soy Amado.” All proceeds from the selling of the book were donated to the organization so the women could still make a living. We purchased two books to share with the children at Sacred Heart Church tomorrow when we go to volunteer. 

We enjoyed lunch at a restaurant called Ay Caramba, where we sat for almost two hours just chatting and eating. Our final visit of the day was to the only fully Spanish and English Holocaust museum in the world. It was interesting to add on to my previous knowledge from my time in grade school, as well as learn about the Jewish communities that reside in El Paso, Texas. Some of us had the opportunity to talk with a women who worked at the museum. She has personal family ties to the Jewish families that migrated to the U.S. during this time in history, and she was able to share more background on why this story was being shared in a place that feels so removed from the Holocaust.

Groups of us slowly broke off, heading back “home” to take a break before we had dinner. We relaxed and then met for chicken fajitas, salad, and rice down in the courtyard. Evely led us in our nightly activity/devotion, facilitated an inner child exercise, creating space for vulnerability and connection. We all then piled into the van, again, to cure our sugar craving with a nice frozen snack. 

We ended our day chatting away in the living room, see you tomorrow!