Dear Caldwell,
Below is a complete set of daily reflections by Caldwell member Richard Harrison during his four days on the McAllen, Texas/Reynosa, Mexico border helping immigrant families fleeing violence, persecution and lack of opportunity south of the U.S. He traveled there with friends from Myers Park United Methodist Church. Our thanks to all who went.
Day 1: The Facts
Fact: The only people who we are helping are those who have applied for asylum by approaching a legal entry point and saying the word “asylum.”
Fact: Those folk who have applied go through a long processing system (biometric scan, bracelets applied to ankles, shoe laces taken, and some other situations that are dehumanizing …), then located to a Respite Center. We’re at the Respite Center.
Fact: Persons applying for asylum MUST have a sponsor who is legally living in the US and who will provide a place to stay and material support. NO ONE gets in without a sponsor and all must comply with a serious tracking system.
The Methodist Church is partnering with Catholic charities here in McAllen, Texas. There is also a relationship with Faith Ministries,“ based out of Reynosa, Mexico. Faith Ministries was founded by Presbyterian Church in Mexico!
Day 2: Eyes that tell stories
This … is not easy. Scriptures say, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
My neighbors yesterday were mostly from Honduras and Guatemala. Mostly women and children. Their eyes tell stories….
Tired eyes. Humble eyes.
My day begins making sandwiches to place in bags containing water, 8 snacks, for those getting on a bus to their next destination. The Respite Center holds approximately 500 travelers; it’s full. There’s a lobby, then long hallways, rooms on each side with mats on the floor … that’s it.
Usually 1 or 2 families in each room. Waiting ….
A loudspeaker occasionally blares a name to come to the front lobby. “Ready to send you out.” There’s not much to pack up. Clothes on your back, a few donated items. A volunteer hands you paperwork, drives you to a bus terminal, helps you get ticket, bids farewell and then heads back to the Respite Center.
“Love my neighbor as myself” has a new meaning.
I try to smile at everyone. All day. “Please see the love of Christ in me,” I silently pray. Hope. Every, and I mean every single person I look at or acknowledge smiles back at me. I’m being fed too.
Day 3: “The Ice-box”
You’ve come from 100 degree climates, after somehow surviving the kidnapping, the rape, the threats, the hunger, the uncertainties. Made it this far. Hope. And you cried “asylum!” Then you were processed, connections made to family thru ICE, and herded to a detention center.
Where it’s freezing. Someone decided that keeping you in this cold climate would somehow subdue your … whatever.
You sit and shiver and wait.
“Ice-box ain’t gonna stop me now; come too far to give up now .”
Somebody calls your name. More paperwork. Then a ride to the respite center. At least it’s warm . And the food is better. And we’ll greet you. Get you a bed. Help you get to … more hope.
Day Four: A Boy Prays
I no longer care about the numbers seeking asylum. I don’t care about lies, Twitter ranks, misrepresentation of immigrants’ motives or “fear of the other.”
I KNOW this; I was asked and I said “Here am I, send me.” And we read Christ’s question in Matthew 25, “When I was hungry did you feed me?”
And we fed this boy. And he knelt and prayed.
The next time we sing “I’m gonna pray so, God can use me” ….