El Comedor ("the dining room") Ministry

We visited the ministry located tucked in the hillside about 200 yards on the other side of the border. It was begun as a part of the Kino Border Initiative (check out www.kbi.org), and Aldo Michelis explained their ministry. It was begun as a once per month meal; but worked its' way up to serving meals twice daily now, serving those who have been deported and dropped off without any other possessions; only what they have on their back. They also distribute clothing, healthkits, and have a small medical clinic.

We had the opportunity to visit with some of the people, and their stories break my heart. Raul has lived in Tucson for 25 years, and was deported after a traffic ticket. He immediate said that he would go back in a few days. When we asked about the danger of the desert, he said simply, "I have no choice... my whole family (including kids), my whole life is there."

Another young woman from southern Mexico was waiting for her blistered feet to heal before trying to pass again. Every person we talked with was somewhat fatalistic... coming to the US is a matter of survival for them and their family.

Aldo is the younger man with the shaved head, and he has a HUGE heart! By the way, the stacks of bags you see were delivered a few days earlier. They will use this food whenever they need it to complete a meal. They said that this was over 7 tons of food! I didn't take any pictures of our new friends, as it seemed a little odd.

We safely headed back to the US and had lunch before driving back to Phoenix for dinner... I am exhausted and ready to come home in the morning. I feel like I still need to process, so check back over the next few days as I continue to reflect on the meaning of this experience! See you soon...
Prayerfully,
Gregg

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5