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Friend,
Have you ever had an encounter that so profoundly moves you that you feel a foundational shift in your soul? I did.
The fear, sadness, beauty, and hope I felt after visiting the Rio Grande Valley during a Young Center border educational trip will forever be imprinted in my heart.
Leaving the airport, I was shocked with how hot southern Texas gets in July. It’s the kind of heat that sucks the breath out of your lungs. Yet, despite the high temperatures, I could see sprawling green fields sprinkled with gorgeous wildflowers from my car.
Later, I stood two feet away from a section of the 18-foot wall which divides Mexico and the United States. I felt afraid as I saw the drones, cameras, border patrol and militia that scan the desert. With great shame, I thought about how any exhausted and dehydrated immigrant family would see all of this and think twice about approaching a checkpoint to request asylum.
But I also experienced the grace of people dedicated to welcoming newcomers to the U.S. They work tirelessly, as Waymakers, so that immigrant children and families don’t go hungry or thirsty in the Texas heat; and that their cases are heard, and their voices are uplifted as they make their way in their new home.
My border educational experience was a lesson contradictions. So often associated with death, the border is a wellspring of life. From our staff at our Harlingen office to the folks at the Sidewalk School, the Rio Grande Valley holds countless examples of kindness despite the border’s militarization. While there is grief, joy is never far behind.
My soul feels awakened, and I want you to be a part of this feeling. Join me this September for the Elizabeth Frankel Waymakers Race to be a part of joy.
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Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights
2245 S. MICHIGAN AVE, SUITE 301,
Chicago, IL 60616
United States
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