Today, we crossed into Mexico to visit the ministries of the Jesuit organization, Kino Border Initiative.
In the morning, Ms. Deady's car enjoyed a sleep-in. Then, they did some baking so that we had fresh treats to bring with us to Lourdes Catholic School tomorrow, when we join the students there for Mass and lunch. Meanwhile, Mr. Masterton's car met Ned and Fr. Neely from KBI to head into Mexico. We crossed together at the Mariposa pedestrian entrance and walked to KBI's
comedor, Spanish for dining room but referring to a center where KBI does meals as well as first aid, social work and advocacy, and more for recently deported people and those in transit. After assisting with the meal service and talking to some of the visitors, we went to Casa Nazareth, a temporary home for women. We met the sister who runs the home and heard the transit stories of two of the residents.
In the afternoon, the two groups joined to get lunch in Mexico and explore some of downtown in Mexican Nogales. Then, Mr. Masterton's group headed home to talk about the morning and get started cooking dinner. Ms. Deady's group then took their turn at the
comedor, where they helped with afternoon meal prep and service, too.
When everyone was back home, we enjoyed taco night. Then, we had another great discussion where everyone shared their impressions of Mexico and passed along the stories they heard from migrants we encountered during our time across the border.
To celebrate our last night together here at Casa Saeta in Nogales, we played another big group game together. The chance to all be together under the same roof, to pray together, cook together, and eat together, to gather for discussion in the comfort of a home, has been a huge blessing for our experience. The students have bonded and shared well together.
