My Furry Little Friends

Hola! I'm Ariel and this is my first trip to Tijuana with the Esperanza group. I am a junior at the College of Wooster majoring in History. This week has been eventful-full of surprises and adventures. I spent the whole week at the same site and enjoyed getting to watch the house progress over the course of 5 days. I made quite a few friends this trip- both human and animal. Traveling in foreign countries presents a number of interesting contrasts to the United States; one of these is the presence and treatment of animals. I have always been an animal lover and seeing so many strays wandering the streets definitely tears at my heart a little. I'm aware of the number of diseases that stray animals can carry yet that rarely stops me from picking them up and giving them a little love. The animals were everywhere, including the worksites. One day, as I held one cat, another girl assured me that it had fleas and I sassily responded that it surely did not have fleas. It was too clean and happy looking to have fleas. Duh.

Two orange tabbies greeted me at the site on Monday. They were both were boys and had stubby tails, an uncommon practice in the U.S. They spent most of the day lying on the tops of the cinder blocks while I slaved away. No surprise- they came around during lunch and meowed and purred when I pet them and I (maybe) gave them a tiny piece of my food. Each day they appeared around the site as I worked and I was always comforted by their presence. Our last day at the site was full of emotions; we helped a family complete a house to live in, saw a very pregnant dog give birth to 10 puppies, and I said goodbye to my tabby cats. My memories in Tijuana will always be of the people we helped and the small bond I made with my furry little friends.

Where's Taty's Boots?

Hola! I'm Tatyana Marie Colbert, also known as Taty! This was my first time volunteering with Esperanza. This trip was full of firsts for me. This was the first time traveling by plane, and the first time leaving America. I was more than excited to go on this trip. Mexico is such a beautiful country and the culture is amazing. All of the people I have met were amazing! I love the music and I learned so sweet dance moves! The food here is phenomenal and I could eat tortas alllllll day long.

I learned so much about issues reguarding the border. Before coming to Tijuana, I didn't hear anything negative about this place. Everyone was telling me to be safe and asking me why I would want to come here. Honestly, I never once felt scared to come to Tijuana and I feel more safe here than I do at home. I would love to come back and volunteer again.

I also really enjoyed the building the houses. It's really neat to see a bunch of people working together to finish a project. The families were more than welcoming and it felt good to interact with them. I took six years worth of Spanish classes and my Spanish is still up to par. I can understand a few words here and there but speaking Spanish is a nightmare! Although there was a major language barrier, communication was still possible. As in the words of Rachel De Luca, "Laughter is the same in every language." And it's so true, laughter and smiling and simply saying gracias instead of thank you goes a long way!

It's Friday and we are all packed and ready to travel back home. It's bittersweet. I don't want to leave. This was such and amazing experience and I am so thrilled that I was a part of something that will change lives forever! We'll see you soon!!!

Puppies!

Hello, my name is Kristen Sween, I'm a Junior at The College of Wooster, and this is my second time volunteering with Trinity UCC in Tijuana.

When I told my friends this year that I was going back to Tijuana for spring break, they all told me to "be careful," and "don't die." Surprisingly, my parents were super relaxed compared to last year, they didn't seem worried at all like they were before, but my friends definitely had negative things to say about Mexico. This seems so crazy to me because I studied abroad last semester in Scotland for 4 months, and not once did anyone tell me to be safe - instead, they were really excited for me (even though I was almost hit by a train in Berlin, and I ran into some creepy characters in Poland). Now, I know that Scotland doesn't have the reputation that Tijuana does, but I did everything all by myself. It's interesting to think of the different reactions I received. I was in Europe for 4 months, and only in Tijuana for 7 days. I realize that it's what we hear about Tijuana in the news that makes people so nervous - but honestly,  (as Rachel D. says) people make it sound like a warzone here, which is actually ridiculous. The most danger I've been in here is the chance of getting hurt at the work site. I've honestly felt more unsafe in parts of Columbus than I have in Tijuana.

One of the first nights in Tijuana, Eduardo told us that his son was considering going to high school in the US. Eduardo shared that, as a parent, he's very nervous about sending his son to America for high school because he hears all about the school shootings that have been happening. Though I didn't voice it, I became defensive - yeah, we have a problem with that lately, but it doesn't happen everywhere or all of the time. Then I realized that the generalizations that Eduardo made about our country are the same generalizations that we make about his country. Does Tijuana have a drug problem? Yes. Does that mean that everyone is involved? No. In America, we don't hear about the positives of Mexico - we only hear about the guns, and the violence. So, we assume that all Tijuana is is guns and violence. All Eduardo hears in his news about America is about the gun issues and school shootings. Is that all America is? No. There are many amazing things about the US, and should Eduardo write it off just because of the recent violence? No. So why do we write off Tijuana?

We leave tomorrow, and I'm definitely excited to see my family but I'm also sad to leave. In Tijuana, the sense of community, the love for each other, and the compassion for life that the people have is incredibly refreshing to be around. Tijuana makes me realize that the boys, the homework, and the "drama" that I complain about to my friends at college is really, reallyyyy pointless. The material items don't matter to me when I'm in Tijuana. I really love the person I am when I'm here, and I'm hoping I can continue living with this attitude when I return to Ohio tomorrow.

Also, the pregnant dog at our work site had her puppies today! There were ten of them when I left. Definitely the best way to end this week!

More videos...

Today was our last workday.  We were all together for a 40 cement bag pour.  Here is a video of the work site at the end of the day:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IH6dAwuHV6c&list=UU91HaoDuJbuEte300Fy1ShQ&index=2

Next door to Friday’s worksite was a house that we poured the second story roof in 2006.  Here is a short video of that house today:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bloWTmRrHU&list=UU91HaoDuJbuEte300Fy1ShQ&index=1

 At the end of work on Friday we always have a Fiesta – here is a short video of the kids hitting it:

http://youtu.be/cDvX2jZa6MM

Visit to house we worked at last year

One block from our worksite was a site that we worked at last year - Vicki's house.  She invited us over for flan and for a visit.  Our group last year poured the ceiling the first day.

Here is a video of her house - notice all the flowers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-irjwSYhjc&list=UU91HaoDuJbuEte300Fy1ShQ&index=1

La Morita Thursday workday video

Our group is all finished up at La Morita as we are merging with the other half of our group for a large cement pour.  Here is a video of the end of day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Si020d15v6U&list=UU91HaoDuJbuEte300Fy1ShQ&index=2

Wednesday End of day worksite- La Morita - Julie's house

Here is a short video after the third day - notice the walls are higher.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qk1r2tuipaw&list=UU91HaoDuJbuEte300Fy1ShQ&index=1

My first impressions, thus far

Hello everyone my name is Jackie O’Dell, this is my first year on the trip, and I am a Senior at the College of Wooster. I finished my independent study this past Friday before coming on this trip, woohoo! I had a little different experience than everyone else in coming to Tijuana in that I took a separate flight which got changed multiple times causing me to have to walk across the boarder.

Walking across the boarder was not what I expected. Caren, Jill, Jordan, and I took a trolley (more of a train or tram if you ask me) to the border and began to follow the people between two buildings. It was kind of like an alleyway and in the middle were two guards chatting away and not even looking at the people. We passed them and arrived in Tijuana. They did not check my passport, look at me, or stamp my book. I was never so thankful to see a familiar face (Rena) and she took me to the van which we took to the posada.

First impression of the posada is simply beautiful! The flowers, court yard, and bright colors, pictures do not do it justice. Over the past few days I have many observations of which I will list.

1. The poor plumbing means that you can not flush toilet paper and therefore you have to throw it away. Gross at first, but you get use to it.
2. At the work site on Monday there were Esperanza people and male community members. These men seem very sexist. The women had to go bend wire while the men build the siding to the house. The next few days were better at the other work site where the community members that came to help were women.
3. The juxtaposition between the landscape and the homes is gorgeous. I think this is the most beautiful place that I have ever visited!
4. Traffic signs are more of a suggestion than a law. This became frightening yesterday on our way to the work cite. As we were looking at a giant statue of Jesus, a semi came within two inches of side-swiping us, causing us to scream “Jesus.” The moment was much funnier after we were safely on the highway.
5. The people here are amazing. The care deeply for their community (which can be seen when they come over to help) and when we speak of why we are here to strangers, they thank us on behalf of their country.
6. At the orphanage we made bracelets with the little girls. One in particular was less than two years old. She made me help her with her bracelet which had to be every other color (pink and purple). Then she taught me some words in Spanish. She was so smart!
7. Final thought/story. We went to the deportation house today. This is where those sent out of the US can go to get back on their feet/ re-gather their lives (for 12 days).  The gentleman I spoke with said he has lived in the US since 1997 and has a wife and three children. He also has a painting business. He happened to be stopped on his way home from work for having a tail light out. The police asked for his papers which he does not have; he was born in Honduras. He said he was placed on a train without being able to notify his family. He does not want to go back to his country because he has a tattoo. If this is seen in his conservative country then he will be shot. The US is his country now and he will do anything to get back to family. It was heart wrenching!

Thanks for reading, I hope it wasn’t too long. ~Jackie

Why Mexico? Why Tijuana?

Hello everyone,
  My name is Rena, this is my ninth trip down to Tijuana, with Esperanza. Last year I spent three months living here as a long term volunteer. Instead of talking about what we did today, I'd like to reflect on the trip as a whole...

 For me, this year's trip has been different from all of my other trips, having lived here for so long last year, returning is a little strange. I missed Mexico so much while I was gone, and now being back I am slowly realizing how much this place, and this organization has changed me and helped me grow as a person. While I was down here last year I saw small changes, but mostly I was wrapped up in what was going on while I was here, and the work we were doing. When I returned home change was slow and I'm not sure if I ever fully took the time to reflect on my time here, but now having been back for about a week and a half now (I came down a week earlier than the group), I have really had time to examine everything that has changed in Tijuana, and in me in the last year, and over the past nine years.

  It's easy to come down here for a week each year, and to have an amazing time, meet kind and caring people. It's hard to return home and continue living out the lessons learned while here. We get sucked up in the fast pace of our lives and work and forget this wonderful place. Being back here the last two weeks has been completely refreshing. People talk about how selfless volunteering is, and how amazing it is for people to come here, to somewhere perceived as very dangerous and give their time. It's hard for me to see this trip that way, I almost feel selfish coming here, because of how much I get out of this trip, and how much I love it here. I have never been somewhere that I felt more welcomed and loved. The people we meet open their homes and hearts to us daily. They would give us the shirt off their back if we asked. Even though for many of us there is a language barrier we still find a way to communicate, we find a way to work side by side with people from the communities to accomplish something.

  I'm often asked why I come here when we're only building one part of one house. There are so many problems in Mexico, we can't possibly solve them all so why should we try and help. The world is full or problems, on all sides of the border, why should we try and fix anything when we can't possibly fix everything? For the one family we are helping we are making a huge difference. We've helped to create a strong house where a family can grow and their children can feel safe. We've helped them put down roots, and feel at home in a place they love. We have no idea the ripple effect we are creating. In the nine years I have been coming to Tijuana, I have seen so much change and growth. When we first came the trash disposal system was simply dumping it over a hill. Now there are waste management services, and recycling, people are taking pride in their land and their country.

  Many Americans have this notion that all Mexican people want to cross the border, they all want to come to America. I have had many people comment "why would you go help them when they are ruining our country." First of all I don't like gross generalizations, saying they and them like you can lump a few million people together and assume they are all the same. There are certainly people that have crossed the border into the states, because they felt it was their only option for a better future. Many of the men and women that have crossed find that the grass certainly isn't greener on the other side. Mexico is a beautiful country full of beautiful landscapes, strong communities (both good and bad, but strong nonetheless), and in many cases the families they left behind, for what they had expected to be a free and welcoming country full of prosperity. They often find that jobs are scarce and in many places they face harsh discrimination. Border crossings are drastically lower now than in past years. And to those we ask why would we help here when people are crossing my answer is always this, the people who we are helping want to put down roots here, they want to stay and improve their country. We are helping them to do so, but also learning about their culture, and getting a chance to take a step outside of our little boxes, and our lives at home, and see what is really going on in another part of the world.

  In conclusion, I think for many of us that keep coming back here this week is one of the best weeks out of our year. We keep coming back because we love it here, and it's an amazing experience. Each year seeing new people come here for the first time gives us a new perspective on the trip and this country, and it's refreshing to see something you love through someone else's eyes. I hope you can all come and experience this wonderful place, or find somewhere else that you find equally fulfilling and inspiring.

                       Vaya con Dios,
                               Rena

p.s. Tonight we visited Las Ninas orphanage, before we leave each year they sing, to us this year they sang a moving rendition "Imagine" by The Beatles.

Fun at the Orphanage

Tuesday evening the group went to the girls orphanage to play.  We are posting 3 videos:

Play video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-D4ZTBlSBHE&list=UU91HaoDuJbuEte300Fy1ShQ&index=2


First Music video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gss8VntwUWQ&list=UU91HaoDuJbuEte300Fy1ShQ&index=1

Second Music video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGXZY5i0hc8

Silver Teeth, Cement Burn, and Too Many Tortas

The day opens on a turtle-green hillside, slightly littered with old tires and Tecate cans, as a small group of Americans begin to stir in the egg yolk-yellow walls of the barbed-wire rimmed sanctuary they now call home.

Now that the scene is set- day two of the work week is coming to a close. My group worked primarily on pouring concrete into the walls, which is no easy task. All hands were on deck, volunteers and community members alike, taking sand and stone and turning it into a home. The concrete is made in a mixer loaded with buckets of sand, gravel, cement, and water which is then scooped out of a trough and passed down our line in buckets, lifted to a very dedicated, strong member of the team on scaffolding. It's then poured down into the cement bricks which make up the wall. This process took about two hours and a lot of sweat. In all honesty, of the four other times I've been here, today was the hardest I've worked myself- handing buckets up to Rick to pour into the walls and scooping out the cement from the trough. Major muscle work out. Today was also one of the most rewarding days of work. I also got to pet the family's cat. Which is a big deal if you know how much I like cats and the fact that Tijuana is run not by government, but the enormous amount of stray dogs.

We called it quits after the walls were all poured and came back to the posada to get ready to go play with the girls of a local orphanage. These girls are amazing. Ages 5-18, the kids are orphans or are placed there by parents who cannot support them. They are all totally excited to see us and get down to some serious playtime. Jump rope, soccer, friendship bracelets, balloons, piggy-back rides- not many of of can speak Spanish, but no one really cares. That's the great thing about kids, they just want someone's hair to braid, conversation is not a major concern. I've always gravitated to the kids we meet at the work sites because I feel more at ease with not being able to string together a proper Spanish sentence. They seem to like me too, but that may be because I'm usually carrying a few kilos of candy on me.

After the orphanage, we reconvened at base camp and then took off for dinner at the glorious taco stand. Now everyone is dispersed around the posada, playing games, heading to bed, coloring (actually just Heidi is coloring), and catching up on homework. I'm looking forward to another day of hard work and Hibiscus water. Hasta luego.

Jill 

Day two - La Morita - Julie's house

Here is a short video for day two work site - after the walls were poured.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ocq6J11i4Jc&list=UU91HaoDuJbuEte300Fy1ShQ&index=1

Tuesday morning

Hi,  this is Gail Klise, I am a first time volunteer.  I was inspired to join the group on this trip because of my daughter Heidi and her friend Jill and some of the other folks at Trinity Church. The girls have each been here four or five times.  The conversations after each trip was at first surprising to me... these high school girls at the time LIKED to dig in the piles of sand and haul buckets of cement.  There is a secret in this experience that should be captured and even required for all young people.  The phrase we have always heard:  " it is better to give than to receive" is put into practice every day and every moment at Esperanza.  Even the bonding between volunteers who have just met each other is very apparent, even on this morning of our fourth day.  After hearing more and more stories of the very positive experiences every volunteer has had and their desire to come back, I finally decided it was time to try it out for myself.  In fact I was becoming a bit envious of the people who have put themselves into this serving role. I am a retired mom looking for purpose. 

Our first day was an easy step into 'how the worksite works'.  Heidi is the current long term volunteer and I was fortunate to watch her in action.  When she called out that there was a new task for two or three we would listen for instructions.  The next generation is stepping into leadership roles, taking control and using their energy to help others.  It really is a wonderful world. 

The actual construction site is interesting -- in America we have Habitat for Humanity which I assume is similar.  Everyone gets a wrench or a hammer or is asked to dig or haul buckets.  Most all of the jobs are a first time experience and learning to do it correctly is more important than becoming dirty....... off to the worksite we go for more .

Dancing at the Fiesta Sunday

It was Rakel's birthday Sunday so we had a Fiesta for her.  We had great food and music.  A neighbor Cindy and her boyfriend Victor were fantastic!  Watch for yourself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxjqTEDU_-g&list=UU91HaoDuJbuEte300Fy1ShQ&index=1

Our Group at the Border!

Overview of the First day of Work

Hola from Tijuana!

My name is Alex Dereix and I am a junior at the College of Wooster originally from Centerville, Ohio.  This is my first time on the Esperanza trip and as well as my first time to Mexico.  Every moment we are here, I am amazed by the colorful sights and the festive sounds of this beautiful country.  This morning we woke up bright and early and headed down to the street market to buy fruit and fetch freshly made tortillas before starting our work day.  After having met Eduardo, the volunteer coordinator, we divided into groups and headed off to the various work sites.  Our group went down to help build a house, and get the structure established before pouring the cement roof in on Friday.  The sun was out, and after lathering in sunscreen multiple times, I still think that half of us got sunburned.  This was surely different than the snowy Ohio we flew out of three days ago!

This experience has been eye-opening and has given me a different perspective.  Something that I will really take away from my time in Tijuana is the appreciation everyone has of community and the trust instilled in our fellow neighbors.  I hope to remember the importance of family connections when I get back to the States; knowing that the most important part of life are the people, rather than the things, we chose to surround ourselves with.  Even though we are only three days into this experience, this is much needed to give me a chance to see another part of the world and learn to step back and re-evaluate how I approach situations on a day-to-day basis.  I am so lucky to have the chance to work on this project; I hope everyone else can have a similar opportunity.

A Great Community

Hola!
This is Sarah Laper and I am a junior at the College of Wooster and this is my first time in Mexico.  So far it has been a great experience.
The first time I asked my mom if I could go to Tijuana, she said no way. Luckily, I finally convinced her to let me go, but she was still hesitant.  Today we met Eduardo who works with Esperanza and was helping us at the work site.  He said that the US news about Mexico makes him sad because he loves his country and US news makes it look so bad.  Also, the news makes it look like everybody is trying to get to the border and into the US but that is not true, some people want to stay in Mexico, he is one of them.  Eduardo's son can go to school in America but he doesn't want him to go because Eduardo can't go to America and also he has seen a lot in the news about people bringing guns into school in America.  Just like my parents did not want me to go to Mexico, Eduardo does not want his son to go to America.
I have only been here a couple of days but I've noticed that there is a great sense of community here that is different than what we have in the States.  Yesterday, we went to a birthday fiesta and everyone there acted like they were part of one big family.  They were all so nice to us, they loved when we all sang and danced together.  I felt very welcomed even though it was the first time I was meeting everyone.  Today at the work site, a bunch of family members and neighbors came and helped us work.  We were digging a drainage ditch for a retaining wall and both family members and our volunteers dug and passed buckets of dirt side by side. The daughter, Lucia, wanted to help and I thought the buckets would be too heavy for her but she insisted on wanting to be part of our bucket brigade.  When someone shoveled dirt onto my pants, I didn't even notice, but she reached down and brushed them off for me.  Even though I didn't speak the same language as Lucia or the other family members, a smile goes a long way and I had a lot of fun working today.

Mexico Sweet Mexico

Hola!
My name is Rachel DeLuca and I am a Junior at The College of Wooster. This is my second year with Esperanza and this year I am the student leader for the trip. Last year I had a fantastic time so I felt that it was important to make sure that more Wooster students came on the trip this year. I love Mexico so much because it makes me very happy. The people here are so genuine and special. Volunteering is an important part of my life and the work we do in Tijuana is life changing for everyone involved. Today our group split up into 2 groups. One crew worked on digging a 5 cement block deep footer for a house foundation and then other group worked on preparing for a roof to be poured. On friday, our entire group will be at this second site helping with the roof. We think it'll take about 45 bags of cement!!! If you don't know construction lingo, this is a HUGE amount of cement, but we can do it! The rooves we usually pour here take about 10-12 bags of cement. I was at the site digging the footer and we had a great time listening to Mexican music and completing the job. The job site had a beautiful view of the ocean and rolling green hills. After a hard day of work, we all returned to the posada and had a quick warm shower. After relaxing a bit at the posada, we headed to our favorite taco stand for dinner. Muy delicioso! (Very delicious!) Now it's time to head to bed so we can be ready for another day of hard work tomorrow.

All the best from Tijuana,
Rachel =)

Work day one video

This is Phil Starr again.  We split our group in half to work today - and will do the rest of the week.  We went to two separate work sites.  We took a quick video of out work site today in San Antone - at Marie's house.  We recognized Marie from a prior trip.  Here is the video:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rP3gfq-6Bg&list=UU91HaoDuJbuEte300Fy1ShQ&index=1

Beautiful city

Buenas dias!
Good Morning!
My name is Joyce Schroer and I have been coming to Mexico and working with Esperanza at least annually and sometimes more often since 2004.  I first came because my husband was so moved by his trip.  I come back because after such a long time I've met such good people that have become family to me. 
Usually our group likes for the first time participants to write the blogs to get their first impressions.  Today I felt a desire to write  to share my perspective having returned here time and time again.
Last night we took Olivia and Ephraim back to their home following the birthday party.  Driving across the ridge we could see out over the city of Tijuana.  Steve (my husband) stopped the van and said, "Look out over the city and take note of the beautiful lights as they twinkle. When I first came down here 16 years ago, there were no homes on this hillside.  See how it has built up."  We were stopped in front of the first house that he built in this community.  An Esperanza home! Then before driving on down the pothole filled dirt road he said, "A wonderful world and a beautiful place.  It is amazing how the darkness masks the poverty."

Déjà Vu

  Nothing smells like Mexico. The slight tinge of a country's potential mixed with the stench of its garbage laden hills. One year ago, my first memory of this pais (country) was the creveces of the hillsides along the frontera (border). Filled with trash from the surrounding areas, these eroded cracks in the earth seemed to be the only option for waste. No trash men. No landfill. No recycling.

  I find myself in Tijuana one short year after my last visit. The hills have turned green and the trash is harder to find. Organization slowly meanders its way into this city. And along with it, hope. Esperanza is a good thing. It's a group of people who believe that giving their time and effort one week at a time can make a difference. God works in this place and through these people. I'm glad to say this is my second year participating. I only wish I could stay here for the duration of the trip. Despite my early departure this year, I know this group will find chemistry and provide a great service this week in Tijuana. They're off to a good start already!


[Jourdon Leymon, 2012 Graduate of Muskingum University, Currently visiting Tijuana from La Quinta, CA]

Video of the Border

We shot a quick 5 minute video at the border.  Great weather - - right at the wall.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g96uPleLCKg

First 2 Days in Tijuana

Name: Tara Abhasakun

Hometown: Berkeley, CA

Occupation: College of Wooster student, freshman

I write this blog post on my second day in Tijuana, Mexico (I think I spelled it correctly??). So far, I am in love with this place. The people, even those who pressure us into buying their products and make us feel super awkward if we don't, are so friendly and so wonderful. At the grocery store today, a store-worker walked up to Emily to help her decide which chili sauce to get, and which one was the spiciest. So far, my products of purchase include 2 thick blankets (much to my disappointment, the nights here are freezing), a very touristy Tijuana baseball cap, a pair of sunglasses, and coconut macaroons that I can't wait to try.

Today, we made a visit to the border-line, where lots of graffiti art work was written on the wall, such as "God knows no borders," and "What's more important, money or people?" This really made me think about the work that immigrants are willing to do in jobs that no American would ever consider. I'm very glad we went.

I also realized something- I had been to the same beach before, but on the San Diego side in a poshy hotel area. Seeing the drastic change just one borderline over was very eye opening.

We leave for a fiesta to celebrate Raquel's birthday in just a few minutes, I can't wait!

Quick update from Tracy

Hola, me llamo es Tracy y soy un estudiante a College of Wooster.
Hmm. . . What should I say? Actually, how can capture the essence of what I want to say?
 
Maybe I should begin with my first impressions of Mexico as the group traveled to the Pasada (Pasada is a Spanish term that means passage or passing)?
 
So here goes,
 
1. Crossing the Boarder: First of the all, the Mexican Boarder was not as thrilling as I thought it would be. I was hoping for some action like in the movie, “Blue Streak” with Martin Lawrence–you know, dry desert land and cops. Haha! However, none of this happened for all of you worried parents out there. Instead we went through a toll and security checked the driver’s passport and vehicle. No biggy!
 
2. As soon as the group crossed the Boarder I was introduced to Mexico’s poverty. Homeless people roaming the streets, dismantled homes with tarp covered roofs. This was the first thing I noticed, I can’t but help wonder about the rest of Mexico.
 
Oh no! Meeting and I’m late. I have to be brief!
Last thing: The people I’ve met so far are extremely nice. No one has shot me yet.  Stereotype DISPROVED!
            Thinking about stereotypes: In general, people tend to have a number of stereotypes about Mexico and its people. I think it’s important to consider the social factors that contribute to these negative perceptions. For instance, if you are going to talk about Mexican violence make sure you discuss the reasons “why.”
 
Okay, I have to go!
 

 

new beginning

¡Buen día! This is Emily Howard, Assistant Chaplain at the College of Wooster. I've been looking forward to this second trip to Tijuana as a chance to learn more, see more, and serve more in Mexico. It was a long but good day of travel yesterday, and now we are settling into the posada and seeing the sights before starting work this week.

In our first reflection circle yesterday, people shared some of what brought them to this place, and why they've come. Many people in our group have visited for many years (the most being, I think, 9 years in a row! and several past and present long-term volunteers among us). Trinity UCC shares a sense of commitment and particular mission with Esperanza International and this city. I am always impressed by the number of folks who point out houses they worked on years ago, have developed long relationships (even marriages!) thanks to Tijuana, and notice the changes and improvements in the city each time they return. Whether it's the music and the colors and the roosters, the families impacted, the differences and similarities in the way of life - they find something meaningful and unique that brings them back. "Why do you come to Tijuana?" is simple - they feel a connection in their life, in their spirit, with the people and the place, and want to share it with others here and back home.

Students' responses as to why they are here were a little different, as many are here for the first time. Many said they feel the desire and have a commitment to help, serve, and give back to others. They have learned about the relationship between Mexico and the U.S. and want to see the other side in person. Or, they knew another student who came and had a life-changing experience -- so, here we are!

As for me, I know one thing I'm looking for this week is to experience the connection between all people - whatever our language, income, work life, religion, culture. My best memories from last year's trip are those moments of surprising connection at the home sites, at the migrant shelter, the orphanage, even out shopping and at the taco stand. Esperanza says one of its goals is to promote global citizenship (actually, the COW says that too!). What connections do we share with this place? How can we promote a good relationship with our neighbors across the border?

On that note, we'll soon be off to "la playa" where we'll see the wall that separates our two countries, and experience Mexico along the shore. More later! 'Til then, chao/adios. :)

Quick Video of Posada

Here is a quick video of the Posada:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEhplcnuTt4&list=UU91HaoDuJbuEte300Fy1ShQ&index=1

We made it part 2

This is Phil Starr again - to finish my post from yesterday . . . .

I forgot to mention that we had the first of many "circles" yesterday shortly after we go to the Posada.  We normally circle the group at least once per day to discuss logistics, reflect on the day and talk about our schedule.

A few of us went back to the border to pick up Jackie, Caren, Jill and Jourden.  (Thank you Ryan Schroer for being our guide)  I will let them talk about what it was like to ride the bus and trolley down and walk across.  Evidently they had to switch the trolley at least once. 

Jackie was very happy to see our group after flying from Akron / Detroit / Baltimore / Chicago to San Diego!!!  Welcome to Tijuana!!!

We got back to the Posada and all drove down to Rosarido - approximately 30 minutes away.  We had to wait about 30 minutes to get into El Nido's restaurant in Rosarido.  That gave us enough time to some quick shopping for blankets. 

Driving in Tijuana is interesting - it is similar to driving in larger cities - but sometimes the road conditions are not quite as good as we have.  There are many more pot holes and ribbed roads.  The good thing over the years the roads have become a lot better.  More are paved.  We drive two white 15 passenger Ford vans.

Dinner was great - we sat at four tables inside a rain forest themed room.  Service was great and our table was fortunate enough to sit near a fire pit.

After dinner we drove back to the Posada and everyone went to bed.  I think we got back here about 9:30 Mexico time - (which was 12:30 wooster time) - meaning for all of us it was a long day. 

As I write this it is a little after 7:00 am (remember they did the spring forward time change) - I was able to watch daybreak arrive.  Unfortunately my body is still on Wooster time.  We can hear the roosters crow and dogs bark.  Anyway - we will write more soon  - it is time for more coffee....

We made it! Saturday afternoon 3/9/13

Hi - this is Phil Starr, a member of Trinity United Church of Christ - this is our ninth trip down to Tijuana.  We arrived at the Posada at about 2:30 pm.  We had good flights - both from Clev to Chicago and Chicago to San Diego.  It is a great experience travelling with a large group all wearing trip t-shirts, heating out on a mission trip.  A bunch of people asked us about the trip from the TSA staff to the flight attendants. 

One of our members Jackie had a flight cancelled out of Akron/Canton - and additional delays today - so she arrived 4 hours after our group.  Once we found this out - three of our group, Caren, Jill and Jourden stayed back to wait on Jackie.  As I type this they are in the process of taking a bus and trolley to the border where they will walk across and we will meet up with them. 

The weather today is sunny - but a bit cloudy and about 60 degrees.  Quite a difference between Ohio weather.  Crossing the border in the van was different this year.  There were a few more turns to get to the crossing - and there was a new official border crossing.  It was a lot larger than the previous one.  Both of our vans were stopped side by side so the border agent to "check us out."  They asked Kevan I a few questions - looked at our passports and opened up the engines.  Then we were on our way.

The Tijuana country side has not changed too much since last year.  It is quite a contrast between San Diego - hard to believe that in such a short time period the countryside changes so quickly.  There was quite a bit of mud yet on some of the roads as they had quite a bit of rain yesterday. 

As we entered the Posada we were happily greeted by Heidi, Rena, Joyce and Steve!  We were all very happy to be here.

Getting Ready

In less than one week our group will be travelling to Tijuana!  Final preperations are being made.  Our group has a total of 23 people including 9 College of Wooster students and one Ashland College student.  During the trip we will have two or three people write in this blog daily - so please follow us on our Mission trip. 

Heidi Klise - who is currently the Long Term Volunteer in Tijuana has a blog too.  Heidi has gone on the previous three College of Wooster / Trinity Esperanza trips.  Here is the link to Heidi's blog if you want to follow her:

http://creatinghomesandsmilesintijuanamexico.blogspot.com/

Details on 2013 Trip

Group "Daily Record" picture of the March 2012 trip at the ocean. 

2013 marks the 4th joint Trinity UCC / College of Wooster mission trip to Tijuana Mexico with Esperanza International.  Our trip is March 9-March 16, 2013. 

Welcome!

Welcome to our blog for the 2013 College of Wooster/Trinity UCC Esperanza Mission Trip.