Day 5: Children's Activity, BSC's Airport Operation, Nurse Frieda

Dear Family and Friends,

Last night, the group bonded more than we have all trip with a game of truth or truth. We shared many heartfelt moments and funny memories, concluded with a coke can exploding on a tree! On our last morning of the trip, we were able to work with kids who had immigrated into the United States in the last 48 hours. We drew pictures with them, danced, and played outside. For many of us, this experience was the highlight of the trip. We were able to hear many stories about the children's immigration experiences with their families and practice our Spanish (and Latin) skills. We also saw firsthand how bittersweet immigration could be for children and families. Next, we drove to the El Paso airport and had the opportunity to print boarding passes and walk immigrant families to TSA. Miraal might have saved four people's lives and Elianne might have worked faster and better than Google translate itself! We also saw a few of the same families that we had met during our first morning activity with the kids. This experience really taught us about the difficulties involved in travel for immigrant families, from the confusion of TSA and the unavailability of translators. We had no idea how many moving parts were involved in travel for immigrants and actually ensuring they reach their final destinations. Finally, we met a Registered Nurse named Frieda Adams in her home to hear her stories collected over sixteen years working on the border. She shared many harrowing memories of immigrants with terminal cancer and other life-threatening diseases, as well as happy stories of bringing life into the world and helping treat illnesses. She ended the heart-wrenching conversation with a call to action that inspired us to embrace those who are different than us and volunteer in our communities. 

Sincerely,

Kate, Mira, Elianne and Miraal

Shoutouts:

Kate: Please pet Cooper and Gracie for me, and I'll see you tomorrow! I miss you so much:)

Mira: I'm looking forward to seeing you and not looking forward to seeing my phone :)

Elianne: I'm looking forward to tell you guys all about the trip and hug Milo. Tell Bella I'm taking over the room again and she won't have the room all the herself anymore :D. 

Miraal: Miss you all and hope you're not enjoying my absence too much (directed at J). Love you and can't wait to see you tomorrow. BE READY :)










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