A Glimpse From The Texas Border
by Sister Gerry Stanton
Some mothers started some activities and did some math lessons with children.
“Christ is always with us, always asking for room in our hearts…He made heaven hinge on the way we act toward Him in His disguise of commonplace, fragile, ordinary humanity.” — Dorothy Day
For over thirty years I have been ministering with the Refugee and Immigrant Community. For the last two weeks I was privileged to be with the refugees in Matamoros, Mexico as well as a small number who arrived in the Humanitarian Respite Center in McAllen, Texas.
I saw the Face of God smiling broadly as we greeted each other bringing much needed supplies of toilet paper, soap, diapers, lip balm, razors, feminine supplies, dolls, hats and gloves and YES, sandwiches and milk.
I saw it in the anxious look, the worry and concern, as many waited to meet the Lawyers 4 Good Government at the Resource Center in the Migrant camp. Here Sisters Ellen, MaryAlice, and Rita were able to assist families in filling out the asylum forms that the Lawyers 4 Good Government will pick up and prepare for their court hearing.
There are many volunteers working to alleviate the suffering caused by the Administration’s Migrant Protection Protocol (MPP) which forces asylum seekers from Central America to wait in Mexico for their court hearing. The Face of God beams through these women, men and children. Their fire for justice and compassion is palpable and contagious.
I feel honored to be a part of this effort. Organizers are so grateful for our presence there. They say, “The Nuns” will be here – we can count on them.
I know that you, too, will see God’s Face in these beautiful people.
