MCC Washington Memo

The Never Ending Journey

Maria led a blessing ceremony on the mountain ridge. This one was to welcome us home. It was very moving, as we remembered the families and friends who are unable to welcome their loved ones home.

About a dozen other folks joined us to walk the final stretch of more than six miles. The pace was slower because we had additional walkers, but they were great and we crossed the highway together, hand in hand, successfully.

We arrived at Kennedy Park for a press conference and closing ceremony (folks shared their experiences, and we had a beautiful foot washing ceremony). We took turns to lay down the crosses we carried as we were greeted by friends and family.

People clapped. I felt a sense of accomplishment because I had walked the entire way. But, I also felt saddened that many migrants cannot be welcomed by their families and friends. I felt a huge burden as I was reminded yet again of the many privileges that are mine. I felt ashamed that I was being cheered on, knowing that I could have discontinued the walk if I felt the need to.

But we rejoice in the honor to walk in solidarity with migrants who make the walk daily. We will share with our communities, friends, family and Congress, our experiences in the borderlands, and the many stories that are left untold.

The Migrant Trail 08 journey has ended. But we must continue the journey in advocating for just immigration and border policies.

We had our last full day of the walk today, and it was a packed day, both physically and spiritually.

I was able to make the whole 11+ mile walk, which I hadn’t expected to be able to do (Jessica, our medic/miracle worker did a great job of wrapping my foot and giving me the arch support I needed).

Halfway through the morning’s walk, a vehicle pulled over and flagged us down. A Native man and his two young daughters wanted to personally greet us all.

Later, about a mile from our campsite, one of the escort vehicles became stuck in sand and we were forced to stop for a half-hour. Two Native American walkers, Maria and Gabriel, used the time to talk about Native culture and spirituality.

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Chasing the Sun

We were shuttled from the camp grounds to a breakfast stop before beginning the day’s walk. We started around 7.30 am, and what Kat had been saying about “chasing the sun” became clear. A few hours makes a huge difference in temperature. And the hotter it is, the harder it is to take another step. We walked 12.5 miles today.

It sure felt like that at noon, and the church we were to be camping at was not in sight. It was finally visible – truly an oasis. My eyes had to readjust from the bright sunlight to what seemed like the dark interior of the church.

Arnjang, a Buddhist monk who walked with us part of the time graciously catered a Thai meal for us. It has been meaningful to have folks of different faiths walk together, with a common goal to raise awareness about the border deaths.