MCC Washington Memo

We had quite the event-filled day. After breaking camp at 6 AM (the norm for the walk), we travelled a total of 14 miles. It was a day when blisters started to appear (3 on my feet so far), a day to realize the importance of water and shade in the desert and a day to get to know the 65 walkers on the Trail.

It was also the day of our first real migrant encounter.

About mid-afternoon (we finished walking around noon and had set up camp already), two migrants approached us. After we gave them food and water, they told their story to some of our group leaders:

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Presente, The Journey Begins.

Left Shalom Mennonite Fellowship at 9 am to gather with all the participants at another church. We departed the church just after 11 am and drove to the U.S.-Mexico border. We walked on foot across the border into Sasabe, Mexico. There were no documentation checks, no stops whatsoever. We were shuttled to a local church one mile away, and were served a scrumptious Mexican lunch at the Parish house. Following that was a blessing at the church. Our walk officially began with the one mile walk from the church back to the U.S.-Mexico border. Folks collaboratively carried three coffins which represented male, female and child migrants.

On the Mexican side of the border, we gathered in a circle for another blessing in the Native American tradition. Maria prayed for our safety and called us all to remember this year’s deaths on the border. Gabriel would lead the walkers, carrying a large cross with the word PRESENTE which symbolized the presence of those who have died crossing the border. Many participants also carried smaller crosses with identified and unidentified names of migrants who have died over the years.

After we closed the circle, we made our way to cross the border once more. Unlike our first crossing, we were required to present documents to the U.S. officers for entry.

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I’m currently sitting at Shalom Mennonite Church in Tucson waiting for the service to begin in about a half hour.  We’ve already had a fairly busy morning so far, having taken a brief practice walk in the desert.

Yesterday was an event-filled day: we spent the majority of the day in Mexico, on a pre-Migrant Trail learning tour (just for the MCC delegation).

Our first stop was the border wall in Nogales.  It runs right through the city, which exists on both sides of the border.  There was artwork on the wall – graffiti, paintings & sculptures – that displayed the myriad emotions felt by people are are intimately affected by the border.  The artwork showed anger for the Border Patrol, for the United States in general, and for the “coyotes” who guide migrants across the border for a hefty fee.  It also revealed a feeling of sadness for the plight of migrants, especially those who have died in the desert.

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Campsite E to Border Patrol HQ
6.7 miles
(Two water stops, two full stops)

At last, our final day on the trail.  After a light walk in the morning, we hold a press conference at 12:30 outside the Border Patrol HQ.  We then hold a memorial service and closing ceremony for the Migrant Trail in Kennedy Park.

(Thank you for reading our updates from the trail.  Starting Tuesday, Valerie and I will post pictures and journal entries from the trail, on a day-by-day basis.)

Church X to Campsite E
11.5 miles
(Four water stops, three full stops)

The walk begins to wind down.  By noon we see the outskirts of Tucson.  In the afternoon, we set up camp for the last time.

Campsite D to Church X
12.5 miles
(Four water stops, three full stops)

After yesterday, every walk from here on out will seem short!  We still have a full morning’s walk, nevertheless, though our destination today is a church, not a campsite as it has been every other day so far.

Campsite C to Campsite D
15.9 miles
(Five water stops, five full stops)

We walk almost 16 miles, the longest day on the Migrant Trail.  Though the mid-afternoon sun beat down on us as we finish the day’s journey, we are consoled in the evening by our first (and only shower on the trail).