Saturday May 7^th, 2016

As we feel our way along in prayers

So may we feel our way along in our daily relationships

Looking, listening, reaching our, and touching.

As we would keep alive the memory of Jesus,

Give us fuller measure of his living and healing Spirit. AMEN

Today was another very good day, filled with teasing and laughter. The team has continued to come together into a sisterhood. Everyone is equal, helping each other in and out of the van. Making sure everyone is accounted for and not left behind. Filling drink glasses when they are empty. General good humor and care. Jeannie Blankenbaker, coordinator for our Ubuntu Journeys, said, “Everyone who is to be on this team will be on it!” Truer words have never been spoken. We are all where we need to be.

We visited Proyecto Azteca in San Juan, TX. This non-profit self-help construction company serves low income families in the colonias as well as other rural areas of Hidalgo County. Executive Director, Ann Cass was to visit with us about this ministry, unfortunately, she fell and broke her arm and was unable to be with us. Her very able Director of Public Relations, Amber Arriaga-Salinas, spent three hours telling us about the projects and connections Proyecto Azteca works with.

Started in 1991, with the coming together in the spirit of Cezar Chavez the United Farmworkers of America, Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid and Texas Low Income Informative Services to respond to the housing crisis in the Rio Grande Valley colonias and rural areas.  The first year, a self-help construction was organized with four families. As a nationally recognized, community self-directed, self-help organization Proyecto Azteca has helped, to date, over 600 families in 150 colonias and rural areas. All homes built are energy efficient and weather sustainable with a 0% interest and monthly payments include property taxes and home insurance, this gives the homeowner pride in ownership as well as chance to live in a safe shelter.

Teams are welcome. Minimum age to work is 16. Contact Amber Arriaga-Salinas at 956-702-3307 for more information.

There was a great deal of discussion about the issues along the border, the wall, and the immigration laws. The issues with undocumented Moms needing to get medical care for ill children and how difficult it is to get. The bottom line is there are laws which are unfair, it is important to not just complain but to become proactive in working to make the needed changes.

Next stop was lunch for Texas BBQ. We ate at Texas T’s. Ribs, brisket, pulled pork, coleslaw, potato salad, all agreed it was a good an introduction to Texas BBQ.

Back to McAllen First to meet Julian Otero of Manos Juntas to drive us to Mexico. A quick 45 minute drive across the border. We were greeted with a warm welcome from Maria Elena de Fuentes, and Veronica Berman. Maria is the wife of the Bishop of the Eastern Conference of the Mexican Methodist Church. Veronica is the wife of GBGM Missionary Willie Berman. The ladies of the local Methodist churches were also here to welcome us. Sister Kevin gave Maria a prayer shawl from her church’s prayer shawl ministry. We again shared stories and laughter. Quickly realizing we are all the same no matter the language, we have the same cares and concerns and love of our families. Platters of fruit and cookies and then homemade tamales, charro beans, salad and sandwiches were served for dinner. We all left groaning. We greatly, greatly appreciate the warm hospitality and look forward to tomorrow with worship and deepening of friendships.  

Photos to follow.