Today began our journey to the Borderlands.  After a rainy early morning commute, we made it to Eagle Pass, Texas in the sunny early afternoon. We arrived at Iglesia Luterana San Lucas, where we were greeted by Pastor Bailey. Pastor Bailey has been at the church for about three years. The church is predominantly Spanish speaking, and it serves the local community.

It is located in what is known as ‘Las Colonias’ a place that is not in the city limits and may have fewer resources.  The church has a food bank on site, where people from the community come and get supplies on Tuesdays.  Volunteers come and prepare the grocery bags the day before, and it is generous in its servings compared to other food pantries.  Items include cereal, rice, beans, fruit and bread.  Unfortunately, not all the donated food is healthy, and there is a lot of sugary food which can be problematic to the recipients’ diet.  

Pastor Bailey mentioned the desire for more partnerships, or working together between well-meaning church groups and locals who need assistance.  For example, instead of a group coming to drop off food, they could help locals plan a community garden and work with the locals so that locals feel like they are reaping benefits and empowered to work in their own land/community. Instead of a one-time mission trip, a long-term relationship would be most beneficial.

After we toured the food bank and sanctuary, the group went to the wall, to the border between the U.S. and Mexico.  We walked alongside the Rio Grande River, being near that line of demarcation between the U.S. and Mexico.  

Noemi Ortiz