Now two days removed from the conclusion of our trip to the borderlands, the inevitable return to the same old daily routines is well underway. The problem, however, is that I am not the same. Although the trip was only five days, my mind and heart have been challenged and changed in substantial ways. This kind of transformation tends to happen when one leaves their familiar environment for a significantly different one, and is forced to wrestle face-to-face with issues usually discussed in theory.

Border Fence, Eagle Pass, Texas

This is most certainly the case after this past week on the Texas-Mexico border. Subjects like Immigration, smuggling, multi-million dollar fences, Latin American cartels, and undocumented families living in the United States were much easier to debate before I could associate the names and faces of individuals victimized by said issues.

Listening to some of the lobbyists, social workers, faith leaders, and other longstanding organization personnel did not simplify these issues, as much as begin the process of education, which has become most formative. Becoming more informed on these topics is of upmost importance, not only for my own political and theological formation, but also for the ability to more thoroughly engage these topics with others.

The most frequent question for the above civic leaders, from us seminarians, was: "What can we do?; What part can we play?" There a number of responses given, but at the most basic level education seemed the most common and imminent. Unsurprisingly, these community leaders expressed their frustration with how misconstrued news reports tended to be, as well as how many myths about border topics were in circulation. They were all so appreciative of the fact that we had come to experience the borderlands firsthand, and encouraged us to visit and volunteer in the future. But in the meantime, they admonished us to make the simple, practical adjustment of reeducation; for ourselves and others.

Sacred Heart Relief Center

Rather than allow misinformed arguments and conversations to continue around us, I now understand that my duty is to challenge colleagues, peers, or family members that may have wrong information. Of course, this takes wisdom, but I have seen and heard too much already to simply overlook such problematic talk. I may not possess the answers or means to solve these complex issues, but I do have a voice to represent marginalized individuals living on the border; especially those who have been deprived of their own voices.

Our Lady Of Refuge, Eagle Pass, Texas

My same, old, daily routine will continue as my semester goes forward, but my prayer is to have the courage to continue on this path of reeducation; to not neglect my responsibility to represent the victims, leaders, and overall status of the borderlands. 

Jose Ruiz