Journal Entry: Day 5

Today, we finished the walls in Tere's room. The other groups visited Tere's apartment, which I was not the biggest fan of. There were just too many people in the space, which interfered with the painting we were trying to finish up. Worse than that, some people, instead of talking with Tere in the living room, were just cluttering up the bedroom we were trying to paint. After a certain point, and after they ignored one of my group member's requests to leave, I told them all to leave (nicely, I think), and we finished up painting in about an hour and a half. The people who cluttered up the room were acting selfishly and not thinking of us or Tere. They were depriving themselves of the full experience by not talking to Tere and remaining in their comfort zone. I think that is what has made this experience most different from those of the other UC students on this trip. I keep trying to make myself uncomfortable, because that is how experiential learning can take place. It bothers me a lot that some people came to NYC as just a vacation.

Next, a few of us went thrift shopping. This group seemed very cool and low key, which was a nice break.

Gerardo brought us to a neighborhood with Christmas lights to the extreme. These were mansion-sized homes, and in NY, they must cost a fortune.

Tonight we had our Convivio at St. Michael's Church on 4th and 86th Street in Brooklyn. Father Kevin Sweeney was very kind and sociable, and he gave us the story of the Virgin Guadalupe. In the basement we had wrapped tacos (they made me something I could eat). I talked with Father and listened to the stories of the people in attendance.

Many of the people there came to the US illegally, or are staying illegally. They came to escape violence and/or to better their situations. They have sacrificed a lot for the sake of better lives for their family.

One man was going to university but quit. He worked washing floors at a restaurant where the owners took him as their own and taught him how to be a cook. He now works as a chef.
His wife broke her leg while crossing the border, and could not work for a year. She had to rely on the kindness of the Mexican community in the US. She has been through a lot and is not afraid of anything anymore.

There was an older couple there as well. They were extremely proud of their large family (2 great-grandchilren)! The man had never had a formal education, and everyone at the Convivio emphasized the importance of getting an education. The older couple seemed very content and grateful now.
There was also a very kind mother  who came here and started a family. She was also extremely grateful to be here.

One man came to tghe US and has moved back and forth between Mexico, taking the best jobs he could find. His wife works heavily in the church. I asked if he would be in NYC forever, and he said only if his papers were good. Deportation is a scary reality for anyone here illegally. I'm going to research the issue more when I return home to Dayton.

It is amazing how much I take for granted. I was simply born with so much of what these people are dedicating their lives towards achieving. I was handed citizenship and the rights that come with it, while many people we met have struggled to achieve their standard of living here in the US, the country that they love, and still do not possess the rights of a citizen.
On a side, my Spanish speaking was good, but my comprehension was poor. I think I will start listening to Spanish radio.

Christmas Lights in Brooklyn