Thank You God

Hola From Los Angles!!
Well we are on our fourth day in East LA, and let me just say it has been fantastic! God is working in so many ways in this community. Whether it is the women of the community, the Dolores Mission Catholic School, the Jesuit volunteers, or the Dolores Mission catholic parish; each is filled with so much love.
As we rolled into town on Saturday night all the nervousness that I had had since I decided to come on this trip hit me hard. I was scared to get out of the car, all because everyone had told me that I should be worried about gang members walking down the street with a gun. I went to bed that night with a bit of shameful worry. Now I look back and think how off base I was being scared about this neighborhood. The people here are so community oriented, and so adamant about stopping any violence. Today I have no fear for my safety.
The most shocking experience thus far on this trip has for sure been the talk we had last night with two women; Sophia and Gloria about their journey from Mexico to America. It was so heart wrenching, making several of us shed tears. At one point Sophia, (in tears) said to us, “God would not want us to have borders or immigration laws, he wants us to all be together.” Even though I have never had a personal opinion about border control I definitely do now! Not only did these talks touch me spiritually but they also made immigration laws something that I now can personally relate to. I hope and pray that these women find peace in the United States!
Today has already been such a great day. We started out our day with the Kinder, 1st, and 2nd graders of Dolores Mission School, with a prayer service in the church. It was so awesome to see the student’s excitement as they repeated time after time; “Thank You God,” for each of the gifts that God gave when he created the earth. After the prayer service we came back over to the school and worked in the classroom for a bit, I practiced my awesome poster making skills and pencil sharpening skills. I’m definitely becoming a pro, preparing me for my future of being a teacher. At 10:00 we came up to the community room and had an amazing meditation with Fr. Scott. During the meditation we focused on how we had felt welcome in the last four days in this community. Fr. Scott then gave us each the chance to share an experience that had left us feeling peaceful, joyful, and more fully alive. It was very moving to hear what each of us had to share. It was very obvious at this moment how filled with the Holy Spirit each of us is. After passing the healing oils around we shared the sign of peace with everyone! This was a most wonderful way to end the meditation.
Now I anxiously await our visit later today to skid row, and the juvenile detention center. I know that both of these visits will be sad, yet very memorable. Keep us in your prayers today as we visit both of these places. Boyle heights is one amazing place and it is clear that so much work and prayer has gone into making it what it is today!
Peace and Love Homies ☺,
Liz Thompson

Touching Testimonies

I am having a really hard time writing this right now because I am having a beyond difficult time putting to words what this experience has been for me. Prior to coming on this trip, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I basically just prayed to God that I would be open to whatever He wanted to me see and learn on this trip. I was not at all prepared for the impact that this trip has had on my heart. On Monday, we visited Homeboy Industries and heard a story from a former active gang member. The best word I could use to describe this guy was “authentic”. He was so open about where he has been and the mistakes he has made, and that was truly a witness of courage. As I was standing there listening to his story, I was in awe of what this person had been through and had to overcome. Instead of trying to hide his past, he is using to help other people in need. He has so much wisdom and I am having a hard time fathoming the fact that he is only twenty years old (the same age as I am!).
Last night we heard stories from two immigrant women from Mexico. Immigration is something that I have heard about in the news and been somewhat educated about, but not something that I have ever really experienced first-hand. Both of these women had their unique stories but what they had in common was their unrelenting desire to give the best possible lives for their children. I don’t know personally from a mother’s perspective but I think that is something that all mothers have in common. However, it was heart breaking to hear what these women had to endure in order to do that for their children. What a witness of love and sacrifice.
A common theme that I have seen is the reality that even though most of these people have so little, they are so willing to give all that they do have. I feel so blessed for the opportunity to experience a glimpse of these people’s lives. They have been such a light to me, and I cannot wait for what else God has in store for us on this trip!

With love,
Darbi Brady ☺

P.S. This has been an awesome opportunity to work on my Spanish (Yo hablo pokita Espanol!).

Words from a Stranger and Some Dodgeball

I have to admit that I thought I was pretty prepared coming on this trip to LA. I’ve had friends in the past who’ve come from this area and had shared stories with me. But seeing things in person? I don’t’ think any amount of training could’ve prepared for that. Last night we shared dinner with the men from the Guadalupe Homeless Project (GHP). It was such an amazing experience, and you could just feel the love and the sense of community emanating from everyone.
I ate dinner with a gentleman who probably was in his 50s. We were talking about heritage, culture and personal experiences-how they impact a person. He said something that really astounded me. He said this: “It doesn’t matter if you’re here, if you have no money or no job. It doesn’t matter how you’re living-undocumented or not. We are blessed just to be here; to be present.” Now, I’ve met a lot of people who I’ve thought were inspirational, but this man will definitely always stick with me. I don’t even remember his name. But I do remember what he said: “ I am blessed just to be in this country: in the present.” So often we forget that that just living here is such a gift and this is one thing that I will definitely take away from my spiritual journey in LA.
I also love the connections we’ve been able to build with the kids at the Dolores Mission School. Even when they don’t your name they will run up to you and welcome you with such enthusiasm. Today during dismissal I was standing outside and a group of second grade boys came up to me and wanted me to play dodge ball with them. I was super excited about this because I’ve always loved playing with little kids. However, whatever game they were playing before I joined turned into a game of “protect the girl”. Two the boys in particular latched onto me as they tried to hide from the incoming dodge balls. At one point I had a circle of second-grade boys surrounding me and keeping me from being hit. It was one of those experiences that made me feel so loved and adored as a role model by kids that I barely even knew. I can’t wait for more experiences like these. It has truly been humbling.

God Bless!
-Stephanie Johnson-

Learning about Realities

I have learned so much already and I have only been here for two days. Meeting people from this area is an eye opening experience. Such experiences as rape, murder, and drug abuse are not just stories here; they are realities.
It’s funny thinking about how I thought I knew a lot about gangs and the poor from watching movies and doing a little bit of research on the internet. I have learned way more talking to gang members and their mothers in the last two days than all the rest of my life reading about these issues. For example, I would read about cops doing their best to rectify this situation and create a safer environment in this area. In reality, the police started programs such as T.R.A.S.H and would refer to gang fights as N.H.I. (no humans involved).
Hearing stories from this side is a great way to understand what actually happens and why it is happening. I strongly encourage all to do their best to participate in encounters such as these and FULLY educate themselves about issues such as this. This is an awesome experience.

Jon Campbell

Perseverance……HOLY BUCKETS!!!!

This has been such a great trip!!!! There have been so many things that have amazed me, have challenged me, and have made me open my eyes to a completely new way of thinking about homelessness, gangs and education, especially in areas such as LA, where there are many that aren’t citizens, and many that don’t speak English.

It is easy for you to make assumptions about these people. It is simple to look at someone and make something up in your mind about what they are about, what they do, and who they are. We are wrong. SO wrong. We had the absolute privilege of getting a tour of Homeboy Industries, an organization that takes in “gangsters” and attempts to push them into a much brighter future, that they are all extremely capable of. Founded by Father Greg Boyle, who I DESPERATELY want to meet, this organization has changed the lives of SO many lives. Our tour guide walked us through her story, highlighting her past life, having children, losing them and through Homeboy, was able to get her life back together, and eventually has made contact with her children, and has relations with them now after more than ten years. How amazing is that???

This trip has brought me so many new perspectives, and has taught me so much. I, for time’s sake, will talk about three things………………..the women in this neighborhood, Father Greg, and Dolores Mission School.

The women in this neighborhood, WOW!!! I cannot believe what good they have done for their home and for their community. About 25 years ago, this neighborhood of Boyle Heights was at the “height” (punny) of crime and gangs. There had been so many shootings, resulting in so many deaths of friends and families. The mothers and friends of mothers in this neighborhood decided they had enough, and made a stand. Because their families were so in danger and their children were in danger, they started standing on the corners, monitoring what was happening in the neighborhoods.

Also, they kept their doors open in the event that a shooting broke out, making their homes safe havens for those close by to get to safety. FURTHERMORE, (this is CRAZY) when they would hear gun shots, as a group, they would all walk down the street and investigate, which made the gangs split up and leave. WOW…….how brave these women are. I couldn’t believe the perseverance. For YEARS they would do this, day after day, standing up against the violence and the danger that they were putting the community in. I am in awe of their bravery, inspired by their commitment to this community, and privileged that I have been able to meet these wonderful people and hear their journey.

Father Greg!!!! I WANT TO MEET YOU!!!!! What an amazing man of God. I cannot believe how much he has done for this neighborhood, and for so many outside of this. It all started with talking. When he heard guns, he went to them, talking to the sources. Most would be like, “What are you thinking??” HAHA!!! But what a big person it takes to be able to walk in the face of danger and try to fix it, rather than running away from it. He genuinely tried to get to know all of these people, and to understand why they are doing what they are doing. Whether they are making the choice to, or whether they are born into it, or whether they are stuck where they are, he was willing to find out and to make sure that they knew that there was someone that cared for them. I cannot even imagine how difficult that could have been. But, it has been for the very best, as he is has created an AMAZING place for these gangsters to go and try to make a future for themselves. They are offered jobs, they are given treatment, and they are given a fresh new start toward the futures that they are meant to lead. I admire this man, and have bought his book (you should too…..Tattoos on the Heart……..Amazon.com it) to remember and reflect on what it is like to be persistent in the face of danger, and in the name of God and what is good and right.

I said I would talk about education, but Andrew will instead, because he wanted to, and because I am talking too much and I need to go back to 1st grade (I know, right??). Of course, I mean in Dolores School, I get to help out the 1st graders……SOOOO CUTE and SOOOO smart!!!! LOVE IT!!!

Okay…..gotta go…….BYE!!!!

-FRED

Taking It All In

Hello!

Thank you for keeping up with the Blog. We have had a couple of really long days thus far so I am hoping today we will have time for writing and posting a few blogs. Last night as Ned and I delivered everyone to their host homes the general conversation I heard was, ‘I can’t wait to go to bed!’

We have met some really amazing people so far. In the two days we have been here we have been introduced to all of the programs of Proyetco Pastoral which includes everything from serving kids in after school programs to taking care of homeless men who arrive sometimes after just crossing the border and are in need of food, shelter and care. Yesterday we visited Homeboy Industries which is the largest and best known of all the programs this parish provides.

Perhaps for me what has been most powerful on this trip is the leadership of the women of this neighborhood for making a difference. In just about every program we have learned about, credit has been given to the women for making a stand and creating change. When talking to the women what they say is, “we read and reflect on the Gospel and then we know what to do.”

I am excited for the students to begin writing about their experiences but I also know they have learned much and met many people so there is a lot to think about. This parish community is an amazing model in giving what it has to lift up the dignity of people.

Peace,
Colleen

BLOG by Travis

18 hour drive? Done. Was it fun? Maybe. I can honestly say it was a “bonding” experience. Fourteen people stuffed into three vans for 1,200 miles was a test of character for all. Staying in Salt Lake the first night was a welcome stop. We passed through some wonderful country on the second day of the drive. It made the ten hour push from Utah much more bearable. Although, perhaps a deodorizing system may be in need for the ride home. A straight diet of In-n-Out, pizza, gummi bears, and gas station food was not the nourishment we needed for a close quarter 18 hour drive. It made for short tempers, and frequent bathroom stops. All in all, when we all arrived at our final destination of Dolores Mission, everyone was pleased.
> Today was our first full day in L.A. We started our day off with 9 A.M. mass. The people of the community were amazing. All of us felt welcome and as if we were part of the DM (Dolores Mission) family. After mass, a family hosted breakfast. Not just breakfast, a Mexican feast. All of this food was authentic, hand made food. Tortillas were made and pressed in front of us. After mass, we all walked around the community. Family were simply hosting booths and selling food, clothes, drinks, and small novelty items. It was a very interesting experience for still being in L.A.

After mass we met with community members who told us what it was like growing up in the neighborhood. We heard stories of violence, fear, and sometimes death. The same streets we walked, just 15 years before were full of gangs, and had a reputation of violence. I was amazed at the perseverance of the people. The sense of community that the people have here is unrivaled anywhere i have been.
Today we meet with Homeboy Industries and meet our host families, whom we will be staying with the rest of the trip. It is going to be a beautiful, busy day. Let the immersion begin.
Cheers,
Travis

Safely Here

Hello!

We have safely arrived in East LA after a long day and a half drive. Our first day at Dolores Mission was busy but really great!

We were welcomed here by our host Joanna (a Jesuit Volunteer) and a very lively crowd at the 9 AM Mass. Many of the students were asked to participate in Mass this morning which was awesome.

We have traveled a bit today to see the city and have also talked with amazing people to tell us about the neighborhood. There will be much to learn and see in the week ahead and everyone seems pretty excited about it.

Thanks for you thoughts and prayers and you will soon be hearing from students in the blog about their experiences.

Peace,
Colleen

Reflecting Back

East LA was my favorite headlights trip because I had so many great encounters with genuine and authentic people.

1. The homestay: The family we stayed with was truly a joy. The Latin American culture brings so much to our culture. Liveliness, joy, importance of family, spanglish, authentic love of God and Our Lady, it’s beautiful.

2. The x-gang member with a giant spider tattoo across his face: Ok, seriously scary. If I saw him on the street I would probably run. I didn’t even want to sit in the front row during his talk. But he was gentle as a lamb, and his message? God is real, has helped him off the streets, and he’s so grateful for second chances. Period. Hurray for homebody industries providing them with a real supportive community.

3. The illegal immigrant: his story of faith, of absolute TRUST, of openness. The story of a real live person who is just looking for something more and a way to help his family out of extreme poverty. That was a huge stereotype breakdown.

4. The walk around the block with the youth group…at night: ok, colleen almost said no…for good reason, but we begged her and so we went…it’s not very often you see a group of 20 white people walking on the streets of East LA at night. Gangs are reality there. That is a way of life. Often they are born into it, and it is a way of survival. The youth group does not berate them, but instead they strive to live as a light to people to show that there’s a way out.

I am so thankful for these people who let me into their interior struggles, their pasts, and their most sacred desires and dreams for the future. I am thankful for that openness even in knowing that we could never understand, but joyfully sharing it anyway as brothers and sisters in Christ. In that openness we find that we have a lot more in common than we think. And besides, we are the Body and that’s what we do. We listen and we grow from the experiences of one another.

I pray and hope that you have a blessed trip sharing with each other about this crazy journey of life, and that you come back with expanded horizons about our brothers and sisters beyond these borders.

Peace to you all!

Katie Murray