DAY 5: TIME IN COMMUNITY

Happy Saturday! We started our day with a great breakfast made by Leo and Carolina. We then walked down to Parque de Mexico where we gathered with children and families from Tijuana mi Ciudad, an organization promoting walking in communion for peace. We strolled down the streets to Friendship Park, where we joined to read stories, enjoy snacks, and celebrate family. After, we headed to Esther’s Tamale restaurant and were taught to make authentic Mexican tamales. Esther has lived in Tijuana for 14 years, working at her restaurant to serve other migrants in need. We enjoyed in a delicious tamale lunch with rice, beans, and fresh peach juice. Tomorrow, we will hand out the tamales we made in our lesson after our prayer service. Following lunch, we walked through the city to the Mercado Hidalgo, where we spent time browsing the local vendors and shopping for souvenirs for our families. We also ventured to the Tijuana Culture Museum, where we explored an exhibit focused the history of California and northwestern Mexico including the role the Jesuits played in colonization. Later, we enjoyed another dinner from Leo and Carolina, played cards, and spent quality time as a group. Following dinner, we heard from Graceila, a human rights defender in Tijuana. We learned about what makes a human rights defender, the work she is doing throughout Mexico (especially for migrants), and how we can speak up in our own community. We ended the night in peaceful reflection and discussion, with the question: “What does God call us to do for others back at home?” We are ready and excited for tomorrow!