Thanks to this class, I had the opportunity to work with refugees from Africa, Iran, Bosnia, Cuba, and Afghanistan. Betsy Parkes and Chris Kerlin from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) spoke to our class about the refugee resettlement program here in Phoenix. I volunteered and was able to be an American Friend to a single mother with four children from Liberia. I helped her sort junk mail from important mail, helped them with their English, showed them around Phoenix and other little things to help her get adjusted to her new life. As I was teaching her about America she taught me about Liberia.

I have learned to look beyond my little world and see what is happening in the real world.  The Borderlinks trip to Mexico was well done and very informative. The poverty that has stricken Mexico is something that has to be witnessed first hand. I think people would be more understanding if they would open up their minds and really see the injustice. Many people from neighboring areas go to Nogales to work in the Maquiladora’s. Even with some of the Maquiladora’s paying above average wages it still isn’t enough to provide a family with their basic needs.  It’s distressing that all that is separating the “land of plenty” from an impoverished nation is a wall.

On our way back from the Borderlinks fieldtrip there was a tragic car accident that claimed the life of my friend Shaquila. My friend LaToya and my professor, Dr. Koptiuch were also injured physically and emotionally.  I would like to share a scripture with them and their families...

              And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.

                                     Revelation 21:4

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