|
Hello all,
So I am back from Mexico. I wanted to send a few pictures, just a preview really, I took probably 200 or so. But I wanted
to just tell you a bit about my time in mexico. A delegation of 8 beautiful students/professors and one extraordinary woman
leader from Mexico spent a week together in a delegation of the Coalition for Justice in the Maquiladoras, just over the
border, where hundreds and hundreds of factories have popped up over many many years, but especially since NAFTA passed in
1994.
It was truely a life changing experience, so powerful, difficult, intense, painful, amazing, and just beautiful. I met
amazing people, full of so much love and so much courage and strength. We saw some of the worst conditions, probably the
worst smells I will ever smell, and the worst homes I will ever see and the sadest neighborhoods I might ever see. We spent
the week thinking and seeing how the passage of NAFTA has affected people who practically are a part of our own country.
Toxic waste from freon in their streets, in their air, in their water. All kinds of illness. I have pages and pages of notes
regarding the working conditions in these factories, starting from simply snakes and skunks under their desks, to no food,
to no bathrooms, to getting no pay for weeks/months. I could go on and on about the workplace, things I know I had no idea
was possibly STILL going on.
Before 1994, people in mexico were swimming in the Rio Grande and drinking the water. I saw water (the RIO GRANDE) that
I was so frightened that if I fell in, I don't know what would have happened to me. I know that poverty is one of our realities.
I am a social worker, it is one of those social injustices that I am trying to fight for the people. But, to see all of
these harmful and sometimes fatal impacts - from work conditions, to poison in the air, to environmental harm, to hurting
smiling children, to increasing the struggle to get rice on the table, and to know that these struggles are created and avoidable...
Throughout the trip, I was lucky enough to have these amazing people in the delegation surrounding me and supporting each
other, and lucky enough to meet people from Mexico that have the biggest hearts. The unity, community, and love carried us
through the tough things we witnessed.
I told Martha (our leader) that I wanted to stay, that I wanted to help. She told me I was welcome (and I felt that),
but that I have plenty work to do here. So, now I am back. It is a difficult transition, hard to gulp down the things I
saw. But I wanted to tell you all a bit about it, even though this doesn't even touch the surface really. The delegation
of people have grown to be friends and partners, and we have lots to do. Telling stories is the first thing we can do. so
stay tuned! I have lots to say!
Another thing: you are beautiful. Hugs to all!
love, kristen
|
