Trying to understand and communicate what we see, hear, read, and learn

11 September, 2010
Lansing, MI
For the past several weeks, I have been reading El Diario and the El Paso Times, two local papers that report on happenings in Ciudad Juarez. I am fluent in several languages, including those used by both papers. Yet, I know that even within my own native language of English, my fluency varies as I move from domain to domain.

For example, as a college student in the 1960s, I became proficient in the linguistic domains of demonstrations, as well as academics. My pedagogical domains developed over 20 years in classrooms. Living and working with Mexican and Central American migrant families in the Pacific Northwest, I improved my usage of a domain of Spanish pertinent to raising children under ever-changing conditions. Graduate studies in educational policy prepared me to use both languages at both national and international levels. None of these experiences, however, introduced me to the vocabulary of murder, terror, and despair I have been reading about in Juarez.


At the moment, MPT team members Angie and Nina are on the ground in Juarez, living and working with families there. Megan and I remain here in the States, continuing to raise money for the Peace Team and attempting to provide whatever support we can. We research on the internet; we draft grant applications; we continue to offer fair trade goods for sale. Through media in our home communities and this blog, Megan and I share what we learn from our research and what we learn from Angie & Nina during our weekly Skype conversations. Those connections allow us to strive to maintain and continue to develop as a team.

Last night Nina and Angie told us of the work they are beginning this week, making connections with mothers and children caught up in the violence of Juarez. Their words made me cry and also smile, thinking about how well they are serving the MPT mission of

seeking a just world grounded in nonviolence and respect for the sacred interconnectedness of all life.

I offer these word clouds created and edited from my newspaper readings from the first ten days of this month as my contribution in support of that work.

NOTE: If the images are too small for you to read, hold down Control & press + until you can see them clearly.


Created at http://www.wordle.net/

First Impressions

Ciudad Juarez, Mexico
Sept. 8, 2010


When I was missioned in Peru. our town suffered several attacks from Sendero Luminoso, the terrorist group in Peru. I remember thinking and voicing “Shouldn’t we receive some training on how to be better peace makers and being non-violent?” We just took for granted that we were non-violent. I have learned that yes, there is much we can learn and it’s a life- long process!

When I was asked by Mary Ellen Gondeck if I was interested in being part of a peace team for Juarez, Mexico, I didn’t hesitate because I am of Mexican descent and it has always been my dream to minister in Mexico. I also always wanted to learn how to be a better peace-maker.

The training took place and now the reality of Juarez could paralyze you: the drug cartels are fighting for power, using the poor as their victims to do their dirty work. Extortions have forced families to abandon the city leaving: home, friends, and possesions, out of fear for their lives. Many young ladies have disappeared and their bodies then found in the desert. There is no work, and many live by selling goods on the street: brooms, soap, etc. (enough to eat for that day), So many youth cannot afford to study and can’t find work. The list can go on and on, but in the midst of all this pain and suffering, there are people with hope for a better tomorrow.

This past weekend we attended a workshop on the other side of town. Some attendees came from very poor areas. They had been given assignments to reflect on Juarez yesterday, Juarez today and Juarez in the future. The title of the workshop was Juarencitos a Defendernos (People of Juarez, let us defend ourselves). They love their city and know that hope and change will come from grassroots, not from the authorities.

To hear their stories and feel their pain has helped me understand the need for our solidarity with them at this time. One mother shared how her 16 year old daughter disappeared, Paloma was her only daughter. The family searched for about three weeks and, then, her body was found in the desert. She vowed in her pain that she would not stop until there was justice. This woman has started a group and is constantly being asked to accompany other mothers and family members to confront corrupt authority. Perhaps justice will never come, but brave women are not sitting back and allowing such crimes to go unnoticed, the way the authorities would like them to do.

I have met so many dedicated people working for a better tomorrow for their city, Oh how they love their city! They want to see gardens and trees grow and have beauty again surround their homes and city. They want to feel free to walk their streets

They look at Angie Mann - an 18 year old - and Sister Nina Rodriguez - a golden jubilarian (fifty years as a Sister of St. Joseph - and say, "When so many have left, you have chosen to come and live among us. You are a sign of peace and hope that God has not abandoned His people." They look at us in disbelief, but have welcomed us with so much love and gratitude.

Remembering the poem on the Footprints in the Sand, we realize -- Yes, God is carrying Juarez during these painful moments in their history, Their faith, love and pain will someday know the power of their efforts to build a life-giving city again.

In the Beginning

Ciudad Juarez, Mexico





Juarez is a city of many different views given by many forms. The media has portrayed it as a city with constant drug warfare, malicious murders and kidnappings, and little love. When Nina and I arrived here in Juarez we were greeted with beautiful skies, wonderful people, and absolutely no danger. Julie took us to the Centro where we met some of the women that we would be working with for the next few months. The Centro is covered in pictures of love, and ideas of hope and a better future for Juarez. The women took us to our house where we will be staying for the next few months. A woman here in Juarez has graciously offered her space for us to use as our home. The houses here are different than in America. Our house is bright orange with a blue gate, like many of the houses here the colors are bright and many times do not match. According to people here, improvements to your home can get you into trouble with the gangs and mafia.
The neighborhoods here are divided into colonias; all of them have different styles, and reputations. The Colonia that we are staying in is safer than other Colonias. Women from the Centro took us walking on Wednesday night where we were surrounded by children playing in the streets, families walking to and from school, and people gathering to chat. Children here introduce themselves, kiss you on the cheek and ask a lot of questions, especially if you are from North America. We walked to a church where we attended a meeting and saw the presentation that Nicole has posted below. Members of the Centro are giving a presentation that represents Juarez yesterday, Juarez today, and what they foresee as the future of Juarez. They are fighting for their city and we as Michigan Peace Team members are being invited to stand with them in their struggle.

Today we are attending a conference at a university that promises to be absolutely amazing. Check out our next blog soon.

-Angie and Nina

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Welcome to Juarez: Photos of the lovely Ciudad

Fall Juarez Team Arrives Safely In-Country

We're pleased to announce that the Fall Peace Team to Juarez, Mexico has arrived safely!  They are getting settled in and meeting with local folks.  This strong team will be in the field long-term, from September 1, 2010 to mid-December, 2010.  A third team member will join the Team in a few weeks to complete the group.

Watch for blog entries posted soon directly from the field-- and leave your comments of support and encouragement for the team on their blogs!

Nicole Rohrkemper
International Peace Team Coordinator
MPT

MPT All-Teams Reunion Event, Sept 15, 2010

 

to a Michigan Peace Team

"DOMESTIC & INTERNATIONAL"

PEACE TEAM REUNION

& NETWORKING PARTY

September 15th, 2010 - 7pm to 9pm

@ Affirmations of Ferndale MI

 

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View this Event on Facebook to share the invite or RSVP Now!  Help us invite your fellow team members, and let them know you'll meet them there.

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MPT would like to invite everyone who has ever been on a Domestic or International Peace Team -- plus all those who have supported teams, and anyone interested in going on a future team-- to this very special event.

Who: Current & Former Team Members (all 16 years!)

and their Supporters, Friends, and Family

Plus! Open to those new to MPT or interested in a Future Team; Information will be available.

What: Join us for Dessert, Cocktails, Door Prizes, Networking, and more! 

 

Tickets are available at the door by donation (on a sliding scale, suggested donation $15); no one will be turned away for inability to pay.  All are welcome. 

 

 

When: September 15th, 2010

Open House, come anytime 7pm to 9pm

Where:

Community Room

Affirmations Community Center of Ferndale

290 W Nine Mile, Ferndale MI 48220 

(Detroit Area)

 

For more information, or to reserve tickets, contact Nicoler.MPT@gmail.com.