Migrant Caravan
In the recent weeks, the migrant caravans from the Central America, through Mexico, to the United States border, have received significant media attention. The exodus from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador isn’t new, but traveling in groups this large is a more recent phenomenon. The migrants are fleeing extreme poverty and violence in their home…
Mexico Road: Brothers at the FM4
Originally posted for Teachers Latin America The doorbell buzzes a bzzz-bzzzt as I move to open the small window in the large black door. I look through a window stenciled with the logo of the FM4 Paso Libre. We are here at a shelter for migrants and refugees in Guadalajara. The young man on…
En el camino…On their way
Each person that passes through the doors of the FM4 is received as a part of the family “in the house that keeps dreams alive” and is treated with respect and dignity. With over 5,000 migrants and refugees passing through our house each year, I want to share with you all a part of their…
24 Hours at the FM4
(Originally posted February 2017) The FM4 has been a place continual change. In the past year of volunteering at the migrant shelter, I’ve seen the place transform into a 24-hour facility serving the needs of migrants in transit and refugees. I love being a part of the family of volunteers and staff that makes this…
FM4 Paso Libre
(Originally posted June 2016) Since February, I’ve been volunteering with a grassroots project that supports migrants coming through Guadalajara, called FM4 Paso libre, officially known as Dignidad y justicia en el camino, A.C. The organization provides humanitarian aid, along with legal and psychological accompaniment, to ensure the human rights of migrants. The journey migrants…
Nicaragua – Week Three and Four
(Originally posted August, 2009) Things have gotten busy and I’ve neglected my weekly updates. In Granada I’ve been busy with the preschoolers and workshops at Los Caracolitos. I’ve made two trips to Jinotega and spent a weekend in Costa Rica with Maria. Around Granada we drove up to Catarina el mirador to see…
Nicaragua – Week Two
(Originally posted July, 2009) This week my projects are in full swing and I’m working hard to fit as much in during the time I have here in Nicaragua. I’m running several groups out of a small community center about a thirty minute walk from where I’m staying. Henry, the doctor who runs the…
Nicaragua – Week One
(Originally posted July 2009) Hello! Melony and I arrived in Nicaragua one week ago and have been having a great time since the plane landed in Managua. We’ve learned our way around Granada and are getting used to eating rice and beans at each meal. Melony has started her Spanish classes and I’m…
Home after a Week of Goodbyes
(Originally posted August 2007) Hi Friends and Family, I’m writing this letter from my parents’ house in Madison. I arrived home yesterday afternoon. Yesterday morning, I was lucky enough to run into Kate Heideman in line at the Airport in Mexico City. Turns out we were on the same flight and everything. It was great…
¡Yeah for Estufas Ecológicas!
(Originally posted in August 2007) Hi Family and Friends, Greetings, once again, from Cuetzalan, Puebla. I almost didn’t make the two hour trip into Cuetzalan today because I’m not feeling well. It’s hard to spend two months in Mexico without catching some sort of stomach/intestinal bug. Yesterday and today, both Rosa and I have been…