I grew up in rural Tennessee. When it comes to Latinos, the only framework I had was that they were temporary farm workers. In my context, most Latinos were Mexicans, and many of them worked on the tobacco farm. I remember one summer, there was a possibility that I might go work for the tobacco …
Bishop José García: Why I am doing El Camino
Prior to coming to Bread for the World, I served as the State Bishop for the Church of God of Prophecy in California. About seventy percent of the churches under my care were Latino churches. In many of them, I came across families that were undocumented. Many shared with me their stories of why …
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I Hear Whispers: Cheryl Miller’s Story
I have lived in South Texas most of my life. My community is on a corridor for trafficking. There are two routes from Mexico that intersect in my hometown. One is Highway 59 that starts in Laredo, goes through my community on the way to Houston, and then on to Canada. The second is Highway 77, that …
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I Will Remember: Irene Finnigan’s Story
I missed childhood. I was old at five, wizened at seven and a sad old creature at eight. Yet, already, I was intent on remembering every detail, every sound. I eavesdropped because nothing was ever explained to me. I learned to hang around adults and listen. I learned never to ask questions …
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The Hidden Truth: Ismael’s Story
There is a moment in every person’s life when they become self-aware of a truth they have hidden from. For some, that moment comes in a near-death experience, or when they take a trip to a third-world country. Others live day by day without experiencing that moment. Yet, no matter who you are, …
Mexican-American Hands: Why I am doing El Camino
I know I am Mexican-American because of my hands. My hands are brown like café con leche. My hands are soft like a fleece cobija. My hands are smooth like a Cumbia rhythm. I explain my hands with a blend of English and Español, Mexican and American culture, because I am a living blend. This is …
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Mexican-American Hands: Why I am doing El Camino
In a few short weeks, CCDA practitioners will begin a 150 mile walking pilgrimage at the border of Mexico and California––El Camino del Inmigrante––to share in solidarity with immigrants who are migrating across the world. Pilgrimages are an opportunity for the re-orienting of oneself––not only …
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Managing Disappointment through Friendship and Self-Care
You know what’s hard? Loving people. And since love is really the heart of justice, that’s even more exhausting, because it means reciprocal connection, unearthing all our baggage in relationship (accidentally or intentionally), and walking in the ways of Jesus. I’m getting tired just writing that …
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