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 [...]Read More
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, [...]Read More
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 [...]Read More
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 [...]Read More
A Chinese-American Immigrant’s Story
In 2012, I sat down with my grandmother for a rare conversation. Growing up biracial, I was always eager to learn about the Chinese side of my family, and I usually turned to my mother for the stories of her parents’ immigration from China to the United States. On this particular occasion, my [...]Read More
El Camino — FAQs
Who we are? We are leaders in the Christian Community Development Association, Jesus followers seeking justice for immigrant friends in our communities. What we are doing? We are walking the approximately 150 miles from Tijuana, Mexico to Los Angeles, California, USA from August 20th-30th [...]Read More
We are on the Camino of Life
As many of you know, I recently returned from a 6-month sabbatical from my work with CCDA. In my absence, our entire staff––but particularly Dave Clark––had to carry a huge load, for which I will be eternally grateful. While my entire sabbatical was filled with fabulous experiences and much needed [...]Read More