by Holly Herman
A couple weeks ago, Rich Doerrer-Peacock, Randy Mayer, Bill Lyons, Susan Valiquette, two National staff visitors (Rev. Joshua Baird, Global H.O.P.E. Team Leader and Rev. Irene W. Hassan, Minister for Refugee and Migration Services), and I took a trip to Casa de la Misericordia in Nogales, MX, a mission project of the UCC, Lutherans, and Episcopalians. It is an amazing place. Sister Lika Mejia is the director and has been there many years. She has organized a refuge for asylum seekers, a place to heal, rest, and prepare for the next step of their journey.
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“In just two months since Cecilia’s been able to weave again, she’s visibly changed. When we first met, she was quiet and rarely met anyone’s eyes. Now, she smiles easily, and moves with confidence and agency, enthusiastically teaching others, pointing out shapes and symbols that represent the lush flowers and animals of her beloved mountains. In the precious work of her hands preserving her cultural and familial arts, Cecilia feels at home at last. Grace abides in each mending stitch and every pass of the shuttle through warp and weave in the la Casa de las Misericordia trauma-informed arts and activities program.”
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For those interested, we will be organizing a special UCC immersion experience before the SOAW Border Convergence that will include a desert walk with Samaritans, witness at Operation Streamline, theological reflection on border ministry and UCC strategic discussion on immigrant justice at a national level.
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