Blogs from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, North America - page 2

Today we went to Tijuana in Mexico! How was it? It was kind of weird because you would see a skinny dog all skin and bones and you would see people rolling around on skateboards selling stuff trying to get money because Mexico is a very poor county. It is kind of sad also because you think about how much you have and how little they have and when they are rolling along looking for money and you cant do any thing for them you just feel like your sad and not caring about how sad they are. I wasn't able to take pictures but I am sure there will be pictures for when I go to Disney land. When we got into Mexico we had not had anything to eat so bye the time we ... read more

Went to mass at the church nearby here in La Gloria. They had a beautiful scene set up with an empty tomb and a statue of Jesus with arms outstretched. After mass, I went to a nearby community where I have a lot of amiguitos (little friends) to hand out Easter eggs with candy. The kids were pretty excited and it was great to see their smiles and laughter. Then, went back to La Gloria and went to a birthday party for someone who I just met that morning (a friend of Uriel, who lives in the Esperanza complex with me). Minutes after arriving, we went up the stairs to enter the house and I felt my first earthquake!! At first, I thought I was dizzy, and then I realized everyone else was shaking and things ... read more

One of the evening activities for groups is going to a migrant house. This is a transition home for migrants who have either been deported from the U.S. or are coming to Tijuana/U.S. from other parts of Mexico (or some other countries in Latin America). We usually go for a short tour, talk with a director or someone in charge about issues the migrants face and what they do at the house, and then we eat dinner with the migrants and have a chance to chat with them and listen to their stories. It can be intimidating at first, but these men (this house is only for men and there is another one for women and children) are so kind and friendly. Talking with them and hearing stories from the directors really makes you think about ... read more

Here we go on another adventure!! About a week ago, I arrived in Tijuana (first time I crossed the border on foot and it was super easy). For those who don't know exactly what I'm doing, a brief explanation: I'm working with a non-profit called Esperanza International for about 6 months. I have worked with them during spring break for the past three years with a group from USC and absolutely love the workers and families involved. Esperanza's main goal is self-sustaining, self-help community development. They work in 7 communities around Tijuana - helping the families to form community organizations and come up with solutions to their problems. The main task, or at least the most visible task, is building sturdy, long-lasting homes. Esperanza has volunteer groups come down throughout the year (most from the US ... read more

Hello! My second trip to Mexico. This time my friend and I decided to drive into Tijuana. The journey from Los Angeles to the border was fabulous - feasting our eyes on the changing terrain of Southern California. Some parts where awesome! Getting in the Mexico was easy! The Mexican border guard just waived us in. Come on in Amigo! Once in Mexico, as we drove down in to the country, it became relaxed and beautiful. The land was peaceful with everyone so affable and friendly! We stayed in New Port Beach Hotel, Baja, Mexico. Check the pictures out! John ... read more