Enrique's Journey - Me trying to understand Illegal Immigration - Final Installment

Well this is the final post on Enrique's Journey. It has helped to write about it, and clarify it in my head.

Enrique is now in America. It has not been as he or his mother would have thought or wished it would have been. He is angry, and still fills abandoned, or that his mother will again abandon him. She is frustrated over his lack of respect and the fact that she still has one child (her daughter) in Honduras. Enrique also has a daughter back in Honduras. His girlfriend gave birth after he left.

To me this situation is humanly hopeless. I say humanly because if God were allow to govern peoples live; if they gave him control, we would not have these issues. But because we are evil all the time (Genesis 6:5), this situation will continue to go on. Below are some things that struck me:

• Illegal migrants are able to get driver's license. Enrique was charged with driving while impaired. In the book it talks about how nearly 4 times as many Hispanic drivers as non-Hispanic drivers in North Carolina have been charged with driving while impaired. I find it amazing that he could get a drivers license while not being here legal. And when charged all he had to pay was $1,000 and tell the judge he was sorry. No deportation.
• These immigrants can buy fake ID's, and then find work. (Here again it is not the legal way, but illegal)
• In Honduras if you are a woman and over the age of 25 or 28 you are no longer considered for many jobs. Middle age women have 3 options: Washing and Ironing clothes, cleaning houses, or making tortillas at home. These jobs pay $50 to $90 per month. A family needs $350 a month minimum.
• A quote from Enrique to his aunt or cousin: "You think that filling our bellies is the same thing as love." Enrique was basically on his own from the age of 5. At this point in the book also Enrique moves away from his mother. She says "Her live is in Florida with her "de facto husband", daughter (who was born in US) and sister. "You never acknowledged me as a real mother. I have to work at my life with my husband now". When did Enrique, or any child like him, have a mother?
• Despite the increased danger, more migrants are making the attempt. Between 2001 & 2004 , the number of Central American migrants detained and deported each year by Mexico nearly doubled, to more then 200,000....During that same period the number of children detained by the U.S. Border Patrol while entering the country illegally and without either parent nearly doubled.
• Through out Latin America, even in traditional societies such as Mexico divorce and separation are increasingly common.
• The countries they leave benefit in different ways: Lower unemployment being one. Also the money sent back to the families brings $30 BILLION a year to Latin America alone. The cash flow makes up a whopping 15% of El Salvador's gross domestic product and is Mexico's second largest contributor to the economy after oil. Do you think they want it to end?
• A quote from a Honduran migration official: "Keeping the family together-even if they are poor-is more important then leaving and improving their economic conditions."
• Each year the US legally admits nearly a million people. Another 700,000 arrive illegally.
• 36 million residents of the US were born in another country; nearly a third of those live in the US illegally.
• Enrique and his mother disagree about the impact of this on the US. Enrique says that were he an American citizen, he would want to curtail illegal immigration. He admits he does not contribute no taxes on what he earns. Lourdes says: "To her immigrant labor is the engine that helps drive the American economy. Immigrants do the work no American wants to do. (Lazy us)
• The immigrants notice a lack of work ethic in Americans. The native born workers take alot of breaks and work slower. The immigrants want to keep their jobs so they work harder.
• The Center for Immigration Studies, which seeks reduced immigration levels, found that in 2002 nationwide, households headed by illegal immigrants used $26.3 billion in government services and paid $16 billion in taxes.
• Those hardest hit by the influx of immigrants are disadvantaged native-born minorities who don't have a high school degree.
• The Labor intensive industries in America use migrant labor to help their bottom line. (There's the greed thing again. It's not what's good or what's right, but what will make them the most money.)

There is so much more I could quote or mention from the book, but I realize this post is already getting long, so I will end with my conclusion.

• I am still very much against "illegal immigration". No matter the circumstances that one faces, several wrongs do not make things right. With the choices these people are making there is destruction left in the wake.
• Even though my heart grieves for these people, I cannot condemn their method. It would be tantamount to saying that those who live in poverty anywhere can rob, sell drugs or kill because they live in impoverished conditions.
• This issue will not be away or be solved, because of greed, incompetence and apathy. Also no one is working for the greater good, but for themselves. The rich need the migrants for cheap labor, and they have become such a fabric of our society that truly our economy would suffer if they weren't here.
• In the end the biggest thing for me is it's just WRONG. Period. It's illegal. Follow the proper channels. Come to America, come the right way, not the dishonest way. Come and make the most of what America has to offer, but do not slink in her in the cover of darkness to take what would be given to you freely, if you came the right way.

O.K. I think that's it. At least I feel better about getting it off my chest.

Enrique's Journey - Me trying to understand Illegal Immigration Part 2

Today I want to cover the journey Enrique and thousands (and I do mean thousands) attempt every day. Some successfully and others unsuccessfully by either being deported, maimed by the trains they ride, or beaten by gangsters, bad cops, and badly hurt or killed.

There were parts in this book that were so very hard to read. The journey is around 1500 miles long. The majority of the trip is done by jumping on and off trains. The state of Chaipus Mexico is very dangerous to pass through. That is where most of the gangsters go that have been deported from the US because of criminal activity. I cannot decide if the country of Mexico cares or even knows what their citizens do to these migrants. Also what state employees are doing to them as well. Enrique was badly beaten up by a gang that demanded money. His injuries almost killed him and left him with several scars, both inside and physical. Where most of the really bad physical injuries come from though are trains. Jumping off and getting on. One wrong move and the train sucks the person under the wheels. Here is a quote from the book: "At a rate of nearly one every other day, the Red Cross estimates, U.S. bound Central American migrants who ride freight trains lose arms, legs, hands or feet. ...It does not count those who die instantly when they are cut in half or decapitated." Enter an angel unaware: Olga Sanchez Martinez. This woman's story is amazing in itself, but I'm not going to go into her whole story, just know that she takes in these people, who others treat badly. She ministers to them. These people wish to die, but Olga tells them "God has a plan for you. You will learn to live another way". She is a wonderful testament to God's love and grace, and she gives testimony of God's goodness to all those she helps. She has opened a shelter for these amputees called: The Shelter of Jesus the Good Shepherd. Through this book I have developed a desire to reach out to her and help her with her mission. Olga has had to beg for food to help these people. She is truly showing them the love of Christ. Here is a website about the book. It includes a website where you can send money to help, if you feel led.

There are many other people who show kindness to these migrants, while others look down on them and abuse them. Sounds familiar doesn't it. It really doesn't matter where in the world you are from, there are evil people everywhere.

These people suffer much on this journey. It is a testament to their determination and desperation. Going to the "land of milk and honey". Where everything will be great, and they will be able to help their families back home. So sad that this isn't always the case.

It takes Enrique 122 days to make the trip.

When things calm down both mother and son have many struggles. Most of them stemming from the fact that he harbors anger and resentment over her living and her believing he should respect her because of her sacrifice. Many times they fight over this issue, never to a resolution that benefits both of them.

One thing I forgot to mention and with this I will close today's post, with one more tomorrow. These illegal immigrants are preyed on. Not only by the gangsters and bad police, but by people that say they want to help them. They have people that say they will smuggle their children into the US for a sum of money and then disappear with the money. Lourdes (Enrique's Mom) also tried to become a US citizen (of course again not through the proper route) and was bilked of a few thousand dollars that she could have sent to her children. Another bad decision on her part. It never ceases to amaze me the evil in men's hearts, where they will prey on the poor and desperate. It again proves the verses in Genesis 6 & 9 "Men are evil from birth". Without Christ we are truly lost!

Enrique's Journey" - Me trying to understand illegal immigration

Recently in a Facebook status I asked for someone to enlighten me about illegal immigration and why some seem to think it is O.K. My nephew and sister in law told me to read the above book and it would help me understand. I have read the book and this post is to help flesh out my thoughts and feelings about the issue, and the final conclusion I have come to believe.

First of all let me say that my heart just breaks over the poverty and corruption in this world. Reading this book was very hard because I could see and feel the abject poverty that would make someone decide to do something like this. I feel empathy for the migrants that make this journey, and I wish so badly that their governments cared for them as they should (more on that later).

After reading the first 25 pages here is what I saw:

• Father's abandoning their families
• Government's not helping their people (maybe from corruption or maybe because of the country being poor, I don't know)
• Mother's making a desperate decision, how be it wrong (as it states in the book Enrique would have rather dug through the dump and still have his mother, then what she could give him by leaving) to leave their children.
  
• The mothers are seeing false advertising about the USA. The pictures they have are of New York, Las Vegas and Disney. Now there's a clear picture of the US isn't it. Once they get here (and that journey is unreal) they realize that "all that glitters is not gold". They have been told a lie, and leave all that is precious in search of that lie.
  
• Kids just want their MOM's. No matter what country they are from.
  
• The government cannot and will not be able to help everyone. This goes for Latin America's government and ours. That is a pipe dream. There is not enough money in the world that can solve the world's issues. What needs to happen is we need to practice what the Bible teaches about helping the poor, widows and children. (James 1:27). We are all called (as Christians) to help others. To put others before ourselves. To remember the poor (Paul writes about this in Galatians).

That was all from the first 25 pages! So now the book is finished and I have much to process. After Enrique's mother left, he was shuttled from place to place. His father "left" him with his grandmother and started another family. One of the things that just hits me so hard is the fracturing of the family. It is not only happening here in the US but all over the world. Parents (in this case the fathers) are abandoning their God given rolls and responsibilities and it begins the process of destruction that can never be repaired. Enrique's mother has been gone for 10 years before he starts his journey. 10 years of promises to return, for visit, for Christmas, etc.... 10 years of desire and questions in a boys mind of why his mother abandoned him. And this book clearly states that most if not all children left behind feel abandoned. I have so many dog ears in this book where there are things I desire to quote, but I'm afraid there's to many, but I will quote one here. This quote is from a portion of the book that discusses what happens after the children are brought to America: "Inside Murillo's office, children usually fire the first salvo: "I know you don't love me. That's why you left me there." Some mother's to avoid traumatic farewells, told their children they were going out to the market, or to see their children's teachers, and instead leave for the United States." These relationships cannot be repaired (unless of course God is given control). The book states that the children begin to look elsewhere for love and belonging. The boys go to gangs, and the girls longing for unconditional love get pregnant young.

This post is getting to be long and I haven't even begun to go over Enrique's journey, so I guess I will do as many post as it takes to process this material and conclude my thoughts. I hope that these posts stir in you a desire to not only read the book, but consider what you can do to not just understand the situation, but to possibly do what you can for any who are poor. They are all around us.

Stay tuned for part 2.......

Sunday Morning!

This is so good I just needed to share it. It makes me laugh every time I watch it, but there is so much truth to it too! I for one do not want to be entertained!!

"Sunday's Coming" Movie Trailer from North Point Media on Vimeo.

Customer Service in 2010

I was told by Mari that she needed to hear the story of my recent trip to a world wide fast food restaurant, which I won't name, but the Arch in St. Louis reminds me of it (hint, hint), so I thought I would blog the story.

It started on a cloudy Thursday morning this past week. My wonderful son was scheduled to have his braces taken off, so I told him we would celebrate with a chocolate shake at said restaurant.

We drove up the the drive through, and ordered 1 large iced coffee, and 1 small chocolate shake. I got the the window and handed the girl my debit card. She ran the card, then opened the window and apologized for not telling me that their shake machine is not working. "Would I like another coffee drink instead or any of other drink". "No" I said, "it is for a 13 year old boy, and all your other drinks are $1.00 and I spent almost $2.50 on the shake, please credit my card, and while your at it, just take the iced coffee off as well, and we will travel down the street to another said restaurant of the same name".

I then received a strange look as the window closed. My son at this point is looking out the window away from me. I think he was embarrassed for the people, he couldn't have been embarrassed because of me right? I mean I was in the right, right? So while I am asking my son "Why aren't you looking at me? This isn't my issue, it's theirs!" 3 other people join said girl. A man approaches the window it opens and he says "Mame I am sorry for the inconvenience, if you would like to order a frappe you can have one of those". Again I told him the drink was for a 13 year old. How about just giving me a gift certificate for the amount and we will be good". He hands me a card good for an extra value meal. I told him "I don't want an extra value meal, I want my card credited".

He then gave in and credited my card for the shake. Not the shake and the iced coffee as I asked but the shake. He told me I could pick up my iced coffee at the next window. Like Franky from The Middle on ABC, I just didn't see the point in fighting anymore, so off to get my iced coffee I went (after retaining the refund receipt of course). When I reached the window, the girl had a bag and cup of brewed coffee for me. I told her I didn't order that but an iced coffee. She said "They told me you didn't want the iced coffee". I told her "Well since I paid for it I want it now".

As I pulled away on my way to the other fast food restaurant across the street that is fit for a King, I asked my boy if he thought I was wrong in expecting good customer service. He agreed with me quickly (I don't think he was afraid). I had him call his father though and he told his dad "Mom had a hissy fit at @c**n%#*s. I said "I did not have a hissy fit. I felt I was very controlled, but firm."

We reach the other restaurant. I pull up to the drive through, ask if they have chocolate shakes, ask if their shake machine is working, and finally get my son the shake he ssssoooooo wanted! He said it was the best he ever tasted! GOOD ANSWER!

Miley understand this: THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO HEAVEN!

Today I was reading the Parade Magazine, which comes in our Sunday Press. It had Miley Cyrus (oh excuse me Miley Ray) on the cover. I read the article and was taken back first of all by how rude this young lady is, but second and most importantly how her "christianity" is that of the world. Here is the whole article if you care to read it.

“My faith is very important to me,” she says. “But I don’t necessarily define my faith by going to church every Sunday. Because now when I go to church, I feel like it’s a show. There are always cameras outside. I am very spiritual in my own way. Let me make it clear, though—I am a Christian. Jesus is who saved me. He’s what keeps me full and whole. But everyone is entitled to what they believe and what keeps them full. Hopefully, I can influence people and help them follow the same path I am on, but it is not my job to tell people what they are doing wrong.”

Is it hard being openly Christian in Hollywood?

“People are always looking for you to do something that is non-Christian,” she answers. “But it’s like, ‘Dude, Christians don’t live in the dark.’ I have to participate in life. If I wear something revealing, they go, ‘Well, that’s not Christian.’ And I’m like, ‘Yeah, I’m going to go to hell because I’m wearing a pair of really short white shorts.’ Suddenly I’m a slut. That’s so old-school.” (This is still part of the quote, I don't know why it's not green)

How sad it is that people will read this and agree. "Let those people believe the way they want to believe. Sure I wish that they believed like I did, but who am I to tell them they are wrong?"

Let's see:

1. Jesus came to seek and to save those who are lost (Luke 19:10)
   
2. He has called us to make disciples (Matthew 28:19)
   
3. He has called us to preach the gospel (Mark 16:15)

So why is she saying it's not her job. If she is a "true" Christ follower, it is her job; she signed up when she accepted Christ as her savior. None (and I mean none) of us get to say we have not been given a job to do by Christ. Not that the works saves us, but just by process of our relationship with Christ we are called out; we are a people set apart (sanctified); we are a Royal Priesthood!

I am about to type something that will shock some, but it is the TRUTH, and it needs to be said. If anyone, ANYONE believes there are other ways to heaven except through JESUS CHRIST, AND HIM CRUCIFIED, then they CANNOT (I cannot stress this enough) be a true follower of Christ. Christ himself says "I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE, NO ONE comes to the Father EXCEPT THROUGH ME. John 14:6.

His words, not mine. Miley you need to take a good hard look at THE BOOK. Stop falling for this fallen worlds philosophies! The potential you have to do great things for Christ are being ruined (that is if you truly are a follower of THE CHRIST).

And girl don't even get me started on: Yeah, I’m going to go to hell because I’m wearing a pair of really short white shorts.’ Suddenly I’m a slut. That’s so old-school. Oh if I were your mother, first of all you wouldn't be wearing those really short white shorts, and I'd tan your hide for calling me dude so much!!!! Now that my friend is old-school, and I'm proud of it!

Abundant Life!

Hello Everyone, miss me???!!!! Lately it has been hard for me to put more then 420 characters together (because of Facebook), that I seldom blog. Only when God gives me something that truly speaks to me, do I sit down and type it out on here. He just recently showed me something that spoke to me and I hope it speaks to you as well.

Just the other day I was in a local store. I was 2nd in line at the cashier, and overheard he saying hello, how are you. The man replied "breathing". It seemed they knew each other and continued to talk. He asked her "how are you?" She said "I would have to say breathing as well". I thought to myself, how sad. Their live comes down to Just breathing! Where is the joy?! Now I do not know whether these two were Christians or not. If they are not Christians then I can see how their life would amount to only breathing. There is no joy, no hope, no peace, no passion without Christ!

BUT how often do we as Christians say something similar?! Oh I know I have! Complaints, worries, anger, whining. We all do it. Oh at least I do it! But God brought this scripture to mind right there in line:

John 10:10

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.
I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

"Have it ABUNDANTLY!" In the NIV it says to the FULL! Filled to overflowing!

Other verses that speak of what God has for us (and these are only a few):

Nehemiah 8:10

Then he said to them, "Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

Psalm 28:7

The LORD is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
and with my song I give thanks to him.

Colossians 1:11-12
May you be strengthened with all power,
according to his glorious might, for
all endurance and patience with joy,
giving thanks to the Father,
who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

God has not called us to a life of woe is me. God has not called us to just exist and breathe (even though breathing is an awesome gift he give us every second of every day!) God has called us to ABUNDANT LIFE! To a life lived to show HIS GLORY! To a life of beauty and thankfulness!

So the next time someone asks me "how are you doing?" what will my response be? What will your response be?