Friday, January 9, 2009

An Affair at Nogales

After driving 520 miles the first day we crashed in Tucson. Early the next morning we headed out for Nogales, AZ so we could cross the border into Mexico. If you ever drove into Mexico you know that as you cross the border you either get a green or red light, the green signifying that you are free to proceed and the red requiring you to pull over for inspection. As it turned we were one of the unlucky ones that morning and got a RED light. We pulled over and our Thule on top was inspected. Naturally, we were questioned why there were so many shoes aboard our vehicle. It appears that you are only allowed 10 shoes per person visiting Mexico. We had twenty times that amount so we were immediately escorted back to the U.S. side. Eventually we found a Catholic Church in Nogales, Sacred Heart and donated half the shoes there emptying out just the Thule on top. We then told about another crossing station in town and attempted to enter there. Without a glitch this time we got the GREEN light and proceeded on our way into Mexico. We figured whether the poor received the shoes in Nogales or in Southern Mexico they were in need of them. We still had the other half and the rest of our supplies. I must admit my heartbeat went up a bit this morning.

Why Mexico?

Why go to Mexico, are there not enough poor in United States?

I occasionally get asked this question by good people and practicing Catholics. It's a trick question. The answer is: We are called to help all of God's children, especially not limiting our assistance and blessings solely to family members. Thus each year I look forward to doing something in my own community and also a project in the missions. It so easy, especially in economically challenging times to focus on ourselves. That is not the path of the Gospel. Exactly when we were most desperate, God sent us His best gift unexpected, Jesus as Savior. There is a saying: United States sneezes, Mexico gets pneumonia. I think Fr. Simon & I are like a bowl of chicken soup. We won't solve all difficulties, but I hope we will be of some comfort. 

I think it will also be useful to see the non-turist side of Mexico. We are going to visit those parts of Mexico where we have been invited and where there is a need we might be able to bless. I have friends who have taught me about retaining walls, fish farms, and drilling wells. We have access to a community of faith who know lots about the US economy and can possibly put that wisdom to service of the poor. For example some Korean sisters have established a dynamic cooperative in Southern Mexico producing sesame seed oil. They are not sure as to how to market it. Would it not be great to support a business that would pay a just wage in Mexico and allow more Mexicans to be able to earn a dignified living in their own country? 

We are also going to visit a refuge center that we have established in Ixtepec, Oaxaca. Fr. Alejandro Solalinde does a heroic and saintly job ministering to the most desperate of migrants at this place of respite. He ministers in the name of 21 Dioceses in Mexico and with the financial support of none. We are bringing him 8000 toothbrushes, 450 flashlights and as many used tennis shoe as we could cram into Simon's Subaru. We are also turning over to him $8,000 that has been gifted to us for the poor. When you see the photos and hear their stories you will know that the money is being well spent.

I find travelling in Mexico a delight. I am welcomed as family by many. They share generously of their hearths and homes and hearts. I am sure I will discover new things and make new friends. I'm sure the Lord will change my heart in many wonderful ways. I'm glad to be able to share some of this with you through the modern tool of a blog. It is novelty for me. May the Lord bless and guide our steps. Peace, Padre Bill and Simon.

Porque Mexico?

Yo a veces obtener esta pregunta por la gente buena y católicos practicantes. Es un truco cuestión. La respuesta es: Estamos llamados a ayudar a todos los hijos de Dios, sobre todo, no limitar nuestra ayuda y bendiciones únicamente a los miembros de la familia. Así pues, cada año espero hacer algo en mi propia comunidad y también un proyecto en las misiones. Es tan fácil, especialmente en tiempos difíciles económicamente a centrarse en nosotros mismos. Ese no es el camino del Evangelio. Exactamente cuando estábamos más desesperados, Dios nos envió Su mejor regalo inesperado, a Jesús como Salvador. Hay un dicho: Estados Unidos estornuda, Mexico es la neumonía. Creo que el P.. Simon y yo somos como un tazón de sopa de pollo. No vamos a resolver todas las dificultades, pero espero que de algo de comfort. 

Creo que también será útil para ver el lado no turístico de Mexico. Vamos a visitar las partes de Mexico, donde han sido invitados y que es preciso que pueda bendiga. Tengo amigos que me han enseñado sobre los muros, las piscifactorías, y la perforación de pozos. Tenemos acceso a una comunidad de fe que saben acerca de los lotes la economía de los EE.UU. y, posiblemente, puede poner que la sabiduría al servicio de los pobres. Por ejemplo, algunas hermanas de Corea han establecido una dinámica de cooperación en el sur de Mexico producción de aceite de sésamo. No están seguros sobre la forma de mercado. ¿No sería un gran apoyo a las empresas que pagan un salario justo en Mexico y permitir que más mexicanos puedan ganarse la vida digna en su propio país? 

También vamos a visitar un centro de refugio que hemos establecido en Ixtepec, Oaxaca. Fr. Alejandro Solalinde hace un trabajo heroico y santo ministerio a los más desesperados de los migrantes en este lugar de respiro. Que los ministros en el nombre de 21 diócesis en Mexico y con el apoyo financiero de ninguna. Somos lo que él 8000 cepillos de dientes, 450 linternas y como muchos de zapatos tenis utilizan como podemos meter en la Simón Subaru. También estamos a la entrega de $ 8000 que le ha dotado a nosotros en busca de los pobres. Cuando vea las fotos y escuchar sus historias sabrá que el dinero está bien gastado. 

Me parece que viajan en Mexico una delicia. Me acogió como familia por muchos. Ellos comparten generosamente de sus hogares y los hogares y los corazones. Estoy seguro de que descubrirá cosas nuevas y hacer nuevos amigos. Estoy seguro de que el Señor va a cambiar mi corazón maravilloso en muchos sentidos. Me alegro de poder compartir algunas de esto con usted a través de la herramienta moderna de un blog. Es novedad para mí. Que el Señor los bendiga y guía nuestros pasos. Paz, el Padre Bill y Simon.

Meet Fr. Alejandro.

The main purpose of our trip is to visit Padre Alejandro. He is a priest in the Diocese of Tehuantepec in Southern Mexico. He has been working with the migrants coming from Central America for the past few years. It is a lonely and dangerous ministry and our company should be encouraging.

Fr. Alejandro was very pleased to hear that we would be visiting shortly. He truly appreciated the fact that two "gringo" priests would visit him in the deep south of Mexico. He is also encouraged that we would be bringing supplies for the migrants. Thank you to everyone who contributed to his ministry... pictures are on the way.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Sending Mass, St. Angela's in Brea, CA


Greetings from Fr. Bill

Dear friends & family,

I will be leaving this Wed to do some missionary work in Mexico. Contrary to popular misconception, it is not immoral to smile or enjoy yourself while serving the Lord. I plan on having a delightful time!

My traveling companion is Fr. Simon Kim, a fellow priest of the Diocese of Orange, who is studying for his Doctorate @ Catholic University. His thesis is on the interchange of Liberation Theology and the theology of immigrants at our border. This mission should be a blessing to us both. We will be visiting and helping various place of need and ministry along the way. I hope you enjoy the photos, videos and stories. I know we would appreciate the blessing of your prayers.

Peace,
Padre Bill

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Greetings from Fr. Simon


Dear Friends,

I am delighted that you will be joining us on our mission trip in Mexico. This will be my third time to Mexico. Fr. Bill has traveled so many times to this part of the world that I have now lost count. I am blessed to have such a good friend and travel buddy in the priesthood. We have been to several countries together but this is the first time we are venturing on the road like this. Please pray for us.

I will be blogging most of the time as well as taking videos and photos. This may be the only time you see my face as I will be most likely on the other side of the camera. Don't worry I'm use to that.

Please leave your comments, questions and any other conversation on this site and both Fr. Bill and I will try to respond as quickly as possible.

God Bless,
Fr. Simon