Farm work and some American Friends

Day two started out with a delicious breakfast made by our Promotora, Sara, followed by some warm-up exercises led by Rodrigo to get the group up and moving.  Then it was off to Wild Willows Farm which runs along the U.S.- México border. Lisa, who runs the farm, introduced us to some of the history surrounding the area concerning the farmlands and how the increase in border safety has changed the layout of the San Diego River Valley.  Promptly following this, we met the animals and began working on the farm, weeding and making preparations for owl houses on the property.  After another scrumptious meal on-the-go provided by Sara, we headed to a presentation from the American Friends Service Committee which Southern Utah University also attended.

At AFSC, as we learned from a representative, Ben, that the organization was founded in 1917 after World War I to promote peace and human solidarity.  During his presentation, Ben explained some of the economic causes of immigration, specifically NAFTA, which changed the way of life for many native Mexicans, fueling increased emigration from México in hopes of a better life.  Discussion soon moved to the current border control issues where we were introduced to the severe and unjust realities that migrants face from Border Patrol, federal policy, and general animosity from the population. During the reflection later in the evening, many people discussed the new ideas and issues they had been made aware of and we talked about how to personally create change in our own lives.