Greetings,

I write to you at the wee hours of the morning as I finish up my last overnight shift at FM4. Only three workdays are ahead of me, then I’ll take some extra time to enjoy parts of Mexico I haven’t yet seen. As the end of this experience draws ever nearer, an all too familiar sensation of bittersweet pensiveness falls over me. In the strangest way, I’ll miss these sleepless nights and the awkwardness of waking up a dozen grown adults for work in the morning. I’ll miss the irritating sound of the doorbell past midnight, my sign that there’s a migrant in need on the street. I might not miss acting as an amateur security guard, handling illicit substances, expulsions, and the like, but I suppose I have learned a great deal from the discomfort.

This familiar feeling of leaving a city, experience, and people I’ve grown to love is just the tip of the emotional iceberg. I find myself with a heavy heart for my country as this political transition nears, longing to be closer to home so I don’t feel like a voice trapped on the outside. I worry about the nature of the work I’ve been doing under new leadership. I pray that refugees and immigrants will be treated with the respect and dignity all humans deserve and that harmful rhetoric and baseless rumors against them will be rejected. However disappointed I may be in this new status quo, I am now feeling even more empowered by the experience I’ve had. It gives me the chance to amplify the voices of those often misunderstood and to (hopefully) expand the perspectives of my family and neighbors upon my return. I’m hoping this newfound inspiration will continue amidst (what I see as) setbacks for migrants and refugees. I also trust that nothing is set in stone, and that no one can predict what this next era will truly look like. These past four months haven’t been at all like what I anticipated, which is a great reminder that God’s plan often goes unseen in the moment.

While I process these emotions, I am also brainstorming some ways to end my time here on a special note. It feels like I’m planning 100 despedidas, or farewells, so I can simultaneously trim down my Guadalajara bucket list and say goodbye to my peers and friends from every circle. I’m still in the ideas stage, but if all goes according to plan, I expect to enjoy an outing to the park with my migrant friends, see a lucha libre live with my fellow volunteers, and indulge in some good food and drinks with the FM4 crew! I’ll also be traveling to the neighboring state of Guanajuato for the International Balloon Festival, then taking a group trip to see the natural wonders of the Huasteca Potosina. Stay tuned for more pictures and updates!

While my time here has been nothing short of fantastic, I’m certainly ready to be home, reconnecting with family and friends. It’s been a whirlwind, and I’m so grateful for those that followed along with me. If you’re reading this and have any questions about my experience, feel free to leave a comment or get in touch with me. I’d love nothing more than to share what I have seen and learned.

Blessings,

Aaron Kleinschmidt

P.S. Sorry for depriving you of photos last month. To make it up to you, here’s a photo dump!

Enjoyed TWO free concerts and some awesome rides at the Fiestas de Octubre.

Making the most of every moment with my fellow full-time volunteers (before we spread out across the globe)!

Took a trip to La Paz, Baja California Sur to enjoy the change in terrain and some incredibly lonely beaches!

A simple shot from a one-night camping trip just out of the city. Jalisco is a beautiful state!

Couldn’t help but visit a field of cempasúchil, Mexico’s flower that is typically seen around Día de los Muertos.

Hey all,

I thought I’d kick this blog off with a little Spanish lesson. (Don’t panic — it’ll be quick and painless). For our first class, we’ll learn just one word: convivencia, meaning coexistence or living together. Even those of you who took a year or two of Spanish way back when might recognize the roots of this word: con, meaning with, and vivir, meaning to live. Convivencia is an essential part of the shelter’s function and has been a crucial theme throughout my time as a volunteer. Since it doubles as my workspace, it can be easy to forget that FM4 is first and foremost a home, and a home not only shapes those who reside in it but also vice versa. Housing anywhere from 70 to 120 people at a time, FM4 takes . The lack of privacy can take a toll on the migrants and exacerbate tensions. The diffusion of responsibility can leave shared spaces looking... rather unpleasant. The incessant presence of procedures and rules can damage some guests’ sense of independence and agency. This is why we constantly remind the FM4 community of the responsibility we share to care for the shelter, but convivencia sometimes requires a hard hand and an unwavering commitment to equal application of the expectations. Lately, I’ve had to respond to various breaches of shelter rules with written warnings, leaving several residents one step away from expulsion, and those shifts are certainly my least favorite. However, any sense of partiality, bias, or laziness when it comes to applying the rules can rip a hole in the fabric of the community. Though it leaves me with a heavy heart (and unfond memories of uncomfortable interactions), the enforcement aspect of my role has certainly helped me grow as a leader and better understand how to facilitate bonding. Something I must remember in this final month is that, those very rules and principles are what allows us to dance in the kitchen, sing karaoke, and learn from each other’s stories.

It’s been a tough few weeks, but I haven’t spent all my time playing bad cop. In fact, I promised an update on my expanded role in the shelter, so here it is! I struck a deal between the areas of social action and publicity/content creation, allowing me to take on a hybrid role where I’m both collecting content to promote FM4’s work and actively connecting with both local and international institutions. This week working in social action, I got to give a tour of the shelter to a group of fellow Americans! I must have answered 40 questions and ended with a sore throat, but it was a fun way to showcase all the amazing work FM4 does and encourage more folks to volunteer. (Not to mention, it was a perfect coincidence that I, the native English speaker, debuted my role that very same day). Also on the docket is a radio interview with a local station, an opportunity I certainly did not expect. If I’m able, I’ll be sure to publish a link to the episode. On the social media side, I’m collecting photos and videos for Instagram reels that will illustrate the parts of FM4 that naturally get less visibility. It’s important for the community to see that FM4 is more than just a place to eat and sleep — there are so many activities, classes, and other services offered each day in the shelter. This new type of work has been a welcome break from the day-to-day chaos of the shelter.

That’s all for now, folks. Thanks for reading, and I’ll be back in touch soon with more updates (including some pretty awesome trips I’ll be taking in November).

Best,

Aaron Benito

Hello friends, family, and strangers!

Today, I write to you in the midst of (yet another) transition. No, I’m not moving back to the US prematurely or changing the trajectory of my project; I’m quite happy with where I’m at! However, I have exactly one month left of my volunteer experience at FM4 Paso Libre, and each passing day feels more bittersweet. As I begin this final stretch, I am turning my daily routine upside-down by switching from the morning to the afternoon/evening shift. I’ll miss all the amazing folks I have worked with for the past 2+ months, but I’m excited to reconnect with those I haven’t seen in a long while. The later shift comes with its own set of surprises, but it’s a welcome challenge.

Beyond relatively trivial scheduling changes, there is another transition that I’m itching to see underway. In these final weeks, I’ll have the opportunity to work with some full-time employees in a department of my interest, getting a closer look at the inner-workings of the organization. I’ve narrowed my options down to: legal, publicity/social media, and social action. All three tug at different parts of my brain, but given that I have little time left to learn, it’s in my best interest to follow my gut and dive right in. I have yet to meet with all three department heads to see which is the best fit, so stay tuned for the big reveal in my next post!

Outside the shelter, I’m trying to let go of my laundry list of things to do in and around Guadalajara and simply enjoy the time I have, with less planning and more spontaneity. This past weekend, this new attitude resulted in a short but beautiful camping trip and a visit to a cat cafe after church. This week, I’m taking a day away from the shelter to enjoy the famous Fiestas de Octubre and (hopefully) see one of my favorite cumbia groups, Los Ángeles Azules, live! Next on the to-do list? Find a Halloween costume and make plans for Día de los Muertos. Although the state of Jalisco isn’t famous for their celebrations, I hope to at least get a taste of this iconic celebration. 

Then, though it’s not easy to admit, it’s time to consider my return to the United States. Most of all, I want to make sure that the experiences I’ve had in Guadalajara — and especially in the shelter — continue to enhance my perspectives and drive my work. I can’t say for sure that I’ll end up with a full-fledged career in the migrant and refugee space, but now that I’ve witnessed so many journeys up close, I’d like to commit to volunteering, donating, and continuously educating myself as the conversation on migration in the United States evolves. With elections drawing near, the rhetoric I’ve heard is beyond disappointing; it’s harmful and reprehensible. The stories I’ve seen and even been a part of are wildly different from those that are touted by politicians and spread through the media. I find myself itching to share what I’ve witnessed and inject some reality into the issue that is dominating headlines. As long as I continue to stay active and involved, what would typically be a tricky transition back might be made a bit smoother.

Until next time,

Aaron Benito

Hey all! I hope you’re hanging in there and enjoying the changing of the seasons. Though I typically enjoy summery weather, I have to admit that this time of year fills me with a deep nostalgia for the U.S. Midwest. Football season is underway, the leaves are changing color, sweaters are coming out of storage, and the smell of pumpkin and spice wafts through the air. While I’d love to hit a corn maze and drink apple cider with my family and childhood friends, Guadalajara is also going through its own beautiful changes (though the temperature seems to be stubbornly unmoving). There are some signs of early preparation for Día de Los Muertos celebrations, the occasional breeze provides temporary respite from the heat, and this Tuesday, all of Mexico will be watching as Claudia Sheinbaum, becomes their first female president.

In this season marked with both uncertainty and excitement, I have been feeling burnt out, to put it frankly. Things are moving along nicely at the shelter, and I am looking forward to taking on new responsibilities as I start to get involved in a more administrative aspect. I’m also loving my social life, trying to balance rest with my desire to leverage the limited time I have left here. Despite all that, I have been feeling a bit off-balance. When I get home from my shift, I typically feel more tired than I expect, and it’s hard for me to keep my energy flowing. I sometimes feel overwhelmed as I go to bed and consider what tomorrow will bring; often, my hyperactive mind simply does not let me rest.

While it’s tempting to blame myself for what I’m feeling, the other day I remembered that I’m achieving much more than I had anticipated. When I imagined this work, I pictured myself stripping and making beds, cleaning rooms, and washing dishes. Of course, there is value in that work (and physical labor is still in the equation), but I had never imagined that I’d be making real connections with immigrants and refugees, tending directly to their needs and offering dignifying support day-by-day. I’m performing intake interviews and connecting folks from vulnerable populations with potentially life-altering resources. Not to mention, I’m doing all of this and navigating the city in Spanish every minute of the day. 

I don’t write all this just to brag or boost my ego, but rather to appreciate such a special opportunity and also contextualize my emotions. This isn’t the first time I’ve had to adapt to a new culture, navigate in a new language, or take on unexpected tasks and challenges. However, I’m quick to forget just how much growth can happen in a few months. So, though there are times when I feel overwhelmed and just stuck, I am proud of the confidence I’ve built up and all that I’ve accomplished so far. Here’s to (a bit less than) two more months of listening, learning, and loving the little things!

Un abrazo, 

Aaron

Pulled a near-all-nighter to celebrate Mexican Independence Day. No regrets!

Finally used a vacation day to spend a long weekend on the beach. The rumors are true — Mexico has the best beaches!

Security guard. Chef. Fashion consultant. Janitor. Nanny. Therapist. Translator. Manager.

What do all of these jobs have in common?

They’re the many hats I have worn in my nearly 2 months as a full-time volunteer with FM4 Paso Libre. Of course, I am not professionally qualified for any of these roles — at least not to the best of my knowledge. However, I was asked to lead a daytime shift for the first time this week, and it helped me realize just how multifaceted this work is. As humans, we have a vast range of needs, but migration typically augments those needs, meaning volunteers and staff must be jacks of all trades, ready and willing to adjust to new situations at the drop of a hat. FM4 seeks to give comprehensive, dignifying support to migrants and refugees; although we have experts in law, counseling, medicine, and several other areas on staff, every person on the team must understand how their piece fits into the puzzle.

While my time in the shelter has been quite eventful, I have also been enjoying fellowship with the other full-time volunteers. We are all passionate young adults, so there’s never a dull moment. This past weekend, we had a training where we walked the train tracks that run through the city. These are the tracks that immigrants follow as they traverse Mexico — the very tracks that inspired me to continue working in the realm of immigrant and refugee rights. The trip was somehow harrowing and inspiring. Seeing firsthand the path that is simultaneously a symbol of hope and a threat to the safety of all who dare follow it nearly brought me to tears. In the shelter, our scope is so limited. Often, we forget to genuinely consider where migrants come from and the journey ahead.

Between the extra work trainings and meetings, I’ve still been making room for lots of fun. I played basketball for the first time in probably a decade with this year’s volunteer cohort (yes, I have videos, and no, I won’t be posting them in an act of self-preservation), explored two new parks, visited one of the most bustling (and impressively unregulated) markets in the city, and appreciated art at a local museum. Add to all that lots of good food, drinks, and dancing, and you’ve got a couple of busy weeks! The adventures don’t stop however, and the next one will finally be out of the city (think sand, sun, and waves), so stay tuned for those updates.

As the saying goes, variety is the spice of life, and the variety in my day-to-day experiences is perhaps the reason why my time in Guadalajara is flying by. However, I love being kept on my toes, and the unexpected is what keeps me coming back each morning with renewed motivation and energy. I’ll also take the opportunity to blame the unexpected for this late post — I promise I’ll try harder next time! 

Hasta entonces,

Benito

P.S. HAPPY MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY! 

Posing with this awesome crew of full-time volunteers! Together, we represent 4 different countries.

A view of the stretch where immigrants typically hop off the train after hours (or days) of nearly nonstop motion. Those coming to FM4 must walk about 2-3 hours, following the tracks north.

Another chaotic day in ropería! Luckily, we were blessed with some support from pyschology students from a local university.

A few works from the art museum I visited yesterday. I love spending a day as a tourist in Guadalajara!

Welcome back, folks!

In the last two weeks, I feel I have lived and learned more than I ever anticipated. Most notably, I just returned from a three-day training with this cohort of full-time volunteers. We are currently eight volunteers from three different countries. We all bring unique experiences and passions to the table. Some of us are just finishing high school, while others are wrapping up university (or well past graduation, as in my case). Despite our differences, I’m now more excited than ever to be a part of this crew. Their intentions are genuine, their energy seems infinite, and they are willing and ready to learn. Also, there’s now another Aaron on the team! After some brainstorming, I was given the nickname Benito, and it’s catching on.¹

For our training, we traveled an hour south to a cabin in Lake Chapala, where we learned more about the current context of migration through Mexico, the origins, history, and mission of our organization, how to work well as a team, and more detailed aspects of the work we’re already doing. We laughed through demonstrations as we practiced the procedure for new entries to the shelter, but we also took time to connect on a deeper level and build trust. It was the first time in a long time I was in an educational setting as a student, not a teacher, and that actually made me quite emotional. Though I only finished undergrad a bit over a year ago, it feels like I’ve lived multiple lives since then; I’ve called several places home and found community and companionship in so many contexts. Feeling like a learner once again brought me an unexpected peace — a brief intermission for a season of life that sometimes feels like an emotional roller coaster.

Further, the training brought me back to the roots of my decision to embark on this adventure — my purpose, my motivation, my why. My interest in immigration was born long ago, but it truly came to fruition during my senior year of high school, when I met one of my closest friends. An immigrant from Brazil, he took a leap of faith to come to the United States when he was only 14. He came knowing very little English and with only a few relatives in the country. Against all odds, he achieved fluency in English within three years and graduated with flying colors. Looking at him now, you would never come close to imagining the setbacks and challenges he faced. Though far from perfect, he is able to live a stable life, and he has found a strong support system in the United States.

Senior year of high school was a blur, but if memory serves, stories of migration like his were what first compelled me to study Spanish and international politics. Over the next four years, I volunteered and interned with several organizations dedicated to serving immigrants and refugees, and I even practiced discussing immigration topics in my Spanish classes at Belmont. I cemented my belief that immigration is a human right and that facilitating the process for those in need is a worthy cause. Since my arrival in Guadalajara, I have not once doubted the validity or necessity of this work. I can see the impact it makes firsthand, and I am sincerely grateful for this opportunity to expand my perspectives on a phenomenon so dear to my heart.

I could say a whole lot more about why and how I ended up in Guadalajara doing this type of project, but I need a little something to keep you coming back! Though my social calendar has slowed a bit since my last post, there is so much more I want to do in and around Guadalajara with my new friends. Hopefully, I’ll be back with stories of thrilling adventures and unfamiliar experiences.

Until then,

Aaron/Benito

1. Contrary to what some may believe, “Benito” is not a tribute to the iconic Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny, but rather a Spanish take on my middle name.

It might sound like a lot of work, but I promise, I’m still having fun! One of my favorite shots from last weekend’s trip to Tequila.

The 2024-25 crew on the lake. I love these guys!

Good morning, afternoon, or evening, wherever you are.

I write to you as I wrap up a 12-hour overnight shift. If you had told me three weeks ago that I would be here, as an amateur security guard and volunteer-in-charge, I would have laughed you out of the room. Alas, needs are needs, and this week was a tough one for volunteers; we were very few despite the albergue being at full capacity. Unfortunately, this week was also marred with drama and conflict, including a serious incidence of theft and some rebellion against authority. Frankly, I wasn’t prepared to deal with the reality that even the seemingly sweetest are capable of betraying your trust, but these occurrences served as reminders of both why there are so many rules and why they must be enforced with no exceptions.

At first, my supervisor’s offering of an early morning shift sandwich with weekend overnight shift bread made me lose my appetite, but I’m proud to say that I dove in headfirst, learned a lot, and have grown in my capacity to lead firmly. Sleep deprivation is temporary, but the lessons learned and skills honed in just one intense week will certainly last a lifetime. In the midst of all the chaos, I worked out a new agreement with my supervisor, and I am now planning to stay at this shelter as a full-time volunteer through mid-November. Now that it’s official, I get to experience training, retreats and activities, and other benefits. Perhaps what I’m most excited for is the chance to work on the more administrative end of the organization, potentially in the legal, political, or social realm. Such an opportunity ought to facilitate a smooth transition back to the more traditional working world, which I anticipate being my next step.

Though it’s been fun, I’m happy to say that a new class of full-time volunteers has arrived to help out, so I will no longer have to sprint around the shelter, juggling several little tasks at once. I hope that our relationship goes beyond delegating work and sharing the burden of service; I am still looking to invest in friendships here in Guadalajara, and the dozen new arrivals are too!

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention some of the fun I’ve had this week as well. Waking up at 5:45 day after day to bike 30 minutes to work doesn’t allow for too much socializing, but I still managed to visit some stunning waterfalls yesterday, taking full advantage of my day off. I’ve also gone out on the town a bit, eager to see the vibrant, relaxed side of Guadalajara at night. It’s early days,  but now that I’ve settled the details of my volunteer commitment, some bigger trips and adventures are sure to be in the works. Stay tuned for more updates!

Un abrazo,

Aaron

Yesterday’s adventure: La Cascada de Huaxtla. Truly magical!

I decided to bike home from the shelter today. The sun was shining and the morning air still cool. What a sweet moment (and great way to see the city center)!

Hey there, I’m Aaron! Welcome to my Lumos blog. Over the next four months, I’ll be keeping you in the loop on my international development project in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Part of the time, I will be working in a shelter for immigrants and refugees as they pass through the city. I might also have the opportunity to expand the project to work on local issues and work with other NGOs.

I recently returned from a nine-month stint in Galicia, Spain, where I taught English on a Fulbright grant. That experience certainly made me feel more confident as a traveler and intercultural communicator, and I am excited to use my much-improved Spanish to serve. My time at home has been short, but I am making the most of it by seeing lots of friends and family before I leave the country once again. It’s a whirlwind, this season of life has helped me feel more comfortable moving around and adjusting quickly to new environments.

While the past year has prepared me well for some aspects of the project, I know that the work I do in Guadalajara will be immensely different than teaching. I might have the opportunity to teach at some point, and I will be looking out for any chance I get, but I will also have to do lots of physical labor and “grunt work” at the shelter. Regardless of how I contribute, I’m excited to do so, and I’m doing my best to begin this experience with an open mind. I’ll be back with more updates next week after I land in Mexico and visit a friend before beginning my work!

¡Hasta pronto!

Aaron