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