Ciudad Juarez - The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Sometimes we take things for granted. Home, fridge full of food, vehicle, job, safe neighbourhood, health care, police you can trust to help you. But step over the American/Mexican border to a place of corruption and poverty, a place run by the drug cartel and experience an awakening of how privileged and blessed we really are. Sadly, there are many places in our world that are in turmoil and poverty and this was one such experience.
Up until 2006, Ciudad Juárez´s streets were a popular destination for people just over the border and it was the destination of many groups like our own who wanted to help build homes for the people living in poverty. However, shortly after taking office in December 2006, President Felipe Calderón declared a military offensive on drug-trafficking and by 2010 Ciudad Juárez was considered the most violent city in Mexico. |
Just prior to all hell breaking loose, my son and I travelled with his class of 15 teens and 8 adults to Phoenix where we rented vans and drove southwest to El Paso. Crossing the border into Mexico, we drove to a quiet little church where we would share the next few nights with the resident cockroaches. Some people slept on air mattresses on the floor while some of us put foamies on the pews to create a raised bed - not that this would stop the cockroaches, but it felt better than being on the floor. With the lights turned out, we could hear the crunch as someone stepped on a cockroach on their way to the bathroom. As you opened the bathroom door and turned on the light, hundreds of the black iron shielded bugs scurried across the floor and walls to find the nearest dark crevice.
In the morning, we would brush the few slower roaches off the kitchen counter, wash it thoroughly and unwrapped all the food and dishes we had securely stored in plastic bags then placed in the fridge or coolers. At the end of a hot day of construction, we took turns using the one shower. Every once in awhile, a bug would brave the light and come out from under the concrete pedestal sink. Needless to say, showers were quick.
In the morning, we would brush the few slower roaches off the kitchen counter, wash it thoroughly and unwrapped all the food and dishes we had securely stored in plastic bags then placed in the fridge or coolers. At the end of a hot day of construction, we took turns using the one shower. Every once in awhile, a bug would brave the light and come out from under the concrete pedestal sink. Needless to say, showers were quick.
The hot dry air and night creatures were a small price to pay for privelege of helping one family. I only wish we could have done more.
How do I even describe the area. Picture a landfill site (a dump) that has been flattened. Some of the garbage still sticks out of the ground. On top if this, you build rows of shacks from cardboard, crates, and other materials you have found. This is where the family lived. Mother, father, 3 school aged kids, sister and her baby, and the grandmother all lived in one shack approximately 20 x 20 feet.
Our goal was to build them a 3 room house with insulation from the heat, electricity, and celiling fans. Although working to code such as we have in Canada was not important, we were able to create a solid, secure home under the guidance of experienced people.
How do I even describe the area. Picture a landfill site (a dump) that has been flattened. Some of the garbage still sticks out of the ground. On top if this, you build rows of shacks from cardboard, crates, and other materials you have found. This is where the family lived. Mother, father, 3 school aged kids, sister and her baby, and the grandmother all lived in one shack approximately 20 x 20 feet.
Our goal was to build them a 3 room house with insulation from the heat, electricity, and celiling fans. Although working to code such as we have in Canada was not important, we were able to create a solid, secure home under the guidance of experienced people.
Sometimes I think about the people we met. The family we built a house for and the young children who were so anxious to help. All we can do now is pray for them and hope they are safe.