Reverse mission in Mexico

Catholic New Times, April 24, 2005 by Colin Whitebread

"We try so hard to hang on to the teachings, and "get it", but actually the truth sinks in like rain into very hard ground. The rain is very gentle, and we soften up slowly, at our own speed. But, when that happens, something has fundamentally changed in us."

--Pema Chodron, Start Where You Are

On what can only be described as a powerful exposure trip, 13 students and teachers from Pope John Paul II High School in Scarborough, Ont., recently ventured to Cuernavaca, Mexico.

Cuernavaca is a beautiful city, more than an hour south of Mexico City. Most of us arrived somewhat aware that we are blinded and numbed by the ravages of consumerism. We buy too much, waste too much and generally abuse our planet. Some Mexicans do this as well, but most do not have the opportunity. As quoted above, we come with "very hard ground." Why then did we go on this 10-day journey to Cuernavaca Centre For International Dialogue on Development (CCIDD)? Was it to offer Mexicans our 'first-world' expertise?

Thankfully, we had heard the piece of wisdom that if we were coming to help, we should stay home. However, if we were coming to listen, share experiences and dialogue as we journey together in struggle, then we were welcome.

CCIDD calls this "reverse mission." The students had heard from previous participants that it was both a social justice and a life-changing experience. That type of billing might scare people off or set them up for disappointment. In our preparations, some students expressed a fear of being overwhelmed by guilt. Fortunately, earlier trips encouraged us to plough ahead.

Ray Planked, who established and has run CCIDD for 27 years, based the program on the model of visionary thinker Ivan Illich. It is a challenging and creative mix, involving both mind and heart.

As the students said in our wrap-up session, "We hear about these issues in philosophy, religion, and world issues classes; we even see many of the sights on World Vision 'infomercials,' but this is more authentic. The program does not shy away from facts, statistics and theories. However, the accounts we heard are radically different from the average media spin and Mexican stereotypes. Some questions we grappled with included: Is NAFTA actually beneficial to all parties? Are the workers in the Maqiladoras really content with a 45 peso daily wage (US$6.00)? Does the U.S. subsidize their corn growers (against the spirit of NAFTA) with the result that Mexican peasants are selling their small plots to huge foreign agribusinesses? Have Vicente Fox's policies aided the 70 per cent of Mexicans who are abjectly poor? Why do so many young children spend their days selling trinkets instead of attending school? What really is happening in Chiapas? What happened to "liberation theology?" Why do the Americans condemn migrant workers and label them illegal, but in fact welcome the cheap labour?

We heard guest lecturers and CCIDD facilitators, took part in simulation games and saw contemporary videos. The essential ingredient was dialogue.

Although informing, intellectual discussion is not enough. The real impact of the ten days occured outside the center through direct experiences. We went to the countryside into indigenous villages, which was a stark reality. There are few similarities to Toronto, even though poverty is no stranger to our streets. The humble living conditions and the courage of the women both inspired and shook us. We met women who run schools with little or no materials. They set up bakery co-ops, breakfast clubs, and a host of projects inspired and sponsored by CCIDD. They are educated about systemic injustice--and how to come about change.

Our students were inspired by a youth activist group that has a newspaper funded by their own labour. These youth see the wiping out of illiteracy as a sign of hope for the poor--those engulfed in struggles for daily survival.

Over 10 days our hearts are softened. There are more lingering questions than solid answers. But CCIDD asks us not to leave with the two thoughts: "Even though their situation is terrible, they look happy," and "I am now so grateful for what I have at home." Both remarks insult the Mexican plight.

We pray that the gentle rains will foster their new growth and a more enlightened lifestyle.

For more information, visit www.ccidd.org