Experiencing the 'other' Mexico

Catholic New Times, May 18, 2003 by Melanie Gaudet

When most people picture Mexico in their minds, they think of the ideal tourist spot. Mexico is the supreme vacation getaway because of its moderate climate and sandy white beaches. Many people do not realize that beyond the wails of the many fancy resorts and hotels, another, less exotic Mexico exists. I was one of these people until I embarked on a remarkable journey of self-discovery and eye opening experience.

In November 2002, I, along with 15 other students and three teachers, got the chance to experience the "other" Mexico. During our ten day long experience, we stayed at the Cuernavaca Centre for Intercultural Dialogue on Development, (CCIDD). The purpose of our trip was to learn about another culture from first-hand experience. What I received from this trip, however, was much more than just experience and it was beyond anything I could comprehend. I was also scared because I had no idea how the impact of this experience ,nay change me. During those 10 days I met many wonderful and inspiring people. I got to see the real Mexico and its beautiful culture. I remember being shocked to hear that 70 per cent of the population of Mexico live in poverty. Suddenly, this picture perfect paradise didn't seem so "perfect." Our days were jam-packed with all sorts of enlightening experiences and chances to learn about the Mexican people from the Mexican people.

One of the most amazing places we visited was the orphanage. Children, hinging in age from toddler to teen, would stay in this orphanage during the week, and return to live with their relatives on the weekend. The families of these children placed them in the orphanage in order to ensure that they had the opportunity to attend school, as it is very expensive to send children to school in Mexico. When we arrived at the orphanage, we all felt slightly awkward. What could we possibly have in common With these people?

We didn't know what to say. Then, one of the boys living there asked us if we wanted to play soccer. We agreed and after playing for about an hour, the group of us were having so much fun that we forgot about our differences and realized that all of us were actually very much alike. We were all children with the same thoughts, fears and emotions. Language did not matter.

During one of the most memorable and emotionally exhausting days of our experience, we visited a squatter settlement called La Estacion. It was here that I met someone who I will never forget. Her name was Domitilda. She was in her sixties and caring for her four grandchildren. When we walked into her house, we saw one small, dirt-floored room that contained two beds, a table, a stove and some shelves that held scarce quantities of food. The older boys, who were just barely teenagers, had to work to support the family instead of going to school and getting a proper education. Despite the obvious poverty that she and her family experienced on a daily basis, she never complained and managed to keep a strong faith in God and in life in general.

People like Domitilda never think about themselves. They are always more concerned with the well-being of others. I remember her saying that even though she was sick and suffering, she prayed to God to keel) her on earth so she could care for her family. She never even thought to pray for her recovery or for God to end her suffering She said that she didn't like being poor but God must have meant for it to be that way so she accepted it with grace and dignity. Her willingness to give amazed me. This was similar to the other places we visited in Mexico. Everywhere we went, we were always welcomed back. Many people had barely enough to sustain themselves and yet, they offered us everything. This constant display of complete selflessness and generosity forced me to think about all of the petty, insignificant things I concern myself with on a daily basis. While I am preoccupied with weekend plans and the upcoming Prom, people like Domitilda are worrying about where their next meal is going to come from. After visiting La Estacion, I remember feeling so useless. I felt like I couldn't do anything to help them. I couldn't end their poverty. Later, I came to realize that I wasn't useless and there was a way I could help. I could listen to their stories and share those stories with others.

Throughout our visit we were exposed to many significant signs of hope. Everywhere we looked, amidst the poverty and oppression, there were people helping each other to improve their situations. One night we visited a Base Christian Community and sat in on their weekly meeting. A Base Christian Community is a group in which people of all ages live together and apply the readings in the bible to real life situations. During their weekly meetings, they read different holy texts and compare them to things occurring in their lives. They then discuss how these problems will be solved. Through the word of God, they gather the strength to help those who are in need. They work together to better their lives.