Human Dignity and Our Responsibility

Today was the third day of our Agape Young Adult week. Our Catholic Social Teaching today was Dignity of the Human Person, which was very fitting for what we did today. We started the day by going door to door in neighborhoods in the area, putting flyers in the door jams asking people to go through their pantries and donate non-perishable foods when next week's group comes back to collect. After dropping off flyers, we went back to Sacred Heart and watched, Dying to Live. This is a documentary about the lives of immigrants from South America, and what they go through when trying to cross into the U.S. illegally. I had seen this documentary before, but it is also mind blowing just to hear about what they have to go through in order to gain a better life. After having opportunities like this week, and seeing this video and going on mission trips and really understanding and learning about immigration issues and how important it is to really treat others with that human dignity they deserve, it makes me really want to educate those around me as well so we can all go out and try to make better choices. I have a lot of friends and relatives who sometimes jump to conclusions about people who cross into the country illegally-- which is pretty common in our society; putting those labels on people. But having had this opportunity to learn more, we are called to share what we learn with others and educate them. Something I have learned through this experience that I really think others should know about people who are crossing from South America into the U.S. illegally, is that they are doing so because they have no other choice. Who would want to leave their home and their family behind if they didn't have to? The economic state of many of the countries in South America is such that jobs are few and far between, and the work that is available either doesn't pay enough or doesn't give their workers enough hours to make enough to live off of. Parents are finding that in order to feed their families, they have to travel to the States to look for work. This is what is behind illegal immigration. People are starving and they have no other choice. Having learned this, I hope to educate my friends and family back home and just spread the word. It's a small thing to do that we may not feel like makes much of a difference, but as a friend of mine said today, every drop of water in the ocean creates a ripple. 

After watching Dying to Live we prepared for going to the migrant camp, and then we headed to the camp to have a BBQ with the families. This was my most favorite part of the day-- playing with the kids, getting to know them better and just seeing the smiles and pure joy on their faces. It is these faces-- the images of pure joy that I hope to remember and bring back with me after this week. When having conversation with friends and family about immigration and the rights of others, I will think of these kids to give me courage to have these conversations. In addition to making an effort to educate others, I am also hoping to be more conscious about the purchases I am making and the companies I support. When pulling weeds at Sam's farm yesterday, we talked a lot about the importance of buying organically because the food that comes from those farms are ones where workers do not have to work with harmful pesticides. It's also important to think about where you are buying your clothing and other items-- who makes the clothes for these companies? Are they treating their workers with that human dignity they deserve? Christ dwells within all of us and we all deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. I am excited that all of us as young adults have been able to have this opportunity and I cannot wait to go out after this and create that ripple in the ocean. 

-Chelsea