Journal Prompt 5
Study abroad programs gives students the opportunity to learn about other cultures. With this experience we can incorporate what we learned to our everyday lives in the 21st century. In a short time I have learned to appreciate everything I have. Life is short and we have to live it to the fulliest. It is important to take advantage of any opportunity to study abroad. This program has helped me feel more sensitive towards others needs. In the beginning I was the type of person that didn't feel much sympathy towards others. When I saw a homeless person I automatically thought they were like that because they were lazy or just living off the "system." But I now realize that many people out there can't help themselves because they don't know how to. Everyone's situation is different.
I must have cried everyday while I was in Oaxaca. Not because I was sad but because I was so proud to be there. I cried because I saw people that did not have anything. And here I am complaining about a pair of shoes I want or a purse I couldn't afford. It hits you on an emotional level. And I am not a person to cry easily. Everything I saw in Mexico I have brought home with me. This trip has brought me to a whole other level of thinking. I try not to take life's smallest things for granted. It is important to learn about other cultures because we are all connected some how or another. Global issues now concern me. Before this trip I really didn't keep up with current events. Ever since we left Oaxaca I have been staying up to date with the elections over there.
I am blessed that I was able to share an emotional experience with a great group of people who are now my friends. We will always be connected. Thank you Karen and Denise for allowing me to be part of a great bunch. This was my first plane ride and first time out of the country. Regardless of what we went through over there, I would not take it back for anything in the world.
I would highly recommend study abroad to others. You meet new friends and get to eat great food. What more could you ask for???

Journal Prompt 3
The last time I went to the missions was in Mr. Field history class. By the way, he is very good teacher to take for history. So it felt good to go back for a refresher on the history. I can't really say I like one mission more than the other because each one is unique in its' own way.
I just think it is amazing how this historic site are still up and attract visitor from all over. The fact that people lived there at one time and so much happened there is very interesting. I would like to go back in time and see what the area around it looked like. The crops they grew and the animals that were raised there. It must have looked so beautiful.
Every time I visit the missions I can't help but notice something new. The architecture especially. The doorways are low and the craftmanship is spectacular. Just think the natives built the missions with no technology what so ever. "They have great skills." (Napolean Dynamite)
It took a lot of hard work and man power to accomplish a fine establishment like the missions. It is hard to believe that the bricks and stones are still in place.
The missions gives San Antonio something to be proud of. This is our culture and we need to do the best to preserve the missions. That is why I enjoy being in this class, it has taught me to appreciate history more than I did before.

We vistited the San Fernando Cathedral and the Spanish Governor's Palace.







Pictures were taken at the San Fernando Cathedral.



Picture of the dining area at the Spanish Governor's Palace



Kitchen area




Trees that were used to hang people back in the early days of New Spain. Apparently on one of the trees, you can see faces of people that were hung. It is an old ghost story.



Outside of the Spanish Governor's Palace.

This was not my first visit to the San Fernando Cathedral. However it had been years since my last visit. It was my first time to the Spanish Governor's Palace. I am embaressed to say I didn't even know it was downtown. I am definitely going to visit the Palace again. There was so much to see in so little time. I learned that the dining room area is where the negotiating was done at. I am looking forward to going in the near future so I can take my time while exploring each room.

Monday, June 19, 2006
It was the first day back in class. I had butterflies in my stomach because I was excited to see my friends yet sad because we were back. I got to class and first person I saw was Melissa. We immediately gave each other a hug. Like we hadn't seen one another in years. I was just glad to see her. In such a short period of time we had been through a lot together. Soon after, Gail and Mary walk in and we all hugged too. It was like a family reunion!
As we were getting situated before class we were catching up on the latest news in Oaxaca. Apparently the protest is still going. Denise sent us a link to a cool website.
www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=06/06/15/1411208
It has an article about Mexican police that are accused of assaulting teachers in Oaxaca. It is a great article and gets right down to the chase about what really happened and why. Denise showed us a documentary by Jill Freidberg. She is an independent film maker. The documentary was called Democracy Now and took place in Seattle, Washington. It was a demonstration of all over the world against the WTO. It was a powerful film. In the begging it was hard to see because it reminded me of our experience in Oaxaca. Peaceful protestors were getting tear gas and assaulted in downtown Seattle. I don't remember what year it was but I think it happened in the late 90's, not too long ago. And yes, it can happen in America too. The protestors were peaceful just like the teachers in Oaxaca. Basically the protest was invitation to join hands and address the issuse.
"They had the DESIRE, POWER & VISION." They did not have a violent agenda like the media or press make them out to be.
"We will respond to death with life." All of the protestors in the film felt strongly about their position. They considered themselves to have many faces but one voice. The economic system was dividing the people. The protestors were hard working citizens that were misunderstood. Right away they were considered vandals and stereo type typed as gang members. It is pretty sad when you see that first hand in another country but to see it done in your own country is even sadder. Many people's rights were taken during the Seattle protest. Officers sprayed down college studens directly in the face with mace. It was completely unnecessary. In Oaxaca the people do not have civil rights so the government has the say so. But here we are in the USA and suppose to be the land of freedom of speech. The elite always has the upper hand.

Thursday, Depart Oaxaca...We are very tired. Left the hotel at 5:30 am!!!! And some of us didn't get much sleep, others didn't even go to sleep. I could hear the military trucks arrive around 4 am so I couldn't help but stay up.
I didn't want to leave! We didn't even get a chance to see Monte Alban or Santa Domingo. I am so sad that we are back home. But what really matters is that we made it back home safe. None of the class wanted to leave but we didn't have an option. However, I am so lcuky that I got the opportunity to attend Oaxaca with such a great group. This was my first trip out of the country and first plane ride, I am glad I shared it with my new friends. We all had our ups and downs together but no matter what we will always have a connection. I hope we stay in touch after this semester. All of us worked hard to attend this trip and we deserve to go back. Hopefully everything will calm down in Oaxaca and no one gets hurt.

Wednesday June 14th
I woke up 4 am to the sound of dogs barking and barking. It was strange to hear dogs because we hadn't seen any since we got here. So I couldn't really go back to sleep. Then a few minutes later I heard the teachers chanting and singing Mexico's national anthem. At that time, I was like, okay what is going on now? You see Monday and Tuesday night had been kind of noisey. All night we heard singing and laughing so I figured the teachers were just having a good time. But then I heard Liz and Melissa up talking and they were looking out of our windows. They were unable to see what was going on but we could still hear all this comotion. By this time we started to hear loud "thud" noises on the roof. We couldn't disifer the sound. Liz thought it was fireworks but we never say a spark or heard a pop like you would typically hear from fireworks. By this time I got up and I saw Melissa sitting on her bed covering her face with a shirt. She was trying to catch her breath and said her throat was itchy. I hadn't noticed anything in the air yet because my bed was the farthest from the window. Then it hit me! I felt my throat itchy and my eyes immediately began to water. I told Liz, hurry and shut the doors and all the windows! They are throwing tear gas!!!! It was awful because our room was on the top and we could smell everything. By that time, Denise had made her way to our room and alerted us that police were on the streets throwing tear gas at the teachers who were protesting. She told us to stay put and she would let us know what to do next. Well being that I am so nosey and I am a journalism student I wanted to know what was going on. So I grabbed my camera and ran up the stairs to the roof top. Keep in mind tear gas is potent in the air at this point. When I got upstairs I was shocked. But at the same time my adrenaline was rushing. I mean this is something I have always dreamed of reporting on, so I my goal was to get as many pictures as I can without getting introuble. Never in my life had I seen anything like this.



I wasn't scared at that moment I just wanted to take in as much as I could before it was too late. Denise and other students came up to the roof too. I called my dad to get Express News phone number, this was something we had to let them know about. Denise called and spoke to someone while tear gas is being shot across the street and teachers hollering in the background. It began to get nosier and more tear gas began to fill the air. By this time helicopters were flying right above us. It was intense. Teachers were still in the streets and tear gas was still being used on them. Apparently the governor Ulises Cruz had sent the state police to invade the streets. I am assuming he had enough! His reputation was on the line. But no matter how he felt, the teachers were PEACEFULLY protesting. They were not harming anyone. As a matter of fact, that night the teachers were having a good time. They had a brass band playing and everyone was singing some of their favorite songs. After a long history of protesting for 20-30 years the teachers had enough. The needs were not being met and desperate needs takes desperate measures.





So eventually we had come down from the room and were all piled up in the manager's office of the hotel. Denise was sending emails to all of her contacts and the Express News. We had all submitted a few pictures to them too. By this time again the tear gas was getting bad. Brandon had came into the office and his face was completely red and his eyes were tearing. As he sat down we told him to put water on his rag and pointed to a big bottle of the floor in the corner. It looked like water but the joke was on him. He drenched his towel with this clear liquid and covered his face with it. Immediatly he threw the towel off and says, "this isn't freaken water." It was hilarious! It was Mezcal. We all started laughing. Poor Brandon. And for those of you have never tried Mezcal from Oaxaca, it is some potent stuff. It is almost like drinking rubbing alcohol. The local people drink it with no problems. So in the midst of all this chaos we were still able to laugh together.
Well we had finally downloaded our pictures and I went up to my intoxicating room to quickly shower. By the time I got back to the lobby Denise and Karen had called a meeting with all of us. It didn't look good. The hotel owner had just got off the phone with the Secretary of the Tourist Center and they recommended we evacuate the hotel immediatly. The reason was because where we were staying was right smack in the middle of all the drama. They couldn't guarantee our safety. Thhe good thing was we were going to another hotel that was safer and the protestors were not in that area. But the bad news was that we had to walk to the hotel. Buses were not functioning or taxis were not being let in the area. So we had to hurry and pack and get back down to the lobby. At this point I started to get a little scared because injured teachers were ringing the hotel's doorell to let them in. They were hurt and needed help but the hotel could not let them in, if they did then a lot more would get in too. So we got a small towel covered our face and was snuck out of the hotel. It was a terrible site. The tents and tarps that were up had been destroyed. Buses were completely destroyed and small fires had been started. The streets were a complete mess. It was nothing like the days before. So here we are a bunch of Americans in the middle of all this and we are walking with all of our luggage. It was hot and smokey. It was a dangerous situation. It was hard to look the teachers in the face because you could see their pain. I tried my best to keep a cool head. But as we approached a four way stop I turned to my left and saw hundreds of teachers marching our way with machetes and lead pipes in their hands. They were adjitated and ready to defend themselves. That made me a little nervous. I was tired and having an asthma attack, I just wanted to get to the hotel. Finally we arrived to the new hotel and it was like nothing even happened in that area. It was quiet and protestors were no where in sight. Denise gets our room keys and passes them out to us. Me, Melissa, and Liz were still roommates! Thank goodness! We had already bonded and got along well. We all went to our rooms to unwind and call our families. My parents were just glad that we made it to the hotel safe. They didn't know we were going to walk in the middle of all the action. I was just exhausted and was waiting for the day to end. But I couldn't stop there, I was hungry and I have to eat! So a few of us went to this nice restaurant. Everyone was happy to see they had hamburgers on the menu. With fries! Comfort food! I had a steak and fries. I was too hungry for a burger. We also had a few margaritas which were really delicious. They hit the spot. The food and the drinks helped us forget about all that we had just went through. It was so weird, a few hours before we were being shot at with tear gas and now we were having a hearty meal and tasty margaritas. we became friends with two of the waiters there. We were asking them where we could find a "disco" at. They had asked us all to meet them at the restaurant at 9 and they would take us. We never made it to meet them! oops!
We stayed at the restaurant for a few hours and then headed back to our hotel. When we arrived Karen and Denise were waiting for all of us. Another meeting! Anna Maria was there too. The class was happy to see her. She had walked all the way from her house just to meet us. And that is a far walk. Especially when the buses or taxis were not running. So we all gathered in the lobby again with the Director of the Tourist Center and Anna Marie. It was bad news! Apparently more teachers were coming in to Oaxaca to join the protest and it was going to get worst. We had plans to go see Monte Alban and other historical sites but if we were to go we might not be able to return back to the city. The streets would be blocked and they didn't know what to expect. Anna Maria has friends that are teachers and in the union so she knew what was best for us. She was looking out for us. So the director and Anna Maria recommended we go back to San Antonio. We were all disappointed. It was sad because I worked my tail off to get accepted for this study abroad program. Our stay was suppose to be for 2 weeks and we were only here for 3 days. Some of us cried and others were pissed off. But in all reality leaving Oaxaca was the best decision. They could not guarantee our safety and if things got worst then what would we have done. We would have had to be air lifted out of there. (which at the time sounded pretty cool)
In Mexico things are not handled like they are in the US. There are no civil rights there. Denise and Karen apologized but it is not their fault. I respect both of my professors very much because they took of all of us. They kept a cool head at all times and got us all where we needed to go. The mother instinct in them immediatly came out. I felt comfort knowing they were there to guide us.
Well so packed up and prepared for an early flight. We had to meet in the lobby at 5am. It was a long day for us but we made it! We stuck together. Going through all of this was an emotional rollercoaster. First I was excited then scared, then overwhelmed to happy again. Then scared and sad. It was like a dream. I am emotionally drained. It sucks though that the teachers have to go through all that just to get basic nessessities. Back at home we take the smallest things for granted. We are more worried about materialistic things rather than our needs. In Oaxaca they don't know about the materialistic things, they live each day working hard for what they have. They earn every cent they get. We as Americans, as a sociey can learn from them. Many young people come from Mexico to get a descent education and they work hard. And we are over here making fun of them and talking smack because they supposably take our jobs and our money. It is not right. They know what it is like to suffer. My dad always says, the more someone suffers the stronger there become." And I believe it! As I walked down the streets in Oaxaca I saw many many beautiful people. But when I looked into their eyes you can see what they have been through. Their pain and struggles. But they still remain humble and hard working. What I saw in Oaxaca I have brought home with me. I will never forget the things that I saw and the people I met. I am so blessed that I was able to visit such a wonderful place with such a great group of people. I have learned to appreciate life and what I have more. The local people in Oaxaca were some of the friendlist people I have ever met. It makes me proud to be a Hispanic! Now my job is to incorporate what I learned there into our lives in the 21st century.

Tuesday Day 2... 6-13-06
Day 2 in Oaxaca and loving it! Today I woke up around 8 am and ate breakfast at Marco Polo. I was pleased to see they had pancakes on the menu. I had to order them! They were delicious and the coffee was great! Never ending cups of coffee and a stack of fluffy pancakes, what a way to start the morning!

Today our agenda was to meet in the hotel lobby at 10 am and we were going to visit the university. We all managed to meet on time too! Karen was proud of us! She had already warned us if we were late she was going to take care of us. Karen is sweet and I would hate to see her mad!

Anna Marie met us at the hotel and she was our guide for the day. She is a graduate and a teacher at the Instituto Tecnologico de Oaxaca. Anna Marie received an degree in Engineering. In order for us to get to the university we had to take a local bus. I was anxious to ride the bus. The buses are nothing like the Via buses we have here. It was a bumpy ride and there was no AC. Behind the bus driver was a picture of the Virgin Mary. However, I can't complain because the bus fare is really reasonable. So our bus ride was about 10-15 minutes and we had to walk about a block to get to the university. By this time I was already use to all the walking. Not like back home where you can just hop in your car and take off. But I enjoyed walking, the weather is pleasant and it is nice to see the city and pass by all the shops.

When we arrived on campus Anna Maria led us to a small conference room where we were greeted by the director of the university and a teacher. They gave us some background information about the school. The university is state funded and estimate tuition costs about $400 per year. Student population is 4500 this semester. Their goal is to have 5000 registered. This year 2000 students applied to the university but only 1000 got accepted. The school would love to accept all students but the facility does not have the resources to have all of them there at the same time. There is no space. Currently they are working on improving the curriculum. It is the biggest university in the city. The offer academics, culture, and sports. Right now they have 530 employees. The success rate this past semester was 54%. That is really good! The ratio of women to men who attend the university are 60/40. YEA LADIES! Now there are more opportunites for women so they want to get an education.
After our very informative meeting with the staff, Anna Marie took us through campus to another room. We met with Dr. Pedro Maldonaldo Cruz. He has a dr. degree in economics and attended the University of Cuba. Dr. Cruz has written and published many books. Also, he teaches at the graduate levels which is the highest level in Oaxaca. Dr. Cruz provided us with tons of information about the life conditions in Mexico. Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Chapas is at the lowest in economic development and the poorest in the country. Many of Oaxaca's problems are due to their geography. In 2003 employement rates went down to 3.7 %. Dr. Cruz analyzes 570 counties in Mexico.
Life Condition Concerns and Issues:
* houses with services
* clean water and plumbing
* many of the houses still have dirt floors and only 2 rooms
* education & employment
* ages 6-14 are not in school
* ages 15 and older are illiterate
* health services
* there is a high infertility rate due to the lack of medical attention
* other basic needs

Solutions to make it better:
1. better communication
2. education (values and morals)
3. skilled workers and training
4. form business network

Oaxaca continues to hold strong cultural values and remain confident. They have a lot of pride and they believe it will get better. Teachers, students, and the community continue to be optimistic and work together to build a business and social network. The goal is to establish an active society rather than an inactive.

Monday, first day in Oaxaca...I woke up at 3:00 a.m. I was so anxious and excited to go on my trip but at the same time I was a little nervous. It was going to be my first time flying and actually going out of the country. Laredo and Matamoros does not count in my book. Anyhow, I arrived at the airport exactly at 5:00 a.m. Abel and I walked around and we finally made it to terminal 2. I was the first one in my class to arrive. A few minutes later my roomie, Liz showed up.



Then little by little everyone else showed up. We all checked in as a group and by the time we knew it, it was time to board the plane. Going through the airport check point was all new to me. I had to take off my shoes. Good thing my socks did not have holes! haha
Well we were short on time and we had to run just to make it on the plane. Just my luck! Everyone was already seated and the flight attendants were a little short with us because we were late. I had got a window seat but with my luck this man was sitting on my seat! Greeeaaat! I just sat down because it would have been a hassle to move around. The plane is not very spacious. Those movies tricked me! I was looking forward to being on a plane like on the Wedding Singer. You mean to tell me Billie Idol is not on this plane!
So I was finally situated and buckled in. Denise and Karen were close by so I felt safe knowing they were there just in case I started feeling quesy! As the plane was taking off I was looking out the window waiting to be lifted into the air. It was cool! It felt like I was on a ride, like a rollercoaster. By the time I knew it the cars and building got smaller and smaller until I could not make anything out. I was surrounded by clouds. It was great! I was mesmerized by the clouds and the beautiful blue sky. It was kind of peaceful.



The only thing I did not like was how my ears got all stuffy! They popped a few times but once we got to the highest point I could not hear. It felt like I had a ton of cotton balls in my ears. I have to admit, I did get a little scared at that point. I thought I was going deaf! Mary was telling me something and I could not really hear her, I just nodded and smiled. ha ha (sorry Mary) Oh ya by the way, that gum trick that my friends recommended did not help. Boo!
The plane ride to Houston was very short. It took us longer in the airport than in the plane. We arrived at the Houston airport and it was kind of hectic there. Our little carts they promised us were not there so we had to walk. Denise asked this lady who worked at the airport for some assistance but she misinformed us. Yellow light, blue light. I dont know! Anyways, we finally got to a train that took us to where we needed to go. Houston airport is crazy! So we got in our plane, it was a smaller one than the one we had just off of. It was an express plane. I sat in the front and this time I had my own seat by the window. The way it was meant to be. This plane ride was incredible. The scenery was almost breathtaking. We flew over some water and through some more clouds. Very little turbulance which was good. Oh man then once we go to Mexico I was able to see mountains covered with greenery. At one point my eyes got watery because I could not believe what I was seeing. I mean you have to see it for yourself to understand. This is not something you can see everyday back at home. I was taking in as much as possible. I was like a little kid in a candy shop! This time I could hear though. My ears were not playing tricks on me. As I was looking down I could see many many windy roads that led to what seemed like no where. Good thing we flew!!!!! As we flew over Mexico I could see tiny homes below with tin roofs. Nothing like back home. I knew I was in for a rude awakening when I got to Oaxaca.
Once we landed I just wanted to get off the plane and stretch. Let me off, let me off! We walked into the Oaxaca airport which was very small. Luckily all my luggage was there. So I got my luggage and went through another inspection. I was good to go.
After everyone got their luggage and we filled out the proper paperwork we all piled up in a taxi van. We were headed off to the hotel. My eyes were wide opened. The scenery, the people, the neighborhoods. It was all new to me! Very very different from home! I can tell you one thing though, over here they all drive like bats out of hell. Once we got to the hotel the van stopped right smack in the middle of the street. I thought it was funny but then I turned to see about a dozen cars zooming my way. Then it was not so funny, you just got to be so alert here. No blinkers just a bunch of honking horns and smoky mufflers. Hold your breath!
The hotel is nice, not your typical four star hotel but it is nice. Liz, Melissa and I were just glad to see there were beds and a bathroom. However there is no AC in the room. UGH! At night though it gets cold.
Well once we checked in, we went to eat lunch as a group. I had Fajitas a la Mexicana and to my surprise it was not what I was expecting. Not the Taco Cabana fajitas we are custom to eating. It was more like an asada meat with green beans, tomatos, onions, and peppers all cooked together. It was okay. I also tried this soup, kind like a Creamy Hominy soup. I did not really like that. It tasted like corn meal. I even drowned it with lime and cabbage to try to kick it up a notch but it did not help much. Oh ya and I had white rice with corn. Weird huh? Oh well it was different and at least I can say I tried it.
After lunch Denise and Karen gave us the game plan for Tueday and then we were on our own for the rest of the day. YEA! Me, Meliss, and Liz hit the streets. It is so busy! So many wonderful things to look at and buy. Oh and the people here are so genuine. The talent that they have to make the jewelery, pottery, and clothing it is remarkable. I wish I could buy everything I see. My mom would love the jewelery. Walking through the time I started to think of my grandpa Lizcano. He would have loved to be here. He was a very skillful man full of wonderful talents. I know he would be proud of my right now. I miss hime!
As we were walking through the city I spotted a huge church. We went in and gosh was it beautiful. I walked aroung for a bit then I just sat there. It was so peaceful! I sat there for a while and prayed. I am so blessed to be here right now. I wish you all could see what I have seen so far. And this is only the beginning, there is a lot more to see. Hopefully I get a chance to go to mass Sunday. It is all is Spanish.







After the church we walked aroung town some more. We came at just the right time, right now teachers from all over the state are protesting. They are demanding more help for the schools in Oaxaca. They are demanding books, supplies, higher wages, scholarships for students, you name it they need it.


I think this is one of the 17 different dialects in Oaxaca. The language changes a little. I don't know what it means. Just looks neat because it is woven and it took a lot of time to create this. It is so colorful.


This guy is the governor of Oaxaca right now. Ulises Cruz. Elections are in July so they are planning on protesting till then.


This man has some general information about the protest. There are several groups of teachers representing their district.





So all over the town are tents and tarps. Hundreds of teachers have been here for about two weeks and they plan to be there until July. Can you imagine? They have hung graphic signs that show their opinions about the governor. Some are funny but at the same time they express what the teachers feel. We are not even close to realizing how good we have things in the US. These people have been sleeping out in the streets and eating every single day. Some live miles away and mind you they do not have cars to go home and shower then come back. No they are here to stay. They have purpose. It is just amazing to see all of this.





As the day began to end some of went to go have dinner at this little restaurant. I was good! I had charro beans with bistec tacos. MMMM! Then we just sat outside in the plaza area and listened to a man that was playing his guitar. He was really good. We laughed and got a chance to get better aquainted with one another. In the middle of our conversation, two little boys came up to us and they were selling homemade bracelets. I suppose they were about 7 and 9. Liz began talking to them and asked them how much they wanted for the bracelets. They sold us 4 for a 1.00. We took pictures of them and made them laugh. Moses and Noel, our new friends. They lived about 30 minutes to an hour away. (walkin not driving) Their mother sent them to sell bracelets and they HAD to make 6.00 before they got home or else they would get in trouble. They had been there since early that morning and were going to WALK back home at midnight. I wanted to cry! It was hard to see them walk away from us. I started thinking of my nephews, we barely like to let them play outside in the front yard by themselves much less walk home at night. This is the kind of stuff that I am getting exposed to here in Oaxaca. We think we have it bad sometimes but we have no clue what it means to suffer or to be without. We are spoiled! Later on that night on the way to the hotel we saw everyone get in their tents for a nights sleep. Some did not have tents they just slept on a piece of cardboard. Once I got to the room I was thankful I had a bed to sleep in that night. This is only the first day here and already I am changed person!


Thanks mom and dad for getting me everything I ever needed! I am grateful to have such caring parents!

p.s. I will post pictures soon. Stay tuned!

Where did they come from? Where are they now? Where are they going next? I wanted to know their story. What or who made them get to where they are at in their life? It was an emotional day for me today and it was pretty hard to hold back my tears while serving food. I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Society of St. VIncent De Paul. It was an experience I will never forget. St. Vincent is located on W. Commerce close to where some may consider home, "The Bridge". We met Sylvia and Angelica. They were our hosts for the day. Both ladies dedicate much of their time and hard work at St. Vincent.
When we arrived the cafeteria was quiet and empty. Sylvia and Angelica put us to work fast. We all spread out and began doing our share to prepare lunch. The menu consisted of meat and potatoes along with a roll, dessert and drink.

In the process of preparing the meal I had no clue what to expect once people start arriving. Then Frank (a volunteer) opened the door. One by one hungry people walked in and grabbed a tray ready to eat a hot meal. My heart just sank. How can there be so many less fortunate people? People that go without everyday. I mean don't get me wrong I always knew there were homeless people out there but seeing them and looking into their eyes. I felt so bad for them. Some of them I just wanted to hug because I could see their pain. I saw women and men of all ages and even a few teenagers. Many of them were very polite and said, thank you and please. I have to admit I did get in trouble by the staff a few times for bending the rules. But I couldn't say no to them. That was probably the first good hot meal that person has had in days, I couldn't refuse.
As the line was coming in faster and the room was filling up I noticed a familiar face in the line. It was a lady I had worked years ago. She recognized and called me out from across the room. I was surprised she remembered me! When I worked with her I would try to help her out when I could. We had a chance to catch up real quick and she told me that she remembered that I was always nice to her and never made her feel bad. She had always had a few troubles here and there but hey everyone is different. After she tells me that my heart sank deeper. I really wanted to cry. I mean what are the odds that I would run into this person, I hadn't seen her in over five years. This was crazy! Talk about ironic out of all places and out of all people. After she ate her lunch I gave her a hug and told her to be safe. She looks at me and says, "Mel you'll always be cool in my book." Call me cheesy, but I thought that was pretty neat.
(that's my friend Pam)
Well as the lunch crowd began dying down, we began cleaning up. It is a lot of hard work to do what Slvia and Angelica do. Some of us cleaned off counters and tables while others washed dishes. My feet were killing me! Ugh!

As we were leaving the center I was talking to Karen. I told her out of all the field trips we had gone to, this one imparticular had an enormous impact. It was hard for me to hold my tears back while talking to her. The fact that we (the class) actually got to see them face to face made it a more touching experience. Everytime I go to work and pass "The Bridge" I will never look at that place the same again. Knowing that I helped one of those people down there. I feel blessed and grateful for what I have and hope that maybe someday they too find peace in their lives. I know now that things could always be worst!
Later on that day I could not stop thinking about my trip to the center. I couldn't stop talking about it. I just wish there was more I could do for them. It is sad because some of them want help and want to become a part of our society but we as a society don't allow them to. We reject them because of how they look or how they talk. Sometimes I think it is our fault because they try and we deny them. It is like that old saying, Don't judge a book by it's cover.
I know that I will go back and volunteer at the Society of St. Vincent De Paul. I enjoyed this experience and I want to thank Karen and Denise for allowing us to see how the "other side" lives.

Poverty is not only in other countries, it is in our own backyard and we should help our people get back on their feet. Here we are in the United States of America helping children in Africa and Iran but we can't even help out our own less fortunate here in our own country. I don't get it! Why?
I also want to add that the center is in need of clothes and food. Sylvia told us some men needed shoes. They don't have to be brand new. Some common sizes are 9-11. Please go through your closets and gather up what doesn't fit or anything else you would like to donate. Don't hang on to that shirt you swear you will fit into soon, because we all know that never happens. I know I am guilty of that! I noticed the center also needs kitchen supplies. They serve about 200 people a day and right now Sylvia and Angelica work with what they have. Cleansers, knives, cooking utensils and even dish towels would help out a lot.
I couldn't help to notice that they had a bookshelf but there were no books. Hmmm! Maybe some books would be nice to fill up that shelf. Or even some board games. I know I am going to go through some things around my house and donate to them. If you are willing on donating any items please make sure you give it directly to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, that way the items go directly to the people who stay there. Society of St. Vincent de Paul is on W. Commerce St. ask for Sylvia if you have questions.