Students from UT-Brownsville and Pan Am University in McAllen visited the Casa de Migrantes in Reyonsa Mexico. The Daughters of Charity/Hijas de Caridad who serve there introduced the students to some immigrants who had recently arrived. The group of immigrants shared that on their way through Mexico they had been kidnapped and held for a month. Their abductors held the group beating them in hope for a ransom from their families- only their families were to poor to pay. After the abductors realized that they would not make money on holding this group, they let them go. We were touched by the faith that each of the immigrants shared...God had protected their life and has led them to this place of safety.

Our hearts were moved when they shared the hopes they held for a better life, a life where they would be able to work to earn money, to provide their children with food and an education. Each had great hope that their life would and could be better just across the border. They told us they had no choice in coming...they had to... they were hungry for too long and were watching their children struggle to survive and immigrating seemed to be the only option. Somehow, they believed, God would help them to endure the long journey and find what they were seeking. Their stories brought tears to our eyes and hope to our hearts.

The students are now working to promote a Drive to collect shoes, socks, underwear and other personal items for the Casa de Migrantes. All items collected will go to the immigrants who pass through the shelter in Reynosa. If you would like to help contact Hilda Esacdon at CCM-UTB, Fr. Jorge Gomez at the Offices of the Diocese of Brownsville, or Sr. Sharon at the email address provided on this page.