Hello from Texas! As October has come and left like a whirlwind (yes it’s still hot here, in case you were wondering), I am so happy to look back on all that was accomplished this fall season so far. Lord knows it’s been a wild ride for everyone, but in the middle of the busyness God is moving for good. Between the last service learning trip of the year and a trip to Waco’s Baylor University, I’ve seen inspiration stirring in the hearts of the people.

October began with a visit to Baylor University for their Missions Week, an event that hosts several international missions organizations on campus, with different events to meet with students who would be interested in serving with them. It was so encouraging to see so many organizations that were serving a mosaic of people all over the world, in education, healthcare, justice, Christian fellowship, and so much more. I was inspired to see the Church actively embodying the hands and feet of Jesus.

Caroline and I met with several college students who wanted to learn more about BP, all from different backgrounds who felt called to the border for different reasons. One student shared her dissatisfaction with the immigration system, which led her to intern under a United States senator. That internship, which she had hoped would encourage her, only fueled her disappointment with congress. Instead of losing hope, she is now in the process of becoming an immigration lawyer with the intention of helping people become lawfully settled and established in the United States. Her story was very inspiring, I loved her resolve to fight for what she found valuable in pursuit.

The second week of October, Border Perspective welcomed the last Service Learning Trip of the year. There were many great moments, fellowshipping together on Wednesday night with the local church and many meaningful conversations. When packing a bag of food alongside a trip member, she was able to tell me about how God was moving in her life, a small moment when we could simply praise God together. We even served alongside a woman who lives in the Valley, who shared her own perspective about the border. She was able to add so much insight and nuance to the conversation as we all listened to her point of view. We also saw God at work in plenty of other ways, one team member was able to give a bible he had saved for years to a man that was praying for one. I saw people in tears during the debrief, the realization awakening that the border is not an abstract concept, but it is peoples’ stories, their lives and their families. And God cares about these things deeply.

I cherish the memories that are made in the kids’ play area at Catholic Charities. So many moments were shared on the last trip, and it was a beautiful way to end the season. From the Venezuelan man who shared his story with one of the team members, to taking turns showing each other magic tricks and playing musical chairs with the kids, it was a lovely time of unity. And I believe that is the mission of Border Perspective, learning to see each other as a beautiful creation that is worthy of respect and dignity, to come together as a people who regard one another as made in God's image.

Thank you for all your prayers,

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Azie is serving in South Texas from Sept. 17th - Nov. 15th, 2024 as part of our Leadership-Development Program. Her ministry involvement consists of serving alongside local organizations in South Texas, and supporting our service-learning mobilization program.