(Note: We were not allowed to take photos of the kids at Southwest Key, so the pictures above only show St. Mary's people or hands of the Southwest Key kids).
Today we went to Southwest Key and interacted with boys who were 14-17 years old. Southwest Key is a detention center for undocumented youth. When we first arrived, we introduced ourselves and ate pizza and ice cream with them out on the enclosed deck. Afterwards, we sang karoake all in Spanish and then made a tablecloth that will be used during church services. The Saint Mary's crew traced the hands of the boys at Southwest Key. Although some of the boys were shy, they agreed to help with the project.
When we first arrived, I was nervous because I didn't know how the boys would react. There were 14 boys, each from different places (El Salvador, Mexico, Honduras), and many were the same age as us, so I felt that they were not going to be as open to us. During lunch, we intermingled and sat at four tables and asked each other about our interests. Only one of the boys spoke English, so many of us used the Spanish we have learned in school. For example, we talked about movies, music, and sports. After lunch, we sat around the TV and sang Spanish karaoke songs, led by Reverend Mary. Most of the Southwest Keys boys were shy, but then some got really into it! We sang La Bamba, Mama Mia, and a lot of songs we didn't know. After karoake, we did an art project where we would trace our hands and put our name in the middle of each hand. Those who were not shy went first, while the others hung back. I didn't have a partner so I approached the group of guys in the corner and asked who wanted to be my partner. No one responded at first, so I repeated myself, "Quien quiere ser mi compañero." Finally, Juan Carlos agreed to be my partner and I traced his hand and he traced mine. We put our names in the middle, representing the unification between us. Before departing, four of the residents shared with us their stories on how and why they tried to cross the border but were caught. Enrique, a very friendly and energenic fourteen year old, was all fun and jokes, but when he shared his story, he discussed the violence and sadness he faced everyday, and how he was beaten by his father. I was taken back because just two minutes ago he was happy. Going to Southwest Key was incredible because the boys were the same age as us, but the hardships they have been through were so different than our experiences. Our differences bring us together and unify us under God.
Tomorrow we will go back and plant a garden with them. More commentary and pictures to follow!
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