Longest Day Of The Trip Goes Off Without A Hitch

By Morgan Miller, Westminster Presbyterian

Having flown in late the night before, Joseph Russ from PC(USA) joined the group for a large breakfast in the open-concept hostel courtyard early on Tuesday—our longest day of the trip.

Women workers at the hostel packed our table with plates of pancakes, scrambled eggs, smashed plantains, bowls of fresh papaya, black coffee, fruit juice, yogurt, granola, and lots of bread.

Next, we got ready to leave for the day. Carrie asked us to wear our nicest outfits, as we’d be visiting Jesus es El Camino Church (JESELCA – Emerson’s church).

Our freshly groomed group left the hostel on foot, meandering down a sidewalk or two, still within the confines of our hostel’s gated community.

In a small white-walled meeting room, we met Gustavo Javier, head of a Asociacion de Retornados Guatemaltecos, a nonprofit group based in Guatemala that works with migrants arriving back into the country.

When a new flight of arrivals land at the airport—only about a ten or fifteen minute drive—Javier and his team meet them at the airport, offer them a ride to the office, a chance to shower, and a phone call to family who might be willing to pick the person up.

He has experienced pushback from cartels looking to profit on migrants’ journeys northbound.

Javier knows firsthand the pains of the U.S. immigration system. He moved to Los Angeles in 1980, staying for 30 years—until he returned to Guatemala. His mother died in the last decade, making him the last of his family to live in the country. Even his children—who are U.S. citizens under the 14th Amendment—tell him they have no interest in moving to Guatemala.

Javier says assisting returnees—a risky line of work—has become a part of who he is.

“I’m never gonna let this mission fail,” he said. “It’s a piece of my heart.”

After saying goodbye, we all funneled into the bus. And our driver Martin skillfully navigated narrow streets lined with brightly colored buildings until we arrived outside the CEDEPCA office.

It was a heartfelt reunion for group members who’d met the staff in years past. The office building is large with lots of open space filled by sunlight and lush, green grass, flowers, and trees.

We kicked off introductions by sharing a snack of tortillas with fresh avocado spread and strong coffee.

Around 11 a.m. there was a signing ceremony to renew the NCP-CEDEPCA agreement. Cindy performed a traditional song accompanied by Tracy on the keyboards that roused the room to join in harmony. Then Carrie, Cathy, Tracy and Judith spoke about the partnership—their words were met by great enthusiasm. An agreement was signed to extend the partnership for another three years.

After lots of pictures, everyone went downstairs to share a wonderful, fresh feast of roasted potatoes with rosemary, zucchini boats stuffed with carrots, peas, corn, as well as moist chicken for the majority of our group: meat eaters.

Afterwards we split into two sections and toured the building to meet all the staff and learn about what they’re working on. For instance, Daniela is a 24-year-old woman from rural Guatemala who moved to the city for higher education. She studies accounting and now serves as the account’s deputy director.

It was a morning to remember, and little did we know, the day was only going to get better…

(Amy is up next!)