Borderlands Day 1

We started our day bright and early, meeting at 7:15 a.m. at the Kansas City airport. After the usual TSA shuffle, we found our gate and waited to board, all feeling that mix of nerves and excitement. Boarding had just begun when we heard the THAT dreaded announcement, a delay due to a “maintenance issue.” It turns out the radar wasn’t working…which, you know, feels kind of important.
Eventually, they switched us to a different plane, and after about an hour’s delay, we were finally on our way. It was one of those short-yet-somehow-long travel days, two flights, a lot of waiting, and a lot of snacks. But we finally made it to El Paso! Unfortunately, one of our team member’s bags didn’t make the trip after they made her check it. I joked that luggage might get lost, but we’re never lost to God. In all seriousness, she handled it like a champ, even though her suitcase decided to take its own vacation to California and back.
By the time we reached our apartments, we were completely exhausted. But of course, there was one more challenge waiting for us, the place smelled like natural gas. Apparently, someone before us had left the stove on. We opened all the windows, aired it out, and gave it some time while Abara (our host organization) went out and got new CO₂ detectors for us.
Dinner was next on the agenda. Adam had recommended this amazing restaurant from last year, but when we arrived it was closed. Another curveball! So, we stayed flexible (theme of the day) and found a spot called Timo’s. Our server spoke only Spanish, but thankfully Katy and I (Rachel) both know enough Spanish, so between the two of us we made it happen. I was nervous at first because speaking with a native speaker always feels intimidating. But the food? Absolutely amazing. ¡Qué rico!
After dinner, we walked back home, having meaningful conversations with each other. There are nine of us total: Adam, Angie, Cindy, Greg, Jan, Joan, Katy, Rachel, and Susan. Each of us felt called to this trip in our own way. On our walk, we passed dogs guarding their homes. Jan mentioned that it seemed like there was a sense of fear lingering here; bars on windows, guard dogs, gated driveways. It’s true; you can feel the tension of living so close to the border, yet El Paso felt quiet, too.
Later, we gathered around the dining table for our devotional, led by Katy. She shared how Jesus sent his disciples out two by two to spread the Good News and how He chose to work through people even though He didn’t have to. She reflected on how Jesus didn’t want His followers to be alone, but to have someone to process with, to lean on, to offer support and safety. He sent them into unfamiliar places just like He was sending us now.
We, too, are stepping into something new. We’ve been sent to listen, to learn, to empathize, and to better understand the lives of those who live at the border, the people who are sometimes seen as “the other.” But there were “others” in Jesus’ time too, and those were exactly the people He surrounded Himself with. That reminder grounded us.
Adam encouraged us to keep our hearts and minds open and to let everything we experience marinate. As we went around sharing reflections and what brought each of us here, I thought of Mary and Martha, how Mary simply sat and listened. That’s what we want to do here: listen, absorb, and be present. There are always a million things to say or fix, but sometimes the holiest thing we can do is simply listen.
Greg made a comment that really stuck with me, “None of us chose where we were born”. It’s such a humbling reminder of grace and perspective.
Even though we were tired, we decided to walk to the business district to stretch our legs. San Jacinto Plaza used to have live alligators (who knew?), and we were hoping to grab ice cream,  but of course, the shop closed at 7 p.m. (Flexibility lesson #47 of the day.) So, we found a coffee place instead. I ordered a strawberry horchata because, honestly, how could I not?
We walked back home that night physically and emotionally spent. We were tired, but with hearts full and eyes open. There’s so much more to come.
That evening and during our devotional, the song “Oceans” came to mind which was fitting, since we’re here at the border, ready to serve however God calls us.

“Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Saviour”

Lord, take us deeper into our faith, make us stronger in our faith, without borders let us learn and love more as your son loved.