Witness to his father's murder in Honduras when he was one, Abraham's life was in grave danger. The gang responsible sent a threatening note, and their brutal crime proved their seriousness even more than any words on a page. Abraham's mother knew--the only thing to do was flee. Abraham is two-and-a-half years old. A friendly, spunky, and observant toddler, he likes turtles, grapes, and looking at photos of his two older brothers on his mom’s phone, particularly the one of his 8-year-old … [Read more...]
The Kino Teens: A Reflection and an Invitation
The Kino Teens: A Reflection and an Invitation Yanula Avila Kyriakis first encountered the KBI as a student at Lourdes Catholic School in Nogales, AZ when her parents became involved in the KBI’s work, and later joined the Kino Teens chapter at Salpointe High School in Tucson. Now a senior at Santa Catalina High School in Monterey, CA with plans to study international relations at university, Yanula interned with the KBI this past summer, writing a helpful guide for students who are … [Read more...]
Araceli and Alicia: The Perils of a Desert Crossing
Araceli and Alicia, sisters from Mexico City, left their home to pursue greater opportunities, earn money to go to school, and escape a cycle of poverty. Instead they found harsh desert conditions, sexual harassment, and an impasse. But they also found reasons for hope and acts of kindness. In Mexico City, Araceli (26) worked as a nanny, and her sister Alicia (30) had a job in retail. Each made about $200US a month, not enough to live on in an urban area, and certainly not enough to stay … [Read more...]
Kenia’s Story: Fleeing Domestic and Gang Violence
Growing up with domestic violence as a child and then threatened by gang violence as an adult, Kenia has lived a life of severe and ongoing trauma. Yet her inner strength and a mother’s passion to protect her child steeled her for an arduous journey north from Honduras, and brought her to the U.S.–Mexico border to seek a safer, better life. When Kenia arrived at the KBI comedor with her four-year-old son Josue last month, she had fled a history of violence in her native Honduras, most … [Read more...]
Carlos’ Story: Fleeing Violence and Persecution
With Guatemala in the headlines as asylum seekers from that country have arrived at the U.S.–Mexico border, Carlos shared his story with the KBI. At 18 years old, he has already experienced a lifetime of discrimination, violence and trauma throughout his childhood. His journey sheds light on the compelling reasons Guatemalans are leaving their homeland to seek protection and safety in the U.S. For 18-year-old Carlos and his family, discrimination and persecution were a regular … [Read more...]