Experiencing the Border - Kino Border Initiative

In October, ten students from Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix along with two of their teachers participated in a KBI weekend immersion at the border. They served meals at the comedor, visited the women’s shelter, attended lectures, and walked in the migrants’ footsteps along the border trails. The experience never fails to move those who take part and participants leave with a greater understanding of the reality of the border. Here is a photo essay of some moments from their trip. Many thanks to Larry Hanelin for these images. If you would like to schedule an immersion trip, please contact KBI Director of Education and Advocacy Joanna Williams at jwilliams@kinoborderinitiative.org or 520-287-2370.

The Brophy students arrive at the comedor to help serve the breakfast. — The Brophy students arrive at the *comedor* to help serve the breakfast.

Sister Alicia leads everyone in a hand game that helps lift spirits and brings people together.

Father Sean speaks to the migrants, with Sister Engracia and Sister Alicia.

The students and migrants with Joanna at the comedor.

Hearing migrant stories firsthand is one of the most informative—and moving—parts of spending time at the comedor.

KBI staff member Mariana Serrano Reyes and a visiting student take on the dishwashing duties.

At the border fence, Joanna talks to the students about the migrant experience.

Sharing dinner and stories about the day at one of many taco trucks.

Father Peter Neeley, S.J. introduces the students to the migrant trail.

Students carry water bottles for their short desert journey, a much abbreviated but eye-opening example of what migrants endure for days or weeks.

Altogether outside St. Ferdinand’s in Arivaca, where the students attended a Mass celebrated by Father Peter Neeley, S.J. (fifth from the right).

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