Giving Thanks

Kino Border Initiative staff, board members, and volunteers as well as the migrants they serve weigh in about what they are thankful for during this season of gratitude.

“I am grateful for the generous way that the migrants I encounter every day in the comedor share with me their hopes, their smiles, and their struggles. That people who have suffered so much are still so willing to give of themselves to help at the comedor, and to share who they are with me constantly amazes me and is a constant source of grace for me.”

“I had forgotten God. But now, being here, I feel God more present because of the support, food, shelter I receive.”

“La labor de la Iniciativa Kino para la Frontera es de suma importancia y por la cual estoy muy agradecido a nombre de cientos y miles de immigrantes de mi país que han sido ayudados y amparados por toda la gente de la KBI que ya por años han brindado apoyo al migrante. ¡GRACIAS!” (“The work of the Kino Border Initiative is of paramount importance, and I’m grateful on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of immigrants from my country who the KBI has helped and for so many years. THANK YOU!)

“Recently, I ran into a young man in a Cancun hotel who recognized me right off, and asked if I was still working in Nogales. He told me that the CAMDEP (the comedor) was a big lift when he was down. Throughout the weekend, every time I saw him, he expressed thanks for all we do there. Such a coincidence to encounter each other after 2 years!”

“I am grateful for our hard-working KBI Board of Directors whose goal is to make a permanent facility serving migrants a reality.”

“No sé lo que sería de nosotros sin estas ayudas que nos ofrecen. Nunca imaginé que pudiera haberlo.” (“I do not know what would become of us without such aid they offer. I never imagined that one could have this.”)

“Hearing the stories of the migrants is a constant reminder of how fragile life can be, and how important it is to help each other in times of crisis. I’m grateful for these lessons, and also to be able to live and work near my family in relative safety. It is so easy to forget what a gift that is.”

“I am grateful for the kindness of many who give their time, talents and money to causes they believe in.”

“Kino es lo mejor que hemos encontrado en todo nuestro caminar. Es increíble! Nunca imaginé que pudiera haber algo así.” (“Kino is the best I have encountered throughout our journey. It’s incredible! I never imagined that there could be something like this.”)

“I am grateful and humbled to work with such caring people who have devoted their life’s work to serving others. It is a blessing to be able to play a small part in this important work.”

“Thanks for all you are doing for me. I now believe in the presence of God in my life.”

“I am grateful for the dedicated service offered year-round to migrants by our remarkable staff at KBI.”

“Washing dishes with a migrant woman recently, I thanked her for her help. She in turn said, ‘No, I want to thank all of you: it helps me to help here [with the clean-up]—it makes me feel a little less uncomfortable.’”

“I never imagined this was here. I give great thanks for all these services.”