Tuesday, January 22, 2008

A New Road: Immigration Education Night

Sunday before last, while Eliser was here, we participated in Holy Covenant's evening of education and conversation focused on the immigrant experience in the US. There was a great turnout--around 45 people in all!


Eliser shared a bit about his experience of leaving Mexico and coming to the United States 3 years ago. Behind me is Hugo, who also shared his journey with us.


Jenny, from the Chicago New Sanctuary Coalition, talked a bit about how current US immigration policy impacts families.


Partway through the evening, we shared a delicious meal. Here is Caroline with the spread:


I love that people at Holy Covenant just love being together--lively conversation is never lacking!


After dinner, we gathering in small groups to reflect on the evening and brainstorm about next steps. I'm so excited to be part of this process in this community.


I believe that being in relationship with the "stranger" is such a gift and helps us to understand who we are--individually and as a human family. I truly hope that the next months will pull our small faith community into deeper relationship with our immigrant brothers and sisters, and that those relationships will be transformative for all of us. As people of faith, as fellow sojourners, we have an opportunity to be a voice and presence of grace and love in this twisty, often polarizing conversation.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mira,
Thanks for sharing about this inspiring event. Love, mom

Jules said...

Wow--what a cool event! Looks like things are as alive and thriving as ever at HC.