Living Social Justice: SJB High School Tijuana Project

(Fili Cortez - Bellflower, CA)  In our busy schedules we make time for just about everything, but sometimes we don’t make time for Jesus.  We make time for our studies, sports, work, family, parties, vacation, among many other things. But rarely do we intentionally serve those most in need.  Whether this is done intentionally or not the fact of the matter is that in our busy schedules it is difficult to include Christ in our lives.  

I must be honest, it was quite a challenge getting the group of students to go to Tijuana and serve the less fortunate, not only because people have this impression of Tijuana being an unsafe city, but also because it entails going out of our comfort zone.  Nevertheless, I was determined to bring students to El Desayunador, a soup kitchen located a block away from down town Tijuana.  El Desayunador feeds about one thousand needy people six days a week. This project was founded by El Padre Chava a Salesian priest.

I was excited that four brave young men decided to embark in this missionary project. Their parents were very supportive and enthusiastic about their children getting this unique opportunity to serve Jesus. I am grateful to these parents who not only put their trust in Saint John Bosco. I am also thankful to Dr. Rodriguez who supported my idea of taking students to serve in Tijuana.  I would also like to thank the Spanish prayer group Maria Auxiliadora from Saint Dominic Savio who gave a donation of $140 to buy razors, toothpaste and toothbrushes for the deported immigrants living in El Desayunador.
 

Among some of the highlights of our service project was praying the rosary with the deported immigrants staying at El Desayunador, receiving Holy Communion before serving, and interviewing deportees who were as young as nineteen.  Another amazing experience was when the Bosco men got on the bus El Veloz (the fast one);  Loaded with a raucous and enthusiastic group of young people from the different Salesian oratories of Tijuana as we made our way to La Lupita Oratory for a sports tournament.  The Bosco men also got an opportunity to talk to missionaries from Austria and the US.  I knew this was going to be a learning experience, however, this project surpassed my expectations. At the end of each workday students reflected on their service.  Perhaps one of the most powerful experiences
was when students reflected on their service, this really brought the team together, both spiritually and socially.
 

This group of young men reaffirm my believe that if we as teachers, parents, and leaders give opportunities to our young people to serve there will always be young people ready to accept the challenge.  I am very proud of these young men for their generosity, and courageous heart to help our less fortunate brothers.