I am sure that everyone is aware of the tremendous ministry of hospitality being offered every day in communities like El Paso along the U.S.-Mexico border. This past week the daily releases of refugees seeking asylum have been in the range of 200-250, somewhat less than in previous weeks, but the hospitality centers and their volunteers have shown the flexibility and commitment to respond to whatever the demand.
I’ve mostly been sidelined from direct service but have been able to connect prospective volunteers to volunteercoordinator@annunciationhouse.org for information and to channel donations to Annunciation House (815 Myrtle Avenue, El Paso, Texas 79901 or online at http://www.annunciationhouse.org). We have also hosted Sisters of Charity, Associates and other volunteers at our house as space permits. In the past month we have rarely had an empty bed and occasionally had to resort to using inflatable mattresses and the living room couch! I’m restricted from driving for another week or so but with good grocery shoppers I’ve been able to keep our volunteers well fed.
Around our substantial table and in our chapel stories have been shared and prayers have been offered for the refugees, the volunteers, the sponsors receiving the travelers, the bus drivers and security screeners…and most especially for a change in the political will to reform our immigration system and to address the root causes that force people to undertake the desperate journey to seek asylum. The stories that come from the encounters with the refugees are sometimes heart-breaking, sometimes heart-warming and inspiring. They take up residence in the minds and hearts of the volunteers. This is part of the cost of volunteering.
There are other costs that I observe and want to share, not as a deterrent to volunteering but so that prospective volunteers understand what they are likely to experience when they come to serve:
- The release of refugees varies each day. Hospitality centers receive guests depending on the number released and the availability of spaces as sites are activated or need to “stand down” for a time. This means that the volunteers have to be able to “go with the flow” and resources are shifted according to need.
- Shift coordinators at the hospitality centers are identified by Annunciation House staff. Oftentimes they are long-term A-House volunteers but sometimes they are still learning the ropes or shifting from one site to another. For people who are accustomed to a very organized and efficient operation this can feel frustrating and the temptation can be strong to “fix it”.
- Because there is a learning curve for the many movable parts of the hospitality center operation it is most helpful for volunteers to come for at least a two-week service experience. Spanish is helpful but not required. Having a car to help with transporting the refugees to the airport or bus terminal, do laundry or pick up supplies is also helpful. Finding your way around El Paso and the various hospitality centers just takes some time.
- Another reason to plan on at least a two-week stay is to give yourself some rest. Everyone has heard about the deaths of Jakelin and Felipe and the concerns for the health of the refugees. Volunteers are also susceptible to the physical challenges of the change of climate and routine. I am very hesitant to say that volunteers face risks of illness due to contact with the guests either directly or from services provided such as doing the laundry or cleaning the bathrooms. But I have observed many volunteers catching colds, flu and gastrointestinal issues during their time of service- resulting in the need to spend some days away from the shelters to recuperate and occasionally a trip to the urgent care or even the hospital. Physical stamina, mobility and communication skills are needed in order to volunteer effectively and enjoyably.
I offer these reflections in hopes that prospective volunteers will prayerfully discern the call to offer service. It is a privilege and a blessing to be able to accompany the refugees. I have missed being able to serve during the past weeks, especially as the numbers increased, people were being released to the street or bus station in the middle of the night, the political rhetoric became more intense and the current stalemate about a border wall emerged. I have had to consider the cost of volunteering and accept what God was asking of me. Hearing the experiences of the volunteers staying with us and receiving calls from others who want to come to offer service, I recalled this scripture passage:
“Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion? Otherwise, after laying the foundation and finding himself unable to finish the work the onlookers should laugh at him and say, ‘This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.’ Or what king marching into battle would not first sit down and decide whether with ten thousand troops he can successfully oppose another king advancing upon him with twenty thousand troops? But if not, while he is still far away, he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms. In the same way, everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:28-33)
I hope that those of you who are considering a time of volunteer service will find these reflections helpful. May God give you the light to prayerfully consider the cost and respond as the Spirit guides you. And may we all pray for those who are daily offering direct hospitality to the refugees, making sure that they have shelter, food, clothing, assistance to connect with their families and sponsors and angels to help them on the journey.
[If anyone would like an information sheet from Annunciation House for volunteers I would be happy to forward that document.]