A Spiritual Frontier

Note: The following is a reflection written by Sister Stephanie Rivas on the migrant experience at the Kino Border Initiative. Read the Spanish translation, written by Sister Stephanie and transcribed by Sister Marilu Covani, here.

Wind flows through the desert of the mountains,

Sacred people, sacred land

Our people, rich in faith and strength.

So many women, men, and children arrive for a better life.

Loyalty yet separation, separation yet loyalty.

Freedom as I watch the birds fly over the hills.

Is there really freedom?

The frontier gives us hope, opportunity, resistance,

and many challenges.

The border does not stop people from their dreams,

with determination and perseverance.

Heartbreak, tears and anger.

Waiting, waiting, and waiting.

Months and years. Years and months.

Tears, joy, and laughter.

Waiting, waiting, waiting.

Curses and miracles

Asi es la vida-That’s how life is.

Violence, shackles, deportation, racism.

Waiting, lives are on the line…

Many people have come to the desert before us.

How many more?

How much more to endure?

Water and food. Thirst and hunger. 

Sweat and dust cover our bodies.

No water or food. The heat is unbearable.

Walking, walking, and walking

for hundreds and hundreds of miles.

The beauty of dreams is awakened.

A place of deep prayer, questions, and vision.

Birth and death at the same time.

With only the clothes on their back.

Shoes torn. No shoelaces.

A new sunset, a new life, a new start,

no matter what happens.

A people of vision, beauty, and inspiration.

The red-tail hawk soars over the hills, our Creator, watches.

The Sonoran Desert is a spiritual land.

These are spiritual people and prayerful people.

These people are your people, my people, our people.