A couple of weeks ago, we encountered a most interesting challenge. While driving back from Jaime Migueles’ eye clinic in Hermosillo, Mexico, towards Magdalena, a town located between Hermosillo and Nogales, we saw a family of four walking down the highway towards the Nogales/USA border, roughly 170 miles away.
They were three adults and a child, carrying backpacks and a large water bottle. Relieved to get a ride, they climbed into our van. They’d been traveling for weeks and had been robbed along the way. As immigrants themselves, they understood the risk of accepting a ride from strangers.
Through conversation, we learned they were fleeing political and economic oppression in Venezuela. My wife, who lived in Venezuela many years ago, has many great friends from there. We explained our situation and offered to take them to our apartment in Magdalena for food, rest, and access to a bathroom. Afterwards, we planned to drop them off on the main highway towards Nogales.
At our place, they sat on the lawn as we talked about their journey and their contacts in the USA. They enjoyed some of my favorite chocolate milk while we prepared a large bag of snacks, including toilet paper. We also gave them $1,000 Mexican pesos and two of my business cards. Though I didn’t expect to hear from them again, I figured I could meet them at whatever shelter accepted them in Nogales if they contacted me.
Jaime then suggested driving them the entire 65 miles further north to Nogales, a gesture they greatly appreciated. In Nogales, we said goodbye to this wonderful family we’d bonded with. Jaime and I drove back to Magdalena, knowing we’d done a good deed for a kind family.
To my surprise, they called me on Wednesday morning from a shelter in Tucson, 69 miles north of the Nogales border. They asked if I knew anyone there who could help them. I immediately contacted my associate, Chris Craver, who arranged their transportation to their desired destination. I also spoke with the family waiting to receive them.
By Thursday afternoon, they began a long bus ride with three transfers. Chris coordinated with the shelter and met them at the bus station with their tickets, more snacks, and $100.
Friday afternoon was filled with nervous pacing and prayer – hoping they’d make it without any border patrol issues on the buses. Finally, late Friday, I received a voicemail confirming their arrival and expressing their gratitude. This news brought a big smile to my face, and I began sharing our success story.
We all have opportunities to help others. Sometimes, it’s as simple as listening attentively. Over the years, so many individuals have helped me survive, allowing me to pay it forward.
We have chosen not to include their names, the shelter’s name, or their destination city/state. This protects them from the oppressive forces in their home country.
When I first arrived in Magdalena, I knew I was on indigenous land and would likely have spiritual experiences due to my friendship with those developing a cultural center for indigenous languages.
Perhaps, just maybe, I was destined to arrive in Magdalena to help this family reach their dreams and start a new life. Sharing this experience with Jaime and Chris reinforced my appreciation for the good-hearted people around us who make a difference.
