This afternoon I met with some 25 people from the RGS community in Honduras to further discuss the root causes of immigration. 

In addition to extorting money from business owners, the gangs may also demand that you sell their drugs. If you refuse, it can be deadly. One woman held an imaginary pistol to her temple to emphasize this point.

By now I knew the answer, but I asked why someone didn't inform the police about these demands and threats. My question provoked much amusement. I guess it is like calling an arsonist when your house is on fire.

I asked if the United States sending money to Honduras was of any value. They assured me that it was useless unless the money was sent directly to the community or marked for a particular purpose such as education or health.

In Honduras, impunity is the name of the game. Some 98 percent of crimes go unsolved. Talking with people in Honduras is to reveal a dystopia where the bad people have won.

Early this morning I had the honor of meeting some of the poorest people I have ever met. Against all reason, I remember them as very joyful and hopeful. 

"I will not tire of declaring that if we really want an effective end to violence we must remove the violence that lies at the root of all violence: structural violence, social injustice, exclusion of citizens from the management of the country, repression. All this is what constitutes the primal cause, from which the rest flows naturally."
                                                                                        ~St. Oscar Romero 

This morning as I was awaiting a cab to the airport, I chatted with a security guard. He mentioned that he was a member of both the police and the military.

This joining of the police with the military is a major concern.  It increases the risk of human rights abuses by security forces who are trained for war scenarios, not for keeping the peace. 

Today I asked a community leader for the RGS Congregation which was more powerful, the military police or the gangs.  She claimed that the military police and the gangs have joined together.  The MS 13 gang controls the police and another gang controls the military. 

Although Honduras has greatly increased its military police to "confront the rising level of violence," there is no evidence of an abatement of gang violence. When I visited Bajo Aguan, it was apparent that residents saw the military police not as a force to control the gangs but rather as an occupying force.

When I met with a group of community leaders, we discussed the root causes of immigration. As usual, poverty and violence were mentioned.  Also small businesses have failed because of the state taxes and extortion by the gangs. Since 20 percent of Honduras GNP is remittances from the United States, pressure is put on people to emigrate in order to send money back home.

The community leaders claimed that the government has focused on the wrong things.  Instead of trying to improve education, health care, and other societal needs, the government has focused on repressing its citizens.  Small wonder people want to leave! 

The money the United States gives to Honduras simply strengthens their military police.  It does not provide needed aid to its citizens. 

We began the day in San Pedro Sula by holding our final press conference. We again presented the findings of the team that I discussed in an earlier blog.  

After the press conference I had the opportunity to meet with representatives of a women's forum ( Foro de Mujeres por la Vida). 

Femicide is a major problem in Honduras. In the majority of the cases, the women have been killed in scenes of great cruelty: abducted, raped, tortured, dismembered, and in some cases their bodies left in public places with obscene messages written on them.

The forum provides education for women and accompaniment. In cases of domestic violence, they offer women  safe houses.

We discussed the possibility of representatives of the forum coming to Washington DC to learn about our legislative process and perhaps meet with legislators to discuss the Honduran situation.

Since I don't leave for Tegucigalpa until Wednesday, tomorrow is a free day. I plan to spend much of the day walking along the beach. I have been assured it is relatively safe so long as I leave the beach before dark.  I plan to do so.

Today we did the Stations of the Cross as we processed through downtown Progreso. Afterwards, we attended Mass where the children welcomed us with a song.  Throughout the pilgrimage, the people have received us with great hospitality and kindness. 

Looking back, I have felt very privileged to have come and seen firsthand the challenges facing the people of Honduras and their courage and resilience. As the children sang to us at Mass, I was reminded how children always give us hope and the desire to create a better world.

Tomorrow we will have a news conference to bring to a close our pilgrimage. For many years, I  have wanted to go on a solitary pilgrimage.  I still hope to do such a pilgrimage, but this experience touched my heart in a profound way.

After the news conference, I will stay in San Pedro Sula until Wednesday morning when I Ieave for another part of Honduras to visit with the Good Shepherd Sisters. 

This is my fifth visit to Honduras. In some ways, I feel it has been an homecoming.  Certainly,  the people of Honduras are special to me. During the rest of my visit I hope to deepen that relationship.

"For all that has been
Thank you.

For all that is to come
Yes."

Dag Hammarskjold

Today was a day set aside for reflection. When St. Oscar Romero was about 60, he had a dramatic change of heart. He became the person we remember today: a passionate advocate for people living in poverty. 

Archbishop Romero was influenced by the murder of Fr. Rutilio Grande who had worked in poor, rural communities.  Grande was on his way to mass with three other priests  when they  were all slaughtered by machine gunfire.

Romero once said, "When I looked at Rutilio lying there dead I thought, 'If they have killed him for doing what he did, then I, too, have to walk the same path.'"  

As I approach 80, how ready am I to change? How have I changed?  Several decades ago I heard that if a man wanted to be a feminist he should find a strong woman to support.  At the time, I considered that a weird idea. Now it sounds like a great idea. At least in that respect, I have changed.

What about all the other areas in my life such as racism? The challenge to become more human, more Christ like, will continue to my last breath.

Where else is the challenge to change? What risks can I take tomorrow and the next day and every day for the rest of my life?  How ready am I to make mistakes?  Not to be perfect?  How ready am I to be fully alive?

"The transcendence that the church preaches is not alienation; it is not going to heaven to think about eternal life and forget about the problems on earth. It’s a transcendence from the human heart. It is entering into the reality of a child, of the poor, of those wearing rags, of the sick, of a hovel, of a shack. It is going to share with them. And from the very heart of misery, of this situation, to transcend it, to elevate it, to promote it, and to say to them, "You aren’t trash. You aren’t marginalized.' It is to say exactly the opposite, 'You are valuable.'"                                                                                                                                                                    ~ St. Oscar Romero 

Today was another full day. We began by meeting with Maria Soledad Pazo, Representative of Country, United Nations, Human Rights.  

Representing the  only office specifically charged with protecting human rights, she was saddened by the widespread poverty, violence, and corruption in Honduras. With almost 70 percent of the people living in poverty, it is clear that poverty itself is a human rights issue.

She also decried the lack of investigation of human rights abuse and the overly zealous investigation and detention of human rights defenders. For example, four people arrested in Honduras a year ago for a minor offense protesting the fraudulent presidential election are still in jail awaiting a trial.

Pazo identified part of the problem as the weakness of governmental institutions. I was reminded of the mayor who claimed he opposed the creation of the refinery that would pollute the river, but could find no way to protect the river.

Our next meeting was with Heidi Fulton, Charge d'Affairs, United States Embassy.  She said very little but listened to the report of our team's findings and the impassioned testimony of two residents.

Our report centered on the lack of investigations of human rights abuse; the inhibition of free speech, the absence of due process, and public smearing with implied threats.

For example, there has been practically no investigation of the murder of 22 people who were killed after protesting the last election. Meanwhile some 7000 people have legal proceedings against them for engaging in peaceful protests.

The team also deplored the militarization of the Bajo Aguan region where the primary role of the military is defending the interests of the mining companies. 

After our meeting with Fulton, we had a news conference where the team reiterated its findings and recommendations. 

I was very proud of my fellow team members. They were able to identify the major issues and suggested possible ways of addressing those issues.

Today was a full day. We met with community activists who addressed several concerns. Because of the heavy presence of the military and the police in the Bajo Aguan region, they felt under constant surveillance and a lack of freedom of movement. 

Also, they were fighting back against major corporations who had changed the laws to enable mining in a national park.  Further, African palm trees were being planted to replace banana tree. The palm trees greatly deplete the soil.

Afterwards, I joined a subgroup to meet with the Comandante of the Bajo Aguan region. We had several questions to ask, such as why does the military perform police work; why such a large military presence in the region; why has the military been unable to control the para military forces?

The Comandante presented the military as primarily concerned with supporting the infrastructure for schools and hospitals. Their current focus was not on the large landowners but the small landowners who were competing with each other. Similar responses were given to our other questions. 

Prior to the meeting, I had suggested that community people may want to set up a series of meetings with representatives from the military. This suggestion was met with fear. They consider the military a hostile, occupying force.

In the evening, we accompanied a large group of community people protesting the creation of a mining refinery on a nearby river. While people of wealth can drink bottled water, poor people must rely on the river for their drinking water.

My sense was that the people in power made laws that gave little regard to the people without power. When the ordinary people realized the negative impact of these laws, they protested. In response to these protests, the government criminalized the protesters.

I had a nice conversation with a young man at the rally. Eddy, who is 25, is the youngest of seven siblings. He works in a nearby cornfield. He doesn't own a car but has a bicycle which he considers better because of the exercise. He enjoys playing soccer with his friends. In response to my question concerning violence, he replied that there was little violence in his community but a nearby community was known to be violent. 

He seemed like a rather joyful person. I was glad I had ended the day by chatting with him. 

Today we visited the radio station, Radio Progreso.  It is an alternative voice to the government propaganda and has high credibility. Unfortunately, many of their staff members have received death threats. 

We then took an eight hour bus ride to meet with activists and government officials tomorrow concerning the destruction of the environment due to mining.

I felt bored and restless during some of the ride, but reminded myself that this is only a minor inconvenience. The trip did have its high points including a spectacular stop along the water.  

In chatting with one of the fishermen, I mentioned we were here to learn about the root causes of immigration. He smiled and said, "Imagination."  Good answer!

I am looking forward to tomorrow. The area has been heavily armed and many people unjustly arrested. We will have a lot to discuss and learn.

Today marks a new beginning. I now have joined the SHARE Interfaith Root Causes Pilgrimage. For the next week we will be traveling to various parts of Honduras to listen carefully and accompany people as they describe their lives and their hopes. 

We are not hear to seek solutions. That would be arrogant on our part. We are here to be in solidarity with the people who are struggling to survive, to protect their community, their environment.

As with any new beginning, I find myself wanting to pull back, to withdraw, to wish for the familiar and the comfortable. But another part of me wants to explore, to discover new things, new ways of being, to be transformed.

I know the comfort-seeking part will gradually recede as I overcome the initial resistance. But it's strange how I can so yearn for the familiar and find a dozen reasons for not opening up to what is new.

I am glad we are not here to seek solutions. Even if we did find solutions they would not work because they did not come from the people themselves.  As we accompany them, we will be of more value than if we tried to impose our views. 

And so the adventure begins.

Sunday was a day of relaxation and reflection. The scripture reading was on the Transfiguration where Jesus reveals his divinity and, by doing so, reminds us we are called to share in his divinity. While the three Apostles gladly would have stayed on the mountain, Jesus leads them back into the world and into his passion and crucifixion.

I continue to see my trip to Central America as a time of personal transformation. I see it as a time of re-commitment to immigrants and refugees.

Looking back, I was impressed by the many Good Shepherd projects such as the schools and using micro financing as a form of inclusive financing. However, I was greatly saddened by the sights of extreme violence and hearing the stories of lives wasted and whole towns taken over by gangs.

I will not begin to accomplish my mission for visiting El Salvador until I return to the United States and bear personal witness to the truth of poverty and of violence as push factors. I will not accomplish my mission until I lobby for changes in legislation and, as a nation, we seek to change our collective understanding and heart.  

Today we went to Soyapango to visit a Catholic school serving over 200 children from preschool to ninth grade. As in the school in San Salvador, the children were bright and inquisitive. The young children rushed toward us "un abrazo."

Afterwards the school had an outside assembly to honor and welcome us. Over 200 students were present. For our entertainment, the students sang and the young ladies danced. They invited us up to the stage to say a few words. In my remarks, I wished them a welcome to the United States. Perhaps someday we will make that a real invitation.

Afterwards we visited the homes of several of the students. We descended a steep incline that was inaccessible by cars. Here were shacks placed next to each other in abject poverty. However, when we walked by the houses, we were greeted with smiles and friendly waves.

Entering the homes of some of the students, we found people living on the edge of survival. In one place, the family pressed upon us some beautiful, handmade baskets. No doubt the baskets were intended to be sold to help support the family. But it would have been offensive to them if we had declined their gifts. 

Being at the bottom of a steep decline, when it rained the whole community was submerged in mud. The mud even invaded their houses.

I wondered how the children were able to cope while living in two separate worlds. At school, they were in a very middle class environment. The government provided them with shoes and school uniforms. But after school, they descended back into their hovels. 

After graduating from ninth grade, the students have very few options. If they go to secondary schools, to survive they will be forced to join a gang. Perhaps they could work in a factory but it would not provide sufficient income to support themselves much less a family. Their own families are too poor for them to stay at home. The only viable option is to immigrate illegally. To immigrate legally would take years.

To me it seems clear that the government needs to provide financial assistance to the young people so that they can go to universities, develop skills and knowledge which they can contribute back to their communities. Otherwise the students are preparing themselves for a future that will never happen.

With the breakdown of authority, El Salvador has never recovered from the 12 years of civil war. I spoke with an elderly woman who showed me terrible scars she had received during the war. Her entire family was killed. She survived by hiding under the bodies of the dead.

We were fortunate to participate in the presentation of eight women in a micro financing, no-interest program. Because of the loans, they were able to start or expand their small businesses. They made valuable products available by using secondhand clothes or creating coffee shops, crafting jewelry, or other innovative approaches.

What is truly amazing is that in the midst of all this poverty, a certain joy persists. 

This is not to romanticize poverty. The children desperately need good food, sanitary housing, and health care. They need space to grow. They need a future.

Yet I would present an incomplete picture if I did not acknowledge the joyful spirit with which they meet incredible challenges and obstacles. 

Helen Keller said the world is full of suffering, but it is also full of the overcoming of suffering. Today I saw many instances of this truth.

Today began with visiting a public kindergarten where two Sisters of the Good Shepherd volunteer once a week. I helped Sr. Digna and Sr. Judy prepare sandwiches and cakes for the children. The program serves about 40 children from three to five years old. 

In addition to the food, we gave gifts to children who have birthdays coming up. Given the poverty, these gifts may be the only ones the children will receive. 

The children were great fun to interact with. One girl proudly counted to 10 in English. In return, I taught a few English words to some of the children. 

I'm always struck by how easy it is to make little children happy. If they feel loved and secure, and if they are given some food and treats, they are quite delighted to be alive and to be with their friends. As an adult, it's great to help children discover their own happiness. 

The primary work of the two Sisters is administering a micro financing project. Low income people, primarily women, are provided small, no-interest loans to help them start or expand a business. The businesses are located in a huge open air market where all manner of things can be purchased. 

However, the micro financing project is not just about finances. Each week the participants gather to discuss other ways their lives could be improved.

Reflecting on both the kindergarten program and the micro financing project,  I am reminded that our world is held together by people simply willing to do acts of kindness for other people.

Political advocacy is important. However, we need these daily works of love to affirm our humanity and the humanity of our neighbors. 

The morning began by joining the Contemplative Sisters of the Good Shepherd in San Salvador at morning mass. As I entered into the silence of the worship, I noticed how the early morning light played on the pews. As I relaxed, time slowed down. I realized that because of the pace I keep, I miss a lot of the beauty of everyday life. Although at first I felt restless, I'm glad I stayed and let the mind settle down so I could fully enjoy the present moment.

Later we visited with the Contemplative Sisters and learned how they raised money by selling donated items. Throughout the visit, I appreciated the joy of the lifestyle they have chosen for themselves.

Later we visited the school administered  by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. The school has close to 900 students from kindergarten through 9th grade. I was impressed by the school spirit. The girls and boys seemed very dedicated to their studies and eager to show their visitors what they have learned. I'm sure many of them will become the future leaders of El Salvador.​

The school provided a situation of love and security. I wondered how the school can maintain such an atmosphere given the level of violence in their country. I learned their success is largely dependent upon the fact that the administrators are able to select which students will be admitted to the school. They do not admit students who have any affiliation with gangs. 

In the vicinity there are many public schools. Unlike the Catholic school, the public schools have to admit everyone including known gang members. The presence of gang members can effectively destroy a school. A boy may approach a teacher, show him or her a knife or a gun, and demand an A for his grade. In order not to get killed, the teacher gives the boy or girl the grade s/he wants.

The students who attend the Catholic school are "privileged." Philosophically, I do not like the idea of creating a privileged class. However, given the level of violence in El Salvador, parents have little choice if they want to provide a safe and quality education for their children.

The current level of violence in El Salvador is apparently due to the country's 12 years of Civil War. In the absence of authority, gangs filled the vacuum.

The people I have met in El Salvador have been friendly and gracious. But the shadow of violence is always present. Somehow the legitimate authority of civil society must be restored.

As we were driving to San Miguel, we stopped at a convenience store to buy some refreshments. Foolishly, I did not hide my smart phone. One of the several young men nearby looked directly at my phone and then looked away. All the vibes told me that if I wasn't with a group of people, my phone and I would have separated company.

A person who has lived in El Salvador for many years claims the Mafia was better. I don't know. But it appears at present the gangsters and the worst of people have a free hand in El Salvador. 

For me, the only hope is a freely elected democratic government with strong police powers that the people can trust. The United States should do what it can to encourage the election and functioning of such a government.

Early morning flight with only a couple hours of sleep. So nice to read emails of well wishes and a safe and joyful trip.
 
I am going to El Salvador and Honduras to be in solidarity with the peoples of those countries. It will be my first trip to El Salvador and my fifth trip to Honduras. I have only joyful memories in my time in Honduras.
 
This trip is different. While our country has always been somewhat divided on the issue of immigration, during the last couple of years the divide has become a canyon. As with so many other issues, immigration has become supercharged.
 
The natural sympathy that people feel for people fleeing a desperate situation has gotten wrapped up in fear and political warfare. I am reminded of Chief Justice Potter Stewart who said he couldn't define pornography but he knew it when he saw it. In the same way, it is not easy to clearly define a just immigration policy, but it is easy to recognize an unjust policy.
 
Certainly a policy is unjust when government officials separate babies from their mothers. Certainly the policy is unjust when people are arrested for leaving drinking water for immigrants crossing a desert and dying of thirst.
 
Now we have the added reality that the push factors in the sending countries has become worse. Gang violence, poverty, and environmental degradation have added more pressure on people to leave and seek a better place for themselves and their families.
 
So what do I hope to accomplish?
 
I look forward to new friendships. In my earlier trips I found a people who are exceptionally friendly and hospitable. When I return to the United States, I hope to carry these friendships with me.
 
Perhaps I can be a bridge of friendship. While good feelings cannot solve complex economic problems, the fear of the stranger, especially when this fear is preyed upon by politicians, can keep us from thinking clearly and compassionately.

The Good Shepherd Sisters have a strong presence worldwide and a long-term commitment in Central America, especially among the poorest of the poor. 
 
The United States has had a troubling presence in the region.  And while often unintended, negative consequences for the people have been cruel and have resulted in a region losing its population to the pull of the United States.
 
On March 12, I travel to Honduras and El Salvador to visit Good Shepherd Sisters, learn of their work, show solidarity and identify push factors contributing to the migration crisis in our hemisphere. 
 
I leave to be in solidarity with the people.  I carry the love and compassion of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd in North America.  I hope to serve as a witness and to share what I witness with the sisters and with Members of Congress upon my return.

While in Honduras, I also will participate in a 75-person interreligious Root Causes Pilgrimage. The pilgrimage is a follow-up to last year’s witness trip I took to Honduras with 40 faith leaders where we stood in solidarity with the people and protested a fraudulent presidential election.
 
As I encounter our brothers and sisters on this mission trip, I will bring back their stories and learn what U.S. policies and legislation will help change the narrative and improve their lives.  Joining with other advocates, I will press for needed policy and legislative changes.
 
During my 18-day trip, I will send back photos, thoughts and observations via my blog and NAC’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. 
 
Hashtags to follow along are: #RootCauses19  #NAC4Justice
 
Accompanying me to Honduras and El Salvador is Jeanette McDermott, the Communications Coordinator for the Province of Mid-North America of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. 
 
Our trip is made possible by generous funding from the worldwide Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd and from the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity.