Food and basic needs for the poor.

Stuck in between the border of 2 nations, I asked myself, ‘how did this happen....and what’s going to happen next?’  For the second time in a week, my large truckload of food, was being turned away, keeping us unable to cross into Tijuana, to give food to those in need.  Just after the beginning of this year, officials in charge of Mexican customs declarations, have changed.  This has resulted, as it has so often in the past, at requirements being completely different.  We’ve been charged a much larger sum, than in previous years, for smaller loads.  Now, things had devolved to the point of not even being allowed to take food across at all! 

When Mexican customs officials turn a ‘declaration’ away, one is required to wait in line, until enough other ‘rejected loads’ accumulate. At that point, a Mexican customs official, leads this procession of rejected loads to the US/Mex border line, where the cars are dumped back into a line to cross back into the US.  On this particular occasion, I waited an extra long time for other drivers to be turned away.  During my wait, which is basically right at the US/Mex line, some of the border line workers from the Mexican side, came up to me and asked for some of the food on my load (many people walk up and down working the line of cars waiting to get back into the US, where they sell everything from flowers to food).  I allowed this person to grab a couple of loaves of bread, knowing the man would be very much in need.  Before I knew it, line workers were swarming my truck, essentially begging for food.  The food in my load quickly began to disappear. Naturally, this attracted the attention of the Mexican agent who had turned me around! He came over yelling and being quite animated about these line workers getting food. 

At a certain point, even the line workers were speaking up and defending me, going to bat for a guy they didn’t know, who just wanted to give food away.    It was worrisome, because the official had taken my keys already.  Now he wanted my ID, as well!  Eventually, things settled down, (he took photos of my ID and truck and then returned keys) and enough cars had joined the line to be turned back into the US.  This line of cars was lead in a procession, by an official with police lights blaring.  It was quite a scene.

Once back into the USA, still with the remaining load, the reality of not being able to take food at all, across to those in need, hit hard.  

More recently we managed to get a good size load of food through Mexican customs and were able to share with some of the immigrants who have migrated from various parts of South and Central America hoping to enter the United States. These folks have been camped out just near one of San Diego's port entries on the Tijuana side of the border of course. A couple of volunteers helped us sort and make up the care bags. It was a bit difficult to navigate the mob of folks who circled our truck for the supplies. Everything was gone in 15 minutes. 

And finally just today we encounted yet more setbacks with Mexican customs, particularly the agricultural department, now adding additional restrictions. Fruits, vegtables, frozen uncooked meats have been denied for some time but now even various grains and beans too are restricted. Like rice and pinto beans - a major staple in Mexico. It was explained that there is some kind of insect concern. But a great deal of donated foods we get were originated in Mexico. 

While we are working on this, via official channels, we still manage to get small loads (inside truck cab) of 'undeclared' food one day and then maybe squeak in a larger load on another day. We have also been able to help some friends on a local Kumeyaay Native American reservation, as well as some other local folks.  None of this is easy, and, in fact, it can be quite discouraging. Nevertheless, we press on, ‘fighting the good fight of faith.’  

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As we reflect over this past year, and all that has gone on in the world, this photo stood out to us for many reasons. Wayne sees this dear elderly woman every week in Tijuana. She is always in the street just in front of her house, always standing with two brooms that are worn down to the last bristles. She sweeps little piles of street dust, dirt, leaves, and tree budding flowers that fall. She is always there and always doing the same. Wayne had noticed her along his route often but never stopped, to avoid alarming her.  But, earlier this past year, he stopped and gave her some bread and a little pastry. Though you can’t see her delightful smile behind the mask we provided her, she has the kindest face, and is so grateful to have Wayne stop now, each week. In attempting to talk with her, he discovered that she is not fully capable of mental faculties, whether due to aging, or something else. He has not yet been able to even determine her name. Wayne maintains a safe distance, due to pandemic, thus sitting and visiting with her longer,  is not possible right now.  As best we can tell, she lives at the top of a narrow and steep, very old, concrete staircase. Many collected items, perhaps of significant importance to her, are stacked along the way, and into the entrance of her home.  To watch how carefully she comes down the last couple of steps, it is hard to imagine how she climbs up them. In ongoing effort to maintain safe distance, we don’t wish to burden her with a heavy load to carry up. This is often a struggle, when wondering how much more she might need. She seems healthy, and well groomed, and at times a neighbor will nod or smile as we drive off, so it would seem that she is watched over in her colonia. The red sweater in the photo and scarf around her neck, appeared in recent, cooler days, so she seems to be either provided for or able to look after herself. We also came to realize that the brooms, while equipping her in sweeping up the daily grime of a busy crowded street and dusty hillsides, also keep her steady on her feet, as she has difficulty walking. She always takes a brief rest on the stoop, when Wayne arrives, to see what delights may be in her specially packed food bag. 

This sweet woman, represents many around the world, whether impoverished, or among riches. Many of whom are likely isolated, at this time. Many are unable to communicate, not even with a simple smile or expression, veiled behind a mask. Some may even be forced to use whatever resources are on hand to stand steady. Perhaps some have little to do, but tend to unending tasks, so as to pass the time, each day. Those we may never even meet or know about whom we intercede for. Wayne is convinced that God is very near this precious lady, as He is to many in these situations. We hope to encourage you that God IS near you in your current circumstances. Even if you feel alone. But we also know that He asks us to be His hands and feet. If you are not already doing so, reach out to a neighbor. Check in on one another. Show kindness to a stranger whose name you might not even know. But know that the King will say to you:  

      “inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me”.    [Matthew 25:40]

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