I Can Hear Mexico Calling
Following the call as a YAGM through the ELCA
Dear Mexico, I’m so thankful for you. I’m thankful for all the smells you introduced me to—of roasting poblano peppers and of the flowers sold on the corner. I’m thankful for the sights you shared with me—how the sun set over the mountains on days when I could see through the smog, the bright colors of the houses all stacked on one another, and the metro dogs sleeping during the golden hour. I’m thankful for the sounds that I had grown so accustomed to—the kettle whistle of the sweet potato vender, the methodical thunder of a metro train pulling into the station, and the melody of a mariachi band playing a few blocks away. Mexico, you have truly become a home for me. You welcomed me in. You showed me hospitality like I have never known, and you taught me how to love the stranger, to convivir—to live with one another, to be present, and to know that sometimes that’s all that’s necessary. Most importantly, you taught me that meeting my neighbor is an important step in loving my neighbor. Mexico, you are beautiful and broken and beloved, and I love you in all of it. I celebrate your beauty, your vibrancy of color, food, music, and mountains. I celebrate seeing palm trees, pine trees, and cacti on the same street. I celebrate meeting new people everyday who call you home. I see you in your brokenness, in the shared humility that we find in all human societies. You remind me that our countries aren’t so different, and that the problems of one place and people are the problems of all, because we are all citizens of the same world. And you are beloved. You are so beloved! People come from all over the world to visit, to live, and to seek refuge in your community. There is a pride and an affection for living in Mexico. It goes deeper than patriotism or politics. It is rooted in the heritage, strength, and perseverance of the people. For me, it’s rooted in the kindness that I’ve experienced here. I love you, Mexico. You and your people have transformed me. I miss you and I am better for knowing you. With peace and love, Kathryn This is my thank you letter to all the places and people who shared their home with me this year.
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AuthorMy name is Kathryn Ophardt. I am spending this year in Mexico City as a Young Adult for Global Mission with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. During this year of service, I'll be working with the non-profit, Casa Refugiados. Archives
October 2018
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