The millstone of poverty strangles one’s ability to dream. In Juárez we see the damage that suffering and injustice inflict on dreams, and our hearts grieve as we have watched a city slowly die under the weight of such a voraciously brutal oppressor. The eyes of our neighbors reflect years of suffering, yet we encounter in them an unshakable fortitude.

How far can dreams go when struggling to put food on the table, when sheer survival is a relentless daily battle?

The majority of poor kids in Mexico are lucky to make it past sixth grade. Then it is off to work: selling trinkets in the street, parting-out cars with the men, collecting money from the passengers on the city bus, or God forbid, beginning a short-lived career in the drug trade. Currently 40% of the young boys in the state of Chihuahua see this last option as their one way out of poverty, a viable choice, their only hope.

We have partnered with Yobel Market because of their tenacious stance against poverty, oppression and injustice. Their reflection of God’s love is inspiring, challenging and admirable.

This week begins what will be the first of many initiatives in our colonia aimed primarily and most vitally at teaching the poor to dream again, and secondly at demonstrating the value of the beautiful people all around us here, promoting them in their ability to rise up out of the destitution all around them, and cheering them on as they begin to find hope and believe in peace, to truly live.

We had the pleasure of hosting five powerful world-changers in our casita in Juarez this past week. We interviewed each of them to get a real, in-person perspective of what it is really like to walk the streets of Juarez. We will be posting their videos over the next days. We hope you will join in to hear what they have to say.

Visit the Gallery to see more photos from the Tailoring Project!

Thanks to Luxe for sharing her talent, art and perspective on life. Thanks to the Mod Squad for developing such an incredible Blog. 

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My Luxe Poem

   

I know your love is gonna be swell

I love you

I love you so much

I swell up my hands for your love

Your lovey

Your lovey Luxe