Month at the Migrant Resource Center

Ruth and Ray in front of the Migrant Resource Center

Ruth Noel and her husband, Ray Nosbaum volunteered at the Migrant Resource Center (MRC) in Agua Prieta, MX, in September 2023. While in Dougla-Prieta, they stayed in Douglas, AZ at the Frontera de Cristo office, a Presbyterian border mission.

Helping at the Migrant Resource Center (MRC) was a lesson in expecting the unexpected, in how to be present in the moment, and in being flexible so we could remain full of gratitude. When we arrived at MRC for our shift, we could never be sure who or what situations we would encounter.

During a regular shift, usually 4 hours, there are times when no migrants enter allowing time to sort, fold, and organize donated clothing and do a thorough cleaning of the center, especially the bathroom. There is also time to talk with fellow volunteers and staff and mutually share about our lives as well as the background on current circumstances affecting migration, especially circumstances directly impacting the situation at MRC. There were also entertaining times when we all tried to eliminate the flies. (The joke is that for each fly gone; seven come for the funeral.)

Other times it was so busy that we rarely sat. We would orient new migrants to both the free services of the center and the process of seeking asylum in the USA. We regularly encouraged migrants to apply for entry into the USA through the CPB One app. We would show migrants the locations on the US maps where their family members and sponsors lived. There was coffee to make; beans to cook, puree, refry, and then sandwiches to make; giving out food and washing dishes; providing first aid and medicines for minor ailments; helping migrants choose a change of clothing before showering; ensuring they had a dry towel, soap, and shampoo to shower; showing them the setup for washing and hanging clothes out to dry; boiling water for a baby or young child’s bath and more.

Ray building with dominos

We strove to be fully present, listening to those who chose to share their stories, hope, gratitude, frustration, fears, pain, grief or occasionally anger. At times we could join the children who were thrilled to be active and have fun—swing on the swings, use dominos as building blocks, laughter when the structure fell, to run around, play soccer or toss a football, color in coloring books, or on the cement patio with chalk including playing tic tac toe and hopscotch.

Mixed in among all of this were visitors coming to learn of the work of MRC; to bring donations of clothing, food and or supplies; or to seek assistance in how to locate family members who entered the USA when they had no or disturbing news about family members who were now separated from them. While engaged in these direct and immediate activities, we were constantly trying to understand the position/role of MRC in the context of the whole USA/Mexican migrant picture and trying to make the MRC a beacon of light for migrants who pass through Agua Prieta.

As we returned each day to Douglas on the US side, we would pass by the migrants living on the street whom we had served at the MRC. Of course, they would see us. What did they feel seeing us pass so easily because we were US citizens and could go where we wanted?

Ruth journaling in a quiet moment

Now back at home, Ray resumes working with CHEER in the Long Branch community to maintain affordable housing for those impacted by the Purple Line which will bring increased housing and other costs. We wonder what it must be like for the many immigrants who live in this community to gain experience or relive the trauma of getting here as economic forces may yet again displace them.

We remember the joy of constantly being with others in person, not online, building relationships. Now at home, we try to continue being in-person as we share stories of our experiences volunteering at MRC and let folks know what a privilege it is to get to know, share, and learn from the dedicated and amazing people we met--whether staff, volunteers, or migrants. We were and remain grateful for how accepting and generous local staff and volunteers were towards us!