We Provide Humanitarian Aid
We respect human rights and one's ethical responsibility to those who are suffering.
|
Border Vignettes is a new feature on our Homepage. Samaritan volunteers have provided slices of life, memorable experiences and thoughtful observations. Vignettes capture the scope and impact of our work.
Canción de la Casa de la Misericordiaby Ted Virts
September, 2025 
Jim Kasseli found out that I play ukulele. He asked if I might be able to help with a small ukulele-making venture at La Casa de la Misericordia. La Casa is a migrant shelter in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. Jim’s idea was to work with the folks at the shelter to make ukuleles that tell stories visually, as well as musically. Could I be a Green Valley distribution person for him?
Ukuleles take a while to tune up to concert pitch. Strings need to stretch, then rest, then stretch again. 40 miles from Nogales, I have eight ukuleles in my living room. Each painted ukulele is the work of a shelter resident who has known sorrow and struggle, but these instruments carry more. The pictures sing of hope. As I check the tuning of these instruments, I cannot ignore the stories they tell. On one, a mariposa, a butterfly, reaches toward the sound hole. On another, a Mariposa rests on the sound hole that is now a sun flower. Change and Freedom. A third ukulele is awash in a river of color that flows behind a woman carrying her baby. Words make their way across the river: “Las personas fuertes se construyen unas a otras en vez destruirse entra ellas” (Strong people build each other up, instead of destroying each other). I look at the strings that can be either an echo of the wall, or the source of a melody. It is hope that brought these people here. I know that these instruments need to be played, just as I know that these people need to be heard. |
Death Map
Shows locations of migrant deaths for the period 1981-2023.
Bordado
Hand embroidered cloths, wrapping food with love and hope, were carried in backpacks, then left behind in the desert. Found rarely now, due to the commercialization of border crossing, the ones we have are dearly treasured.
|
|
Updated September 2025 SW
|