BORDER TOWN

On Thursday while we were working out in a Resaca (which is just surrounded by nature and nothing else) there were some low flying border patrol helicopters going by. Border patrol helicopters are pretty routine to see in the field (this particular Resaca is literally on the Rio Grande river which separates the US and Mexico). However, the helicopters were lingering and kept flying over the same area. It went on for about ten minutes. I was getting an uneasy feeling. Then one of them swooped down and in Spanish said, “where are you guys going.” That was a very weird feeling. Anytime we see border patrol cars flying by with their sirens on, I feel pretty sad. The Mexican border problem is incredibly in your face down in McAllen. Border patrol and people of Mexican descent are everywhere. I find myself frustrated and thinking about the politics a lot. The trailer park we live in is also very close to the Rio Grande, and we live in a barbed wire gated and locked compound, with border patrol vehicles often sitting right outside at night. Our sponsor organization (the National Wildlife Refuge) talks to us often to remind us of procedures for seeing suspicious people. If we see someone or something going on we are supposed to walk away and let a supervisor know, who will then contact border patrol and then we will have to leave. Our sponsors have told us a bunch of stories about coming across a thousand pounds of marijuana. Apparently the drug problem is of highest concern for border patrol, more than individuals coming to live in the US. At least I hope. I am really really appreciating my time living in South Texas. The weather is incredible, the Hispanic influence is amazing, but I am also really appreciative of living in a place that is so heavily influenced by the border problem. It’s important for my beliefs to have real life experience with my political views. Feel more knowledgeable.

So I live in a trailer park. Never thought living in a trailer would be so enjoyable! I have a roommate, Gina. She was one of my friends from orientation. So that’s cool to live with someone I’m already comfortable with and know that I’ll just become better friends with her. My trailer is huge and so homey! There are two bedrooms on either end of the trailer and a sizeable livingroom/kitchen in between. We have AC! And a bathroom and shower. It’s pretty luxurious. Which is really nice because it’s pretty hot down here and the work we do is pretty exhausting. We work with the National Wildlife Refuge to help get rid of an invasive plant species, Tamarisk, that has taken over since a major flood happened last year. Tamarisk is everywhere! We leave for work at 7:15 everyday, get to the worksite around 8 and then work until 3. It’s been hot! One day the heat index was at 105 degrees. We have to wear steel toes, long pants, and long sleeve shirts. It is some sweaty and physically demanding work! There are small Tamarisk plants that look like typical weeds literally everywhere, but then there is Tamarisk that get up to as big as a big tree. We cut it all down. Using loppers to cut the small ones, sawing the ones that aren’t giant, and working with the fire department to chain saw down the big trees. We worked all week at one region of Refuge land. Luckily we will not be staying at the same place for the rest of the time. The refuge has many regions in South Texas, so we will be doing the same work but in other places. The really cool part of the work is exploring. The piece of land we were working on last week was pretty big. Big enough to get very lost. It felt like I was in Jurassic Park. The ground was all separated as if hit by earthquakes. There is vegetation everywhere! While walking around we are constantly walking through bushes, often thorny ones. While exploring we found lots of clothing scattered. People maybe needing to take off wet clothes after crossing the Rio Grande. I’m constantly keeping my eyes open for snakes, scorpions, and white widows. Legit. I would definitely have a panic attack if I saw any of these. Especially a snake, which are pretty common down here. While exploring the Resaca we found a little puddle with dead Alligator fish in it. Apparently it was the result of the flood. Such a strange sight in a dry terrain.

Yesterday we went to the beach on South Padre Island. It was gorgeous. I can’t believe Thanksgiving in this week! Too warm for that! I’m really loving it down here. There’s only like three weeks left of work before heading back to Denver and then heading home for Christmas. This fall has really flown by.