" We must strive to soften our hearts and make them sensitive to the sufferings and worries of the neighbour, and beg of God to grant us a genuine spirit of mercy which is the spirit characteristic of God" -St. Vincent de Paul

A week ago today the VOYA volunteers arrived at Proyecto Juan Diego to work in Cameron Park and Matamoros, MX. The 12 volunteers (from various parts of the US) came with 'softened hearts'...ready to serve with the people living along the border.

One group built raised garden beds for 3 families living in Cameron Park. Maria, Elvira, Naiomi, Armando were able to plant tomatoes, chiles, onions, cilantro, squash, and green beans. They were looking forward to growing their own vegtables to prepare and were very grateful for the raised beds filled with rich top soil. (Right: Matt, Elise, Elvira, Stepanie, Rob and Elvira's grandaughter stand in front of her home (the trailer) after completing her garden beds.)

The other two groups worked Matamoros constructing a small wooden frame house for a family of 7 and painting 2 other newly constructed homes for those in need. The family was living in a shack pieced together with old ply wood and a dirt floor. Their new home would give them a bright, dry, and safe place to sleep. We were all surprise to see how eager the children were to help with their new home...all the children helped to paint the house. (Below,Right:One of the children stands in a nearby tree to paint about the window while Matt holds the paint and a branch steady for her.)

The VOYA group also took the time to travel to Reyenosa to meet the Daughters and Vincentians who served there. We attended mass at San Pio and then went to the immigrants shelter run by the Daughters of Charity. At the shelter we listened to the stories of the immigrants. They shared with us their reasons for wanting to come to the U.S. and the stories of the long and dangerous journey that they had made from Honduras and El Salvador. Our hearts were deeply touched by their honesty, their struggles, and the hope they hold.

We are grateful for the opportunity we had to meet and work with these young adults. They are proof that the Vincentian Charism continues to grow in our world today.

The past month Proyecto Juan Diego has grown! Fr. Michael Seifert, our collaborator and friend moved from Cameron Park. Before leaving, he and Br. Albert entrusted the work of Proyecto Digna to PJD. Proyecto Digna had varied ministries including a large after-school program, a social worker/counselor, and a strong get-out-the-vote campaign.

Along with those programs we have two new staff members Alicia Gomez and Delma Sanchez, who bring their many years of experience working with the people of Cameron Park.

Luis, Mandy, and Nielli all attend the after-school program at Casa Sofia (just 2 blocks from PJD). They come to do their homework and get some special attention in subjects they need help with. Volunteers from UT-Brownsville, St. Joseph’s Academy and Winter Texans sit with the children and giving the help wherever they need it. Once they are finished with their studies you can often find Luis, Mandy, Nielli out playing a game of kickball on the parking lot. The children also participate in folkloric dance class, art classes, and get to work on special projects like gardening and learning photography.

Kids Gardening