I have been an educator at the secondary level for seven years and practiced as a therapist (licensed clinical social worker) for 38 years; then I listened to the emerging desire to engage in a different expression of practicing as a therapist. Thus began the journey of learning the details of digital photography as well as therapeutic photography, contemplative photography and visio divina. I earned a certificate in digital photography, and I continue photography courses through the Missouri Botanical Garden. This avenue provides the more artistic expression of photography.
A photograph can be simultaneously simple as well as profound. Each picture has a message that speaks to our heart and mind. I have found that many times I was in the right place at the right time to receive the moment of a photograph. I do not believe it happened by chance; it was all providential.
I took the following photographs during a visit to Pharr and Laredo, Texas, at the end of January/beginning of February 2020. They tell the story of our political situation today.
The Rio Grande River is 1,885 miles long. It separates families from being together along the boundaries of Texas and Mexico.Individuals who are in the U.S. through DACA cannot return to Mexico to see their families, as they would be detained and not allowed to re-enter the U.S.
This photo shows two people standing on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande River. I am standing on the Laredo, Texas, side of the river. My camera down at my side, we looked at each other and our eyes came to an understanding. They turned sideways and allowed me to receive the gift of this picture.
A horse grazes on the Mexico side of the Rio Grande.
In driving from Pharr, Texas, to Laredo, Texas, it was suggested that I stop at the Roma Bluffs in Roma, Texas. I was told I could photograph the Rio Grande River there and I might see a variety of birds, as it was the migration season.
When I arrived at the destination, I wanted to drive on, as I did not feel comfortable with the spot. It was an isolated area with no other people around. I drove around the spot a few times trying to decide if I should park the car to walk to the bluffs for the photograph or keep driving. I told myself to be careful and to move quickly. As I was photographing the Rio Grande River, I noticed a vehicle driving on the Mexican side of the river. It was a border patrol vehicle with two military police in the back of the pick-up truck. My mentor has also traveled to the border, and he warned me that the border patrol are known to detain photographers and confiscate their cameras. The river separating us did provide a sense of safety.
This “blimp” looking object is a drone that the Border Patrol uses. It searches fields for individuals. It is managed from the ground and they radio to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other border patrol on the ground. The fact that I was able to photograph the drone also means that it was able to photograph me.
Field workers picking the produce we buy at the grocery store.
This is a section of the wall. What does it say to you?
This is an important picture. It shows two volunteers from the ARISE ministry walking from door to door to ensure that people are registered to vote. It is essential that all of us engage our voice by voting.
At the end of the day, residents of Mexico walk across this bridge to return to Mexico. Their visas allows them to work or attend school in Laredo, Texas, but they return home each day.
A freight train in the evening at sunset traveling from Mexico into Laredo.
