Crossing the border illegally

(we crossed the border legally on foot from Guatemala to Mexico. Afterwards we drove to the ilegal crossing where people transport migrants, and goods across the river on innertubs.)

I think the experiences that teach us the most are those that make us feel uncomfortable. Rather than relaxing and blending into your surroundings, you notice every movement, every word, and every feeling as if it is completely new. For the short trip from shore to shore on innertube (huge old tire tubes), I felt that way--uncomfortable.

It gave me another piece of the migrant journey, another piece that feels more real. As I looked through the spaces in the wood that covered the tube to make a raft, I wondered how migrants who do not know how to swim brave the passage. What courage it would take to make the crossing, knowing you might easily die with one misstep.

The crossing and the short time it took us to reach Guatemala (coming from Mexico) made the thought of the border itself feel false. Why and how can humans create physical borders--and this crossing a testamont to that question---there will always be a way to cross. What is a border, than a symbolic wall?

The river, and the ride (from Mexico to Guatemala, and back again), was uncomfortable, but I did my best to keep my eyes open, and feel every part of the river and the crossing.