Sandra María Ch.
Since I am a single mother I know all the trouble we go through, we who work in the fields to get our families ahead. I have done different work in the fields – tomatoes, picking different fruits in season, and living in migrant camps where I helped to organize with the help of Sister Antonieta. She taught me a lot about helping the community.
I am responsible for two treasures, a son of fourteen years and another who is nine. It is because of them that I get up every day and keep on going.
I am happy and grateful to have received an invitation to attend the Consulta because I like to help our community; I want to add my little grain of sand to this historical event!

Felipe G.  I work in landscaping and I really like to build patios, ponds and gardens.  For me it is work that fills me with life and joy.  In my parish I work as a catechist; this is something that I really like to do. 

Carmen O.   I work in the fields, cutting vegetables.  I am a Eucharistic Minister and I help in my parish.  I came to this country 23 years ago.  I have two children born in the U.S. and still we have not been able to get our papers in order.

Manuel José R.  I am a man from Mexico.  I came to the United States in search of a better life for myself and my family. We came without documents and I began to work in the fields.  Also, I began to help my community in the church at Mattawa by singing in the choir and teaching the young people.  I have had many tests, both small and great, but I still keep trying to get ahead.  Many thanks for the invitation to attend the Consulta; I am grateful to all of you with all my heart.

Felipe T.  It has been 21 years since I left my native Oaxaca looking for a better future for  my family.  Normally, we traveled from Oaxaca to California, from California to Oregon, from Oregon to Washington, looking for work.  I am the father of seven children.  I help with the Masses in the camps. I try to serve and care for my countrymen in whatever I am able, and pass on information about what is happening in our community.