Taos, New Mexico Immersion Reflections- April 2006
Where have I been? Where am I right now? Where am I going?
"Every time I go on a retreat to service trip I leave it with an inspiration to become a better man in every sense of the phrase. School is stressful, and many other relationships become strained at times. This work and reflection time really assist me in remembering what is important.
I have learned in Taos what it really means to be poor. It truly is the absence of freedom in one's life. Most people, like myself, view poverty as the poor man with the cardboard box, begging for money. Imagine that you do not have freedom to buy a new pair of shoes. Imagine your do not have the freedom to stop drinking. Imagine that you do not have the freedom to stop alienating yourself from the people who love you.
I thought that I knew and understood what poverty meant. I came to Taos expecting gangs, prostitutes, and open drug sales. One would have to look carefully to see any of these things. So I asked myself on the first day…why are I here? In Buffalo there are plenty of places which look worse. But, I slowly learned over the next six days that Taos had many lessons for me. he people inspired me to be open to new ideas to assist those who are less fortunate. They challenged me to work without getting a tangible reward. I began to realize that our work was good and it allowed me to realize the freedom that I possess has been given to me by God so that I can make the right choices. The best way to honor this new sense of freedom is to assist others in discovering their own. " - Denis Yacinthe'07
"It wasn't until Thursday that I knew I would be departing to a foreign land such as New Mexico. I had never been this far west and the beauty of the land shocked me. You can see so many pictures of certain sceneries but actually being there is breathtaking. Even though I was astonished by the surrounding mountains, I knew my duty was to serve the families in need. We began our work on Monday and by sharing my working hands to shelter a family were unexplainable and unreal. But there was still something missing even though I knew we were doing well. It wasn't until that following Thursday that I found the missing piece. On that night we were able to meet the family who were working for. To hear the family's story of struggle was simply heart breaking. But the faith, hope and love they were still able to show was remarkable. Their gratitude for our hard work really made me feel that we were truly making a difference. Five days of labor will not solve New Mexico's struggle of poverty but being able to build a room for a young child is very rewarding.
We may have helped build a house but we really helped build a family's future experiences. They can soon be able to experience the things we take for granted in our everyday lives. Our team worked hard everyday to ensure that all tasks were completed so these people could live a happier life. We walked in friends but left brothers because the challenges put in front of us helped us bond our talents to not benefit ourselves but the families in need. As my senior year comes to a close I will never forget the past six days of my life. My experience has enabled me to realize that life has many problems but there will always be a solution to those problems. As for the future, I think it is in God's will for me to continue on with my service. As long as I say involved, God will have no trouble leading me into ways to help others. The last six days were incredible to say the least and we must not stop here. We are destined to spread our salvation to others in need. But it is up to us to take the next step. Salvation and love are the answers. Show yourself and others that you can truly be that man for others." -
Timothy Keating'06
Strolling through these halls where I
Have learned these past four years
Standing on the pinnacle
Slowly falling tears.
The ways I thought I knew myself
Have forged themselves anew
These memories I've found
Bittersweet
Like they always were.
Right beneath the surface
Secret honing on the edge
An edge that threatens breaking
Of the walls that I have built.
So goes the passing if the years
Just like my dreams have soared
An epic tale of truth
A journey
Waiting to embark, hence forth.
Good men I've known
And better men
I'll know before the end
Of these brave souls who've struck the path
With me, right land in hand.
The best journey that I can have
Is that in which I've no regrets
Such is this in which I've walked
These four years that have come so fast.
For these men who walk
Here by my side
I'd gladly give them my life, for i
See in them what's worth fighting for.
As those who've taught me understand
The pursuit of truth is only half
Of what there is worth dying for.
The friends I've had
The teachers, too
And my own self
From whence I'm true
Have started in me
A little flame
That I will kindle
To my dying day.
A fire to
Burn strong and true
And build the man
In front of you.
- Anonymous
"My trip to Taos was an enlightening experience in many ways. I came with some expectations but was quite unsure of what I would find. What I did encounter was hard work, amazing people, and most of all, a good time. I'm sure many can attest to the rewarding feeling of giving of oneself for the good of others. Not only did this immersion give me that feeling, but it provided me with the inspiration to continue my service to others in the future. That is about one aspect, however. The experience would be nothing, of course, without all the people I spent the week with. I met new people whom I intend to model myself after. Their dedications, generosity, and hospitality are things to be desired. Another group that affected me, who I had not much considered at first, was the group accompanying me on the trip. Throughout the week I formed new relationships with my peers and saw a different side of them all. It amazed me to find out how little I really knew about some of my own classmates. Through every single one of their personalities, and actions shone the qualities of true fine gentlemen. Our experiences together have formed a unique bond, one for which I am thankful. Because of these persons, there was not a day during the trip that I did not find enjoyable. Simply due to their company, I don't think I could have had a better time.
From all of this, I gained friends, a new perspective on poverty, and important life lessons. And though these experiences in Taos may seem major to some, I plan on making them one small stop on the lifelong journey of being a man for others."
- Justin Spears'07
"As I sit on the porch of this house, I am facing one of the most beautiful sunset I've ever seen. The only sounds are that of the wind, birds, and an occasional dog bark. All I see is the beautiful sunset behind me, and the endless horizon in front of me.
I sit back not to think of my week, the week of service. This experience is an incredible life experience just as the last Kairos I led. To make a comparison on the two experiences I would like to explain this trip with an exercise from Kairos. We ask on Kairos, "Where were you, where am I now, and where are you going?"
Where was I?
Freshman and sophomore year, I was the kid who did the bare minimum. I did just the requirement and thought that it was painful. Junior year, I began to change. I went from the required 30 hours to about 80 or 90 hours, which mostly comprised of coaching a 5-8 year old hockey team. I think that this point was particularly strong because I realized that I truly love helping other people.
Where am I?
In a deep sense, I've been shown a new face of poverty as I worked to aid a needy lady, and a needy family. I found myself enjoying service more and more.
Where am I going?
I am going to RIT for a mechanical engineering degree, but I also go to continue my service. I plan to continue serving people, organizing trips such as this."
- Dylan Rider'06
"On my immersion trip to New Mexico there were many things that took me by surprise. Although most people in the town live "normal" lives, there is an undercurrent of social and economic problems in most family's lives. When Sitting Bull, a local Pueblo, cooked a meal for us one night, he thanked us humbly and sincerely for all of our work. His approach and sincerity was so genuine that it inspired me to hopefully come back and continue to assist the community. The choices that many of these people have are so limited…..it does not seem fair. I am not forced to live simply like these people. My greed for things is not reflected in these peoples outlook on life. They are very happy with the gifts that God has bestowed on them.
During the workday we had the privilege of working with Kyle. He was one of the most helpful people on the trip. He showed us how to frame a house, build a porch, and survive in a place that was a bit harsh to a Buffalonian. He lived very simply in a place that gets below freezing at night and often hits 90 degrees during the day. The whole way of life is different in New Mexico. Many people do not "get stressed" out with daily life. They tend to keep everything in perspective, not allowing themselves to be upset with the little things in life.
In the future, there are many things that I would like to do, many thins I need to do. I believe that going on another service trip next year as well as the Kairos retreats will assist me in my growth as a person. This experience of working with friends and helping others has really inspired me to not only thinking about my own needs. I know that I must work together with my fellow classmates to be a leader in the school next year. "-David Longo'07
"As I got off the plane, I began to think about my purpose of going on this immersion trip. Why was I on this trip? What was it that I wanted to accomplish? I was a bit nervous contemplating these questions. Many of my preconceptions were completely wrong as I learned about a different culture and a different ways of living out one's life.
As we sat down in the family room every night for discussion and prayer, I was able to think about several important issues. We were asked the question "What is poverty?" Taos is filled with families who cannot afford to have a house. However, as I have discovered poverty cannot be defined as a lack of belongings. It rather must de defined as a lack of choice in one's life. More specifically, there are so many different forms of poverty in our country. I know that I must continue to learn about the sources of the poverties and how I can possibly assist in alleviating the problem.
I want to be a better person. Although my father has passed away, I have so many people in my life who I can look up to. I have my entire family who is always there to support me. This support all comes from God who I feel really loves me. I am a very fortunate person!!!
I feel that my three years at Canisius High School has encouraged me to grow spiritually. My plans for next year include working more in the city of Buffalo and apply to as many good colleges as I can. I would like to choose a college that is going to challenge me to continue to grow spiritually and religiously.
We have had some tough days this past week Through it all we have emerged as young men who can look back with a smile on our face, realizing that we have new friends as well as experienced new things which have made us grow as individuals." Thomas McGeorge'07
"Poverty - This word is omnipresent through out Taos, New Mexico. However, despite being ubiquitous, this word is one that is not easily recognized. Poverty that is experienced in Taos is unlike poverty experienced in Buffalo. There aren't many problems of violence, drugs, or others of the like. There are not many people that are homeless or that do not know where their next meal is coming from. The poverty that we have experienced in Taos, to some, might not even be considered poverty. They are able to afford some luxuries like cell phones, take-out food, and designer clothes. But, on paper, they live in poverty. With debts, bills, and other expenses, many try to dig themselves out. Where as others cannot afford health insurance or even put money aside in a savings account, 401K, retirement fund or other types of financial stability for the future. When the average income is under $30,000 and the average house is over $300,000, one can just see that there is something not lining up. This is the type of poverty that is really affecting the people of Taos.
Life changing - This trip has put my life into a whole new perspective. I have been very active in the Campus Ministry Department at Canisius and have been through it all, the retreats, the service trips, and even a previous immersion trip that took place in Camden, NJ. These programs have made a major impact on my life. Despite all of them being a major impact, I wanted more. Boy did I get more.
Before out trip, I did not know if anyone really understood what forms poverty could come in. I wasn't even sure of the forms. I did not even classify my family as being in poverty. However, during our trip to Taos, I was surprised to see that their poverty is what I have been experiencing for a good portion of my life. And once I realized that they classified their lives as being in poverty, I realized that my life happens to fall under that category as well.
After realizing this, I came to this conclusion. Sure, our help with Habitat for Humanity in Taos for a week may have helped a few families. But more importantly, it has helped the group of Canisius students and faculty. We have realized that poverty is classified under many different categories and we were able to experience one of those categories while helping out in Taos. I know that this trip has affected my life greatly and it would not have been possible without the help of Mr. Ahrens and Mr. Cumbo who sacrificed their time to help us see the problems affecting our world today, in our own backyard."
Chris Wrobel'06
