CASAS 2

1/17/03

This afternoon our cultural CASAS activity was a walking history in the cemetary. I was really struck by the magnitude of this place. But, even more than the size of the cemetary was the contrast and inequity among the people laid to rest in this facility. The huge mausoleums were impressive in structure but seemed excessive-especially when placed beside a wall of so called slot graves. There was such inequity among the rich and the poor when these people were alive. It's so sad that this superiority carries through even after lives end.

After leaving the cemetary, we drove past the city dump on our way back to CASAS. Even without driving into the dump itself, I saw images and people that I am sure will stick with me for a very long time. My stomach turned when I saw people-mothers, fathers, children-sorting through trash as a way of life. Why is that the life these people were born into? Why was I born into a home and family so different? Why are money and success so important to us in the states? I want so badly to be happy with what I have, an example exhibited by my host family, rather than to always think about what could be better.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3

- Katie Boshart