Letter from Anna Tran
In the days/weeks leading up to our planned date of arrival into Tijuana, the other coordinators and I were so worried. Just a couple of days before, the news reported terrible gang violence in the city of Tijuana.
I emailed Philippe, Eduardo and other Esperanza personnel as I sot some form of assurance. They said everything was okay; there was no violence in the area that we were living in and commuting around. I was still skeptical but taking into account their word, how hard the 28 of us worked to plan/fundraise for this trip, and how the people in Tijuana needed us more than ever, we prayed and held onto our commitment of service.
We spent seven days in Tijuana and there were no signs of violence or anything of that sort. La Gloria seemed as peaceful as ever and I could not believe how different it was than the picture that was painted in the news. Either the news is exaggerated or whatever is reported is taking place far far away from where Esperanza works. You are running an amazing organization.
Anna Tran, TJ Housebuilding Coordinator,
UC Davis Newman Center,
12/26/08-1/02/09