As the weather grows cooler, I am pulled toward thoughts of a recent trip to Mexico. What struck me most was the stark contrast between what we observe here in the U.S. under our overpasses and what I observed in Mexico.
Here we see individuals who have created their own community by living in tents, cardboard boxes or huddled beneath brush in effort to stay safe and warm.
In Mexico, there were individuals and groups sheltered from the sun, but the scene was very different…
There were old wooden carts full of fruits and vegetables with weather worn individuals offering their bounty at more than fair prices.
There were talented individuals doing acrobatics while entertained drivers and passengers would extend a small offering in appreciation.
A group of young men had an old bent and rusted trampoline set up under one overpass and were performing breathtaking stunts.
There were what seemed like whole families dressed in brightly colored traditional wear playing instruments and dancing.
While the scene that we have here in the U.S. is one that is innovative in its own right, there is a sense of despair and hopelessness; whereas what I witnessed in Mexico seemed to be that of hope, joy, warmth and hard work.
I don’t know any more than that, but it did give me pause for thought.