Category Archives: Reflections

Reflections on how we feel and how the mission is changing us

Almost time

Reflections, Snapshots

This semester was a whirlwind of highs and lows, and it felt as if January would never come. I was so busy running around trying to wrap up the semester that it took someone asking me what day we fly out to realize the trip is just around the corner. That was also when the anxiety and panic set in. In a little over a week, I will be in Texas having an experience that I know will change many of my perspectives of the world.

I am the type of person who loves to know what to expect and is terrified of being unprepared. I have been slowly packing all of the gear I think I will need, as well as the things previous team members have suggested. I feel somewhat prepared but also wholly unprepared at the same time, and I have come to accept the fact (and actually become excited) that I need to be ready to face, explore, and embrace the unexpected. While I know I am just a tiny piece of a very large puzzle, the ability to make a difference in at least one person’s life makes the entire trip and the work we do worthwhile.

Reading through past entries on this blog and speaking with prior team members makes me excited to have my own experiences. I want to meet new people and hear their stories. I want to work with the people I have heard so much about, and see how we – as forensic scientists – can work in a humanitarian context. I am also excited to apply what we have learned at school, learn new techniques, and work with the team. This experience will form lifelong relationships and memories that I cannot get anywhere else. And, hopefully, the knowledge and experiences I can share with others after the trip will bring more attention to the crisis occurring at the border.

I know the trip will be physically and emotionally challenging. While it looks like the weather will be decent during our stay, I still need to prepare myself for the thorns, burrs, scorpions, spiders, snakes, etc. we may encounter. I believe I can handle the vegetation, but I have never been a big fan of creepy crawlies. I am also concerned and a bit apprehensive about how covid and the recent uptick in cases will impact our plans. However, if there is anything the past year and a half (or has it been longer?) of the pandemic has taught me, it is that we need to be flexible and recognize that we are all facing our own hardships. Everything may not (and probably will not) go according to plan, and that is okay. Plans change, but as long I remember to not stress about the small stuff, I know I can face whatever is thrown my way.

As I sit at home and run through my checklist once again, I remember that all of the challenges I face are nothing compared to those the migrants are facing. No matter what, I am excited to see what happens in the coming weeks.

–Olivia

Preparing for the road ahead…

Reflections, Snapshots

A flood of mixed emotions and thoughts are circling around in my brain as the days begin to dwindle down before our trip to Falfurrias. My initial feelings are those of excitement and gratitude to have the opportunity to participate in such a life changing learning experience.  As an anthropologist and scientist, I’m eager to immerse myself in a new culture, connect with new people, and gain a more well-rounded understanding of humanitarian work. Likewise, I’m looking forward to soaking in some warm Texas weather and indulging in their world-famous local barbecue for the first time (Whataburger also sounds very tasty!).

On the other hand, I’m rather anxious about the physical, mental, and emotional hurdles that myself and our team will inevitably face during our trip. The major physical hurdles I anticipate include navigating the unforgiving desert terrain, coping with the punishing heat, and avoiding other dangerous hazards found on the ranch lands. Mentally, being aware of culture differences and avoiding any misunderstandings due to a potential language barrier or political views will be critical. Finally, I predict the most difficult aspect of our trip will be the interaction with the migrant families and hearing the many hardships they have endured, the sacrifices they have made, and the people they have lost during their trek across the US-Mexico Border.

While I feel confident in my anthropology and forensic skills, I recognize that no amount of training and education can truly prepare oneself for the raw sights and sounds that one will encounter out in the field. The key to adapting to this new environment and culture is understanding what behavior is and is not appropriate and making the necessary adjustments. Furthermore, observing others, being an active listener, and not being afraid to ask questions about local customs will also be significant. Each day I remind myself that it’s important to keep things in perspective, be prepared to make mistakes, and seek the support of team members when things get tough.

As I finalize everything on my field checklist, I have come to appreciate how fortunate I have been throughout my life.  The fact that I have access to all the necessary items to navigate the harsh desert conditions with the click of a button has made me realize how privileged I am in comparison to so many others around me. I can’t imagine the overwhelming stress, uncertainty, and doubt that migrants must feel when making the treacherous journey with just a few items on them, if any. Moving forward, I believe this experience will provide me with a new perspective of the daily struggles that countless people must deal with everyday to survive. Overall, humanitarian work is a challenging endeavor that often opens our eyes to the worst of humanity and nature. How we handle the dismay and turn it into a positive force for change will look different for each individual, each community, and each crisis. What is important is to build on our past experiences and to never lose sight of a better tomorrow.

Alex

Ten Years

Human Rights, Migrant Death, Reflections

It’s been 10 years since my first naïve trip to the Texas Borderlands. Ten years since I thought I was going to Brooks County for one trip to be a forensic archaeology consultant on a large scale exhumation effort. In those 10 years so much has changed yet so much has stayed the same. As our team prepares for its 10th year of travel to the Texas Borderlands I can’t help but reflect on the last decade of the Beyond Borders team.

Team members digging
The 2013 University of Indianapolis Beyond Borders Team

What has changed? Most importantly, unidentified human remains are beginning their journey to identification. Those buried without a name or left in the brush are being recovered and efforts taken to identify and repatriate them to their families. This brings some closure to the families of the missing that are seeking information regarding their loved ones. The efforts of of the many organizations involved in this large scale identification initiative are bringing awareness to the issues and the lack of resources available to locate and identify the dead. Over the last ten years we have worked with other groups to change the linguistics describing these individuals to more accurately reflect their reality. When we first started this work the dead were called “Undocumented Border Crossers” or “UBCs”. While that terminology is not factually wrong, it is misleading in that many of the dead are migrant refugees fleeing gang violence, sexual violence and political violence. The term “migrant” or “refugee” is more reflective of their circumstances and more humanizing. The hard work of many organizations are changing the laws in Texas surrounding unidentified migrants. From expedited death certificates to The Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains Act, progress is being made. On a more personal note, what has changed for me? I have formed lifelong relationships with the most dedicated, empathetic and big-hearted people I could imagine. When the world feels ugly and overwhelming, I just need to think of the incredible humans I’ve met on this journey to be reminded of the love and light that exists in times of darkness. However, it’s the perspective that is the most important yet most difficult to discuss and reflect upon. I entered this journey with a feeling of self-importance importance. I was an expert that was called to help “fix” a problem. But I was quickly humbled as I learned that there is no one person working on these issues that is any more or less important than any other. The feeling of self-importance was quickly replaced with feelings of humbleness and gratitude to be invited and included in a process that has allowed me to grow in unbelievable ways. I am not the same person or professional that I was 10 years ago and that is a benefit for my field, my students and the decedents that I serve in the Texas borderlands and beyond. But this is not about me. I can reflect on how it has changed me as I think it might benefit others, but while I’ve changed too many things have remained the same.

The deaths continue, with 2021 on record pace for migrant deaths in Brooks County and other border counties. The discrimination and racism continues, as well as the fear of how these non-citizen others will impact local communities as evidenced by a focus on the more rare cartel and illegal activity rather than the more common story of parents trying to save the lives of their children. The lack of empathy and lack of care continue as people shake their heads and ask why anyone would choose this journey, rather than understanding that staying is certain death and the journey is only probable death. The desperation of the families fleeing life threatening violence continues as gang activity and corruption dominate in some Latin American countries. The lack of resources for border counties overwhelmed and working under mass disaster situations continues as volunteers try to provide services the Federal government does not provide. The sensationalism continues as the media focuses on what makes a good story rather than what is actually occurring. These issues predate my time in Brooks county and while there has been some progress, the fact these deaths continue to occur at such high rates and that most people look the other way is unacceptable. When the true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members, its pretty clear how we score.

~Dr. Latham