Love is Coming for Us All: An Advent Reflection by Gabino Zavala, Peace & Justice Director
Peace & Justice
Love is Coming for Us All: An Advent Reflection by Gabino Zavala, Peace & Justice Director
Advent is a time that directs our minds and hearts to the coming of Christ. Jesus is Emmanuel, the hope of all peoples. He is the wisdom that teaches and guides us, the Savior of every nation. Advent reminds us of Christ’ s promise. We hear Him say:“ Do not be afraid!” Jesus brings us light and hope in the midst of darkness.
While many of us will be preparing with joyful expectation for the coming of Jesus during this Advent Season, there are some of our sisters and brothers who live in fear and anxiety. Those that we call Dreamers, young men and women who are the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals( daca), live with an uncertain future. They feel powerless, robbed of their dreams, promises made to them taken back. For them Advent is certainly a time of hopeful expectation and a time of longing.
Let me share the stories of two of these young people.
I came to the United States when I was six. I realized the limitations I faced when I started thinking about college. Universities saw me as an international student with outrageous tuition rates. Scholarships had citizen requirements. When Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals first began, so many doors opened for me. I could accomplish my dreams of being a teacher in the only country I have ever known.
Fast forward five years since daca was established. I can now proudly say that I will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education this
December. My dreams of teaching English Language Learners in a low-income school is becoming a reality. I want to inspire my students and be a first-hand example that in this country, we can accomplish our goals regardless of our circumstances.
When President Trump recently ended daca, everything changed. My first thought was disbelief. I feel powerless knowing everything that I have worked so hard for is being ripped up and taken from me. I cannot explain how frustrated I feel not knowing what’ s going to happen in a year( when my daca expires). What if congress does nothing? What if I can’ t work? What if I can’ t attend graduate school? What if I get deported? What will I do in a country I don’ t remember? I cringe at the thought of being sent away from the country I consider home. They are robbing us of our dreams even when we have done nothing wrong. I would like to say that I’ m not scared, but that would be a lie. Regardless of this, we will not stop fighting. My frustration is fueling my persistence as I protest and voice my concerns. We all must act and let our lawmakers know we are here to stay.
All my life, as far back as I can remember, I have wanted to be a Nurse and work hard for my parents and make them proud. My last high school year went great. I graduated in hopes of starting college in the fall. Everything was going fine until this past September when President Trump announced he was going to eliminate daca. My dreams and hopes came crashing down, and I couldn ' t help the sadness I was feeling and showing this sadness on my face. I am the first generation of my entire family
12 • The New Wine Press • November 2017