Day 6: Altar

Altar, by Sara Lepkoff

We arrived in the town of Altar as the sun’s midday heat beat down hard on us. The past few day’s weather had been cool and I had wished for warmer weather. Now, it was easy to imagine the sun as the enemy, an entity that shows no mercy for those who cross the desert.

We met Padre Priciriano, father of the domed church in the plaza of Altar. He also was the leader of CCAMYM, the most clean migrant shelter that provides food, beds, showers, clothing and many other services. He didn’t look much like a priest in cowboy boots, and hat but his face showed a wide smile that immediately made me feel at ease.

After a lunch of tacos at one of the many local taquerias, he led us into the town’s plaza. He explained to us that Altar has become the first spot for many hopeful people hoping to cross the United States/Mexican boarder. The income for this once small town relies heavily on the presence of the immigrants.
As he led us on a tour of the town, this fact became very clear. Every single market, and pharmacy, of which there were many, stocked items needed for those who attempt to cross the border.

Images of a “lay up” area, which we had seen earlier on our visit to a desert ranch, came to mind. I remembered plastic bottles once filled with water cracked and broken, ripped back packs, electrolyte drinks, baby food, torn and worn out shoes, suddenly showed themselves in their original form. I recognized the exact labels that littered the desert floor. The realization these shiny new bottles would too find their way into the desert on the back of a desperate child, mother, father, or grandmother, under the same unforgiving sun that I stood under now, made me stand still. Just for a few seconds. Then, the padre called for us to “Hurry up!” and I ran to catch up.