V Encuentro Proceedings and Conclusions

42 | Proceedings and Conclusions of the V National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry hatred in society, terrorism, marginalization, and isolation. Personal challenges and difficult circum­ stances. They also described a variety of per- sonal situations and circumstances that could be challenging: divorce; being widowed; being single parents; becoming a parent at a young age; having children with disabilities; getting stuck in regret for past decisions including prior criminal behavior; and feeling useless, aimless, or overwhelmed by personal and family prob- lems. Even the smartphone and social networks are described as personal challenges that must be overcome in the contemporary world. Many suffer with financial problems from which they cannot see a way out, including some who end up homeless. Others are confused about their sexual, gender, or cultural identity. Many young people do not have enough parental support. Others feel hopeless in the face of social and political problems that seem to only get worse every day, so they disengage from the pro- cess. Finally, many lack access to mental health, counseling, and recovery services, not to men- tion basic and emergency medical care and good nutrition. Hopes and Dreams Security, health, and basic needs. It is not surprising that many of the hopes and dreams expressed by the Hispanic/Latino voices in the peripheries have a direct correlation to their challenges and pastoral needs. At a fundamental level, they expressed con- cerns for security and basic needs, includ- ing food, housing, and transportation. They also expressed a longing for the ability to live without fear and in safety, far from violence in the community or the constant threat of deportation. They dream of gaining immi- gration papers and a fair immigration reform so that they can return to visit family in their country of origin without having to abandon their family here, as well as doing the many other things here that they have not been able to do while living in the shadows. Those who struggle with health problems, addictions, or workplace and financial issues have hopes for a life free of those difficul- ties—or even the ability to see a doctor “just in case.” For all its failures and shortcomings, they still see the United States as a land of opportunity and a better place than the one they left, yet they long for greater social jus- tice and relief from the sufferings they have encountered upon their arrival here. Healthy relationships. Another cluster of hopes and dreams surround their personal and social relationships. The most common expression is also the simplest and all-encom- passing: they dream to be happy and united as a family. They also provide some specifics of what that would look like for them: children who become successful and good people, better communication and conflict resolution, having their children avoid delinquency and drugs, that families stay together, and that couples might be able to marry in the Church. Economic prosperity. A few dreamt for a busi- ness of their own or a religious vocation in the family. More commonly, they hoped to com- plete a degree, save money, establish a career, and contribute positively to society, either for themselves or their children. They also desire for their children to become well-rounded people, committed to the Catholic faith while retaining their cultural identity and language. Echoes of the Encounters in the Peripheries