El Otro Lado (EOL) El Paso, is a Lasallian border immersion experience which centers on those living along the margins. As Pope Francis also calls us to be a Church of the “margins”, we must respond in a Gospel-like manner to the needs of our fellow brothers and sisters by accompanying them through their camino (journey). The objective of EOL is to focus on the encounter; the encounters we share through our Lasallian families and the encounters we share through Christ with groups living on both sides of the border of El Paso and Ciudad Juarez. EOL participants will explore the many issues related to border realities such as: immigration, asylum seekers, unaccompanied minors, youth at risk, and the complex cultural dichotomy of the El Paso and Ciudad Juarez borderland. Representatives from various organizations from both sides of the border, such as Border Patrol and local nonprofits host different sessions throughout the week to give participants an overall picture of the borderland. This was an eye-opening experience for the students, as well as the moderators. Programs like this help make what is learned in Theology classes come alive. It is putting our faith into action.
