We continue to pray for the health and safety of you and your family as the Corona virus continues to infect people locally and around the world. This week Corazon staff member, Erika Zaragoza, reports how it is affecting our members in Tijuana.
Dear Corazon Family,
We continue to pray for the health and safety of you and your family as the Corona virus continues to infect people locally and around the world. This week Corazon staff member, Erika Zaragoza, reports how it is affecting our members in Tijuana. She has been on our staff in Mexico since 2018 where she is the Manager of Finance Administration and Community Programs. She is a strong leader and team player and her heart is in helping others transform their lives and wants to impact others throughout her life by being a positive role model. She is married and has a 3yr old son Samuel.
Here is what Erika has to say:
Hello, my name is Erika Zaragoza, I am writing below about my experiences regarding the current situation in Tijuana. We are currently seeing a 30% increase in layoffs in our city. Large companies are laying off many workers because the market has decreased for the non-essential products they produce. This has affected the people in our communities since many worked for these companies. The government has closed all non-essential businesses. Most of the independent businesses here have been affected since they are considered non-essential. Consequently, some families do not have a fixed income and are not certain as to when this work stoppage will end. Our government unfortunately does not have any financial support or incentives for those who are losing their jobs. I would also like to tell you about the increasing food prices. It is becoming more difficult for families to feed themselves, which worries me. Since so many have lost their jobs, the future is not looking particularly good for many families.
As for my family, I would like to say we have been in incredibly good health. My husband continues to work-he is currently working from home and goes to the office about one day a week. My son is healthy too. We are limiting our finances since we have a son to feed and we do not know when this situation will end.
As for my opinion on how to help our communities, I would tell you that financially, families have already run out of savings. They do not have much food to cook for their families, and the cost of utilities such as water, electricity and internet are expensive in Mexico. For these reasons I think that financial support is needed. Families would really appreciate it, and it does not have to be very much.
Thank you for everything you do for our communities, I know that we all have been affected by this pandemic in some way or another.
I think I am a positive person; we will come out triumphant with the help of God, and we can return to our loving projects that have given us so much satisfaction.
Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Respectfully,
ERIKA ZARAGOZA
You may have noticed Erika’s inspirational Bible verse. Throughout our time serving the poor in Mexico, we have consistently found that the poor overwhelmingly believe in a loving God who cares for them, while challenging them. God sees them through each of their difficult days, and they are quick to thank God for every gift that comes their way. Whether you are religious, spiritual, or agnostic, you can appreciate the depth of the faith that the poor carry with them every day. We have come home from Mexico countless times, inspired by the faith and trust that the poor have for the God that they know. We pray that this same God protects you and your family through these trying times.
All donations, no matter the size, make a huge difference in the lives of those in our communities in Mexico. Thank You.
