The first Border #4

A Border, High Stress, and the Hand of God

Entering SONORA, Mexico:

Everything was going smooth between the United States and Mexico border.

After deciding to keep driving despite the windshield issue, the family had spent months researching all the necessary documentation needed to cross the border. Everything was exactly as the Mexican government required, or so they thought.

While they were planning the logistics of crossing, God surprised them again: a family approached them and said they would accompany them and guide the RV through the correct lanes so everything would go smoothly. That small gesture gave them immense peace of mind, since not knowing nor being familiar with The Nogales border cause a lot of mixed emotions.

They had crossed several borders before—by car and on foot—but never in THE RV. And even though they were experienced travelers, the novelty of the situation still brought nerves.

Upon reaching the first customs checkpoint, the situation changed completely.

An officer began asking for documents that did not appear in any official requirement they had reviewed. Every time Hugo tried to ask or understand exactly what was missing, the officer  simply responded with a flat "no."

He didn't explain.

He didn't listen.

He offered no options.

He just kept repeating that without that specific paper, they would not  be allowed to enter the country.

After several minutes, the conversation began to grow tense. Hugo was clearly frustrated because they weren't being allowed to ask for explanations, and the officer wast giving a clear anwser explain their process.

It was then that they decided to ask to speak with a superior.

The officer's response was even more intimidating: he told them that if they risked calling a superior, they could end up without an entry permit and even have the RV impounded forever.

That moment filled their hearts with fear.

There was not only the uncertainty of whether they could enter Mexico but also the worry about everything they carried inside the RV: materials, tools, and supplies they would use on their journey through the Americas working with children. They were also worried about being charged high taxes for everything they were transporting.

Even with the fear, they insisted.

When the superior finally arrived, he was initially annoyed, convinced that the family was not following the country's rules.

But this time, they were actually able to speak.

Naty stepped up alongside Hugo, who was already emotionally exhausted by the situation, and they calmly explained everything that had happened: that the officer hadn't let them speak, hadn't explained the process, and that the documents he was demanding didn't match what the Mexican authorities indicated.

And then came the unexpected.

The superior realized that his own team hadn't even checked the documentation. In fact, when he asked the officer if he had reviewed the papers yet, the officer replied no. This made the superior even more upset with his team because they clearly weren't following the correct protocol. After several hours of tension, fear, and chaos at the border, everything shifted.

They were allowed to proceed. 

MEXICAN BORDER OFFICER 

They didn't search a single thing inside the RV. They didn't charge them taxes for what they were carrying. And, as an unexpected gift after so much pressure, they granted them a 10-year permit for the RV. So, with hearts still racing but deeply grateful, they continued their journey.

Finally, they were in driving down in Mexico.

Finally, they were moving forward.

And this new stage welcomed them to a place completely unknown to them: Sonora, a state where they had never been before, but which already felt like the start of yet another adventure. Looking back, they understood something this trip kept teaching them over and over again: God uses people, processes, delays, and even uncomfortable moments to open exactly the right door. Sometimes the border isn't just in a country, but also in the heart:

Between fear and faith, between control and letting go.

And once again, they chose to trust.

                                   

OUR FIRST SUNSET IN MEXICO, SANTA ANA.

Road Reflection:

There are doors that seem to slam shut, not to stop the purpose, but to remind them who is truly the one clearing the path. That border in Sonora didn't just mark the entrance to a new country, but also a profound reminder that even in the midst of stress, God continues to use the unexpected to confirm that He goes before the route.