After 7 months in detention, Olga lost her case. A judge granted her 1 month to leave the country, and we immediately posted bond in hopes of reuniting her with her children. However, a detention officer informed us that Olga would be sent directly to Guatemala instead. We quickly arranged for her children to meet her there.

For 2 weeks, the children despaired of ever seeing their mother freed. We despaired of the children ever recovering from the damage being done to them.

Then, on Monday, Olga called to say she was being released. Once again, the chaos of our immigration system was evident. She was given no other information. Though happy to return to Lake Worth, she was filled with fear. We have all read stories of detainees being dropped off at bus stations with no directions or resources. We promised to accompany her every step of the way, knowing we would have to rely on the kindness of strangers.

Olga’s story is the story of the Greyhound station attendant who allowed Olga to use her phone to call us. And stayed on the phone while we ordered a Lyft to make sure Olga got into the right car.

Olga’s story is the story of the Cuban driver who kept telling Olga, “no llores, mami, yo me quedo contigo hasta que entres a la casa.” Who let her use his phone and stayed with her until she was received by the Airbnb host.

Olga’s story is the story of that Airbnb host, a Mexican doctor who had done her internship among the Maya in Chiapas. Who offered to buy Olga food and clothing. Who on hearing that Olga had no phone, lent her own so that Olga could call us through the night if her fears became too large. Who today thanked us for giving her the opportunity to be part of this holy work.

Olga’s story is the story of Commissioner McVoy who immediately said yes when asked to go to Phoenix and help fly Olga home. Who drove at dawn to Miami to catch the earliest flight. Who after putting in an exhausting day said, “Olga needed to talk and I was there to listen. God is good.”

Yesterday morning, as Olga went from the arms of her children into the embrace of Fr. Frank, we joined our prayer to his: Lord, make us faithful signs of your goodness in this broken world.