Guatemalan journey.(in focus)(Joel Morales)(Brief Article)(Interview)

I was working with friends trying to organize the right to education. My struggle was based in non-violence. But by opening my mouth, I was considered a communist. To be called a communist you were going to die.

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I was on a list of people condemned to death by the Death Squad. It was not easy to say goodbye to my parents. I told my wife either you go with me or bury me. We escaped together coming to Mexico.

We learned there was a movement in the United States supporting refugees from Guatemala. Churches were involved. One was in Philadelphia, First United Methodist. We got here in the fall of '84.

Coming from the countryside to a big city, that was a big change. I never knew you can buy food for cats and dogs. All these roads and highways. All this wealth. I went to McDonald's. I didn't want to throw my cup and paper plate into the trash. I clean it and use it again. That's a culture shock. It bothered me a lot.

We were thinking we are ...