September 10th 2000

Querido Madre,

¿Cómo estás?

Es excellent acquí en Estados Unidos. I’ve been en Las Angeles for a couple days. The people here are nice y muy generoso. They’ve given me a place to stay until I can find my own home. I don’t have a job quite yet but the bosses seem interested in me. America is truly the land of opportunity, just like we had hoped. I have talked with many people, most coming from México, with others coming from South America, el Caribe, y Central America. Some have been aquí for many years. They said that they have done well off here y es muy bueno aquí. They are either living with their families or are planning on bringing them aquí shortly.

The coyote got me safely to America but as soon as we neared the edge of the desert he kicked me out and drove away. This made my trip take longer but I’m fine and nothing happened to me. I saw the border patrol a few times but avoided them and made it here.

As soon as I get enough dinero to pay for mi home y comida, I will begin sending some back to you. Once we get enough money you can come join me en California.

Wish you could all be here with me.

Con Amor,

José

Here’s a link to part one