The Walker Family. Credit: America en Familia.
A family from Argentina who has left everything behind to travel 11,000 miles to Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families is asking for monetary help in order to arrive at their destination. The Walkers set out from San Isidro in the Buenos Aires Province in a VW camper from Buenos Aires. Their destination: Philadelphia, to attend the World Meeting of Families and see Pope Francis in September. Alfredo “Catire” Walker and Noelle Zemborain had always thought about taking a big family trip when their children “were older.” However, the couple decided to take the journey this year on the occasion of the World Meeting of Families. They believed that the trip would be an opportunity to celebrate family. The couple said that this trip is a gift to their children and also a chance to meet other families along the way and to share with them. When they began their voyage, they told CNA that they were hoping to learn how to travel light and not to be bogged down with unnecessary material goods. The family left Argentina on March 7 after dedicating their journey to the Virgin of Lujan. Their plans were complicated, however, when they arrived at a crossing between Colombia and Panama, where they planned to take a ferry that is no longer in service. Other crossing options are very expensive. The family is short on funds and is asking for donations so they can find another way to continue with their pilgrimage. For more information, visit https://life.indiegogo.com/fundraisers/buenos-aires-philadelphia-a-family-on-a-vw-kombi