BUSTED AT THE BORDER

WILLY

1959 Tensions and Difficulties. I was around nine yrs. old... Dad arrested!

May 1959

For some reason I have always been fascinated by this particular story, memory from the past as we were waiting excitedly, anxiously, and expectantly toward the arrival of my Wedgwood grandparents and their dog, Sandy in Mexico. This was a big occasion for our family.

A newly purchased Jeep, in Hammond Indiana 1953

The Story as recounted by Dad, "On April 30, I drove the Willy's Jeep to Mexico City, leaving it in a parking lot near the Wycliffe Bible Translators headquarters...I then took a night bus, expecting to arrive in Nuevo Laredo at 7am. and then meet the folks.

In Puebla waiting for Tommy to arrive, June 1959

However, as the bus arrived at the 15 kilometer check-point, an officer boarded the bus, asking for tourist cards."

1954

"I was asked where my car was."...No amount of explaining on Dad's part as to where the car was and that he was not intending to cross the border at this time would do. The officer assumed he had sold the Jeep in Mexico for a profit. Dad was arrested, put in a patrol car and taken to the detention center at customs. He was charged of the crime of selling cars in Mexico. The next days news paper carried the story. There were no accommodations for sleeping except a hard bench and 100 degree weather and nobody would talk to him except "the radio operator who was interested in learning English." At meals, he was escorted to a nearby coffee shop to purchase his own meal and that of the officer as well.

With Grandpa Edwin Wedgwood and G.Grandma Emily in Hammond Indiana, 1953

Notice how packed the Jeep is.  We often sat on top of the baggage.

1953

Dad soon found out that if he could prove that the Jeep was at immigration in Mexico, he could be released. He was allowed to call a friend, who broke into the Jeep, had a key made and drove it to immigration, the radio operator, who was now Dads friend, called immigration in Mexico City to verify that the Jeep was in government custody. Then Dad was escorted across the Rio Grande to the U.S. side and met up with my grandparents, who had been wondering what the delay was. Story over, not entirely...

Dad, "I had to get re-possession of my vehicle, and no doubt there would be a fine and other fees before they would release it..." But...because of friends high in government levels, Dad was taken to the National Palace, where explanations were made, papers signed---all without cost. Praise The Lord!

That incident was enough for Dad and Mother to actively pursue obtaining the much sought after Mexican documents for permanent residency. After many trips to Mexico City and government offices, they received those coveted documents, took that Jeep to the border and sold it. For two years with no vehicle, I remember taking the bus often. Not as many trips were taken and more time was spent in the villages, either hiking or riding horseback.

Eddie with Trixie our horse

Later Dad purchased a Land Rover in Mexico.

Showing off the newly purchased Land Rover in Huauchinango

Oh Yes, My grandparents three week visit was fascinating and of course the dog was an oddity as many Mexicans had never seen such a fat, well fed Cocker Spaniel.
Grandpa helped with the building plans for our new house up on the mountain side. Shortly after that visit my grandpa passed away. That was the last time we saw him.

Grandpa Wedgwood

 DON RICARDO~VETERAN OF THE MEXICAN REVOLUTION~TURNED EVANGELIST ~A STORY OF GOD'S FORGIVNESS & GRACE