Heyyyyy Guys!

Today was our last day, filled with joy, sadness and memories. We started off the day with making hamburgers with the community for their weekend food sale. The mothers were helping us out once again by showing us tips and tricks. With the music playing, kids running around, everyone working together we all felt like one big family. After making over 300 hamburgers for the community, it was dance party time! We shared a mix of both worlds, from dances to the Punta and the Whip and Nay Nay. Through this experience it showed us that no matter what our differences we can find ways to be together and connect by music and dancing. After spending time with the community, the past 5 days it was time to say goodbye. We were surprised by the community a farewell ceremony with our personalized posters on the walls to certificates to each and every one of us. This moment was filled with tearful hugs and goodbyes. Even when we reached the bus most of the kids were outside banging on the windows still trying to say their goodbyes. While we were in the bus we were reading letters we received from the scholars and something that she said stuck to us. She said, “This is not a goodbye, but rather a see you later.” This really touched our hearts on how this experience doesn’t end here. We finished our day with going to Mass. Coincidentally, the Homily was about the Good Samaritan which ties right back to the reason why we are here.

Throughout this experience we were able to see through our own eyes of the challenges they face and what they experience on a daily basis. Weve been able to experience the welcoming culture and they have given us as much as they can treating us like family. We were able to connect and come together through food, music and soccer. Even with the language difference weve been able to connect on such a deep level despite the short amount of time we have been here. Weve formed bonds with the community but also amongst each other on a level nobody expected. No words can express the gratitude we have for the opportunity we have been given and to be able to experience it with the each other.