DAY FOUR FALL 2025 TIJUANA IMMERSION - OCTOBER 10

If we were to describe today in five words, we would use the words creative, impactful, sweet, active, and fun-filled. We started our morning bright and early, playing soccer against the middle schoolers from Comunidad De Luz. Last night, we theorized that we would absolutely dominate the game and had prepared to play on a middle school level. The game did not go according to our theory, and we got absolutely whooped by some middle schoolers. At one point we were on a comeback until Maeve launched the ball over the fence, ending the game and the chance for us to win.

After some time to recover from our loss, we resumed work in the garden and the courtyard of Comunidad De Luz. Today’s activities included painting four-square (which apparently did not exist in Tijuana until now), hopscotch, touching up the emergency meeting square for the guests of the establishment, and planting herbs and flowers which we bestowed names upon.

After lunch, we made our way over to Casa De Eunime, a shelter which houses kids living with an HIV diagnosis. We played UNO, outdoor games, and had a Play-Doh cake making contest with the kids. The shelter receives no federal funding and is only able to operate because of the donations of visitors, corporations, and other independent groups, and we hoped to support their amazing mission by contributing a cash donation as well as some toys.

After some persuasion, we convinced the teachers to take a walk to a local convenience store to get snacks. Our walk was short but, on the way, we saw many stray dogs with visible disabilities and wounds from other dogs. These dogs further demonstrate the resilient nature of Tijuana and reflect the groups of people we have encountered.

Today we learned to embrace each opportunity and privilege we have been given. We are so lucky to not have to worry about our health and other extraneous struggles which affect the daily lives of so many. Being surrounded by kids with such profound struggles and seeing how we could bring smiles to their faces with such small actions was extremely impactful. Today was a reminder that even our struggles can be blessings. We believe that there is a lot to learn from the people of Tijuana, and one of the greatest lessons we can learn is that there is always a bright side to look on, and there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.