Yesterday we visited Nuestra Casa. It is an establishment in which English is taught as a second language to native Spanish speakers. As a group, we were invited to join them in a potluck, in which everyone would bring a dish of their choice. For these people who have endured so much, have gone through so many hardships, and aren’t making the most money – for them to invite us and cook traditional foods made me feel so grateful. Even though they don’t have the most, they are still so giving. They are also very hopeful. They are here when many people from the US want to kick them out, they live in fear of not knowing if they will get deported, and they are here away from their families and friends. And yet, besides all that this group at Nuestra Casa that we met up with was still so loving, forgiving, friendly, warm, and hopeful. To see someone who isn’t in the easiest of positions to be able to keep such a positive mentality is inspirational and really makes me think of how many little things we take for granted, when we need to open our eyes and realize everything we have. Seeing them be so loving, forgiving, and hopeful really resonates with me in that no matter what your situation, it cost nothing to be kind and loving, and to keep fighting and keeping a positive outlook. Things may be hard and they may suck, but the only way you’re going to get through that is by staying positive and digging down a little deeper. So, thank you to those at Nuestra Casa – without even knowing that you all made such an impact – for showing me what strong character looks like and with that I can work towards bettering myself.
-Zach Marx