October 13, 2011
It’s a heartwarming experience to be welcomed into a community as one of their daughters. To be cared for, fed, loved, and looked after.
La Tajeada has, in so many ways, exceeded my expectations as a host community. It has become a home. As much as they’ve adopted me as a daughter, I’ve embraced these neighbors and this place as my own.
How can I express what it means to be adopted into a family? To be welcomed into their celebrations and their grief. To be told their secrets, to share their worries, to feel their happiness. To see their habits, quirks, anger, and dysfunction. It’s such a real and genuine experience that it humbles me to think about its significance. What an honor that they would trust me enough to let me into the spaces that so few see.
I often remind myself that it carries responsibilities. One cannot just walk away from such a commitment.
I am extremely proud of you! You went into this program excited, but so worried. I can't believe how much you've experienced in just over a year. It's awesome that you're beginning to feel yourself in the community.
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