Sunrise Like Murals

Hola familia y amigos!

The sunrise flying into Rome this morning was almost as incredible as the mural above, painted two weekends ago while I was in Tijuana for the 20th Anniversary celebration of Esperanza, an organization similar in mission to Habitat for Humanity. The mural was painted by the families that Esperanza partners with for their home builds in Tijuana, Mexico. The community members traveled from all over Tijuana to join Esperanza staff and volunteers at "La Posada," the vibrant compound that serves as Esperanza's headquarters, for the 20th Anniversary FIESTA!! There was food, music, dancing, and even a mechanical bull! Over the course of the weekend, I had the wonderful opportunity to sit in on the Board of Directors retreat and observe elements of my Non-Profit Management classes from the past school year in ACTION! The experience was quite invigorating, as Esperanza renews its mission and vision as a 20-year-strong non-profit organization. Over the course of the weekend, my internship with Esperanza was confirmed, so I will be working in Oaxaca, Mexico later this summer. I wrote a short article below in the Esperanza newsletter, titled "On to Oaxaca!" if you wish to know more.

In the meantime, I've finished my first year of grad school! Celebrating here in Rome with my first slice of real Italian pizza, thanks to newfound friend, Louie! He was born and raised in Rome and works at a little pizza shop on a narrow, cobble-stoned street near El Centro, downtown. I arrived knowing how to say only "Grazzi" (Thank You) and "Ti Voglio bene" (I love you) in Italian. (Thanks in large part to my "adopted Italian Grandma" Liliana Piarulli, an elegant woman with a generous heart who often took care of me throughout my childhood. She made the best spaghetti I've ever tasted! I dont expect any restaurant in Rome to compare ;)...) My day here began with a lively discussion on theology with an Australian Anglican during the bus ride downtown from the airport. Having grown up in the Catholic church, I actually never planned to visit Rome, so to find myself here is a bit bewildering! I have absolutely no expectations, except to eat Spaghetti, and am looking forward to seeing how our 24 hours here unfolds. Rome is the first stop of several in Europe. Today is actually the first time I've been a tourist in a "developed" country. Funny how I felt much more at home in Tijuana two weeks ago than I do here. But for this opportunity I am grateful.

Ciao bellos and bellas!
Hana T.