Hello 🙂 !

            Social work students finished up our rural home stay in Ixtlilco el Grande on Sunday with a presentation from the municipal president. The municipal president is similar to the head of a county in the States. His presentation was truly the icing on top of the cake as we had the opportunity to be welcomed into the extraordinary community of Ixtlilco el Grande.

The cohesion, empathy, support, solidarity, and resilience of the community radiated profoundly during our stay. From brief greetings in passing to invitations for full meals, there was always a friendly, familiar face or complete stranger diligently welcoming us into their community. We were told many times from community members that this is an extension of our home and that they are there if we needed anything at all during our stay. These exact sentiments, the experiences in Ixtlilco el Grande, and the entire community as a whole are the biggest moments of reflection and critical analysis throughout our time in Ixtlilco el Grande for me.

My Mexican family and I in Ixtlilco el Grande

For example, the head of community activities and festivals spoke to us about his dedication to the community and the responsibility to give back. He channels this dedication and responsibility into his event planning as it brings the community together. He enjoys watching the children take in the events as it reminds him of his fond memories of the town events. The smiles on their faces and hope for their futures are some of his favorite rewards for the work he does for his community.

My roommate, host sister, host mom, host dad, I, and host brother

Thus, I found myself questioning my own sense of community stateside and my level of involvement in my own community as many speakers answered the same questions. I’ve been asking, “How do I welcome strangers into my community?” and “How can I give back to my community for all it has done for me?” In the end, I can acknowledge the influence of individualism on my own community involvement, as I have been predominately focusing on myself lately. However, I will not use it as an excuse. I intend to continue to reevaluate my participation in my own community and formulate a plan to start giving back like the innumerable individuals do each day in Ixtlilco el Grande. 🙂 I also plan to give back because I have been blessed to be a part of an amazing community back home with invaluable relationships and supports 🙂 ! I am grateful for the individuals in my own community who work diligently each day to make it a better place and send a huge thank you to them from Mexico for all they have done for me 🙂 !

Blessings! & Carpe Diem!