TRES DE MAYO
Tres de Mayo will forever hold a piece of my heart. From the moment we arrived, we were embraced—literally—with warm hugs from the community leaders, Patricia, Molly, and Edenzio. They welcomed us not just with words, but with kindness that instantly made us feel like we belonged. We danced the traditional Yagua dance, planted native plants for the community, and painted spaces that meant something to this community - schools, kitchens, and meeting centers. And then, the rain came—unexpected, refreshing, and full of joy. Without hesitation, Denoe, one of the community members, ran into the downpour, and Kathryn, Isa, Alexa, and I followed. Then our whole group danced, laughed, and let the rain wash over us, cooling us down and connecting us in a way words never could. Later, we played soccer and tug-of-war, shared meals, and took part in an Umicha ceremony. But what stood out the most was what I learned—how being part of someone’s good day is a gift. Denoe showed me that without saying a word. He worked alongside me as we planted, lifting my spirits with fist bumps and encouragement. He played in the rain with us, unbothered by the storm. In those moments, I realized that joy isn’t about speaking the same language—it’s about sharing laughter, kindness, and presence. My time in Tres de Mayo changed me, and I left with more than just memories—I left with a deeper understanding of connection, community, and what it truly means to embrace life.
Tres de Mayo will forever hold a piece of my heart. From the moment we arrived, we were embraced—literally—with warm hugs from the community leaders, Patricia, Molly, and Edenzio. They welcomed us not just with words, but with kindness that instantly made us feel like we belonged. We danced the traditional Yagua dance, planted native plants for the community, and painted spaces that meant something to this community - schools, kitchens, and meeting centers. And then, the rain came—unexpected, refreshing, and full of joy. Without hesitation, Denoe, one of the community members, ran into the downpour, and Kathryn, Isa, Alexa, and I followed. Then our whole group danced, laughed, and let the rain wash over us, cooling us down and connecting us in a way words never could. Later, we played soccer and tug-of-war, shared meals, and took part in an Umicha ceremony. But what stood out the most was what I learned—how being part of someone’s good day is a gift. Denoe showed me that without saying a word. He worked alongside me as we planted, lifting my spirits with fist bumps and encouragement. He played in the rain with us, unbothered by the storm. In those moments, I realized that joy isn’t about speaking the same language—it’s about sharing laughter, kindness, and presence. My time in Tres de Mayo changed me, and I left with more than just memories—I left with a deeper understanding of connection, community, and what it truly means to embrace life.
Tres de Mayo will forever hold a piece of my heart. From the moment we arrived, we were embraced—literally—with warm hugs from the community leaders, Patricia, Molly, and Edenzio. They welcomed us not just with words, but with kindness that instantly made us feel like we belonged. We danced the traditional Yagua dance, planted native plants for the community, and painted spaces that meant something to this community - schools, kitchens, and meeting centers. And then, the rain came—unexpected, refreshing, and full of joy. Without hesitation, Denoe, one of the community members, ran into the downpour, and Kathryn, Isa, Alexa, and I followed. Then our whole group danced, laughed, and let the rain wash over us, cooling us down and connecting us in a way words never could. Later, we played soccer and tug-of-war, shared meals, and took part in an Umicha ceremony. But what stood out the most was what I learned—how being part of someone’s good day is a gift. Denoe showed me that without saying a word. He worked alongside me as we planted, lifting my spirits with fist bumps and encouragement. He played in the rain with us, unbothered by the storm. In those moments, I realized that joy isn’t about speaking the same language—it’s about sharing laughter, kindness, and presence. My time in Tres de Mayo changed me, and I left with more than just memories—I left with a deeper understanding of connection, community, and what it truly means to embrace life.
by CLARE DEPORRE