Fourth of July Goodbyes

For our group, the 4th of July was a day of mixed sentiments. During the evening, the three groups (LSI, Santa Ana and San Jose) came together to celebrate the week's accomplishments. The groups put on acts along with the slideshow showed of how much of an impact we had made in those few days. The acts depicted just how much need and desire there was on behalf of the community leaders of the Santa Ana community to make change. We could see how deeply the community leaders cared. After the slideshow of all the photos from the week, we ate and did a rendition of the national anthem. The students from Santa Ana had kindly put up American flags and patriotic streamers.

Despite the cheer from the dance and celebration, this was our farewell to the kids of Santa Ana. At the end of the party, we finally had to say our goodbyes. Emails and addresses were exchanged and promises were made to come back. Even though I was leaving, I was still comforted that despite the immense poverty in Santa Ana, we had made a difference, and so had the students from the community center. In the environment group, we showed the kids that they don't have to have fancy equipment to have fun during recess. We created an entire playground out of bottles and tires, showing them that they can use resources from their school and community to make something really valuable to them. I feel reassured knowing that despite our work time ending, the Santa Ana students will continue to improve and strengthen their community.

-Max