Pastora Carmen

Pastora Carmen really reemphasized a lot of points that we have talked about this week - adding another personal perspective to the lessons we are learning.  As someone said this morning - a major takeaway from this week is the amazing people we have met and a renewed faith in humanity.  I loved hearing her personal stories and the connection she feels to When I Was Puerto Rican - it brought another level of understanding to the novel.  As she talked about her congregants and some of their stories about immigration and government services, I was again struck by how these issues are so politically charged and how many misconceptions are out there.  When she started talking about the projects her passion and excitement for what she does became so apparent - as well as the respect she has for her students.  I loved her statement about giving her students dignidad even if they are younger - something they may not see or experience a lot of on a daily basis.