My time at La Nazarena has come to an end, and it was undoubtedly one I will never forget, because it was a "Kairos," a time of God. I understand that, from the beginning, He guided my steps and led me here, and as He always does, He ended up teaching me far more than I could have imagined. My time at La Nazarena was one of the greatest gifts God the Father has given me recently. He brought me here under the guise of doing my fieldwork to graduate as an Occupational Therapist—academic matters—but He surprised me with an intense school of life. It was a time when my heart swelled with love, and I learned about the most fundamental things in life. I learned about values, simplicity of heart, teamwork, camaraderie, charity, hope, and, most importantly, the love and value of family. From the first step I took at La Nazarena, I felt God's presence in every corner, and He filled me with His presence with every breath. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with the warmth of hugs, which only increased in love and frequency throughout this short time.

It's true that I came with my objectives and work to accomplish, which I don't diminish, but without a doubt, it wasn't the most important part of this entire experience; rather, it was the love I received in all its forms. Today, my heart overflows with gratitude, because it's the only thing I can do: give thanks for having witnessed the testimony that there is a living God who dwells and works deep within each of the people I met in this place. Thank you, family, for making me a part of it, for giving me a place at your table and in your hearts. Thank you for opening the door of your lives to me and helping me fulfill my dream of receiving the sacrament; because when I achieve it, without a doubt, the victory will be shared with you, who let me in and allowed me to learn from each one of you.
I carry this time with me as a great treasure; because there is something about this place that transforms you, and I believe it is the grace that Mary sends from Her Sanctuary. This is how it feels: the shelter, the inner transformation, and now also the mission to take everything I experienced here back home and to my world, to share that there is a place that feels like an extension of the Sanctuary, with a great task, a great mission, and even greater hearts.

I leave with a deep longing to return, trusting that God wills it, with much more than the little I was able to give. Thank you all for being my home while I was away from my own.