Well, like my journal, I don’t do very well in keeping up with my writing. Apologies to all followers of this “journey of peace, justice, and love” (Jacob, 4th grade, Davis CA). Now, I’d like to reflect back to this past month. We made it through our first state, California, and currently in Nevada.

Since the first day, March 10th, we’ve had prayers recited before us by a variety of faiths and beliefs. I cannot explain the overwhelming feeling I felt during those precious moments. It was amazing to see the unity in these congregations. All I can say is that each blessing was incredibly enchanting and gave me spiritual strength, something that I did not expect to get from this walk.

California is a place of open minds and hearts. I had few expectations before we started this walk and was completely surprised by how many strangers were willing to understand the importance of the DREAM Act and received us into their homes. During our speaking engagements I am always the one to show my emotions when I share my story, my family’s story. I am reliving those painful moments in the past when I believed that half of my family was going to be separated from me because of a selfish act by my former brother-in-law. I was ready to accept my fate by dropping out of college at the age of 19 to provide for my younger siblings. The other walkers and I have been told how strong our stories are, and how we’ve reached people’s hearts as we freely exposed our emotions during the presentations. Afterwards, we call our audience to action.

Documented or undocumented, supporters or opposers, we asked them to get involved and have hope, for hope was lost after 2010’s disappointing vote on the DREAM Act. Back then I realized it was not enough to just sit back and hope. If you really want something to happen, then standing up and taking action is the way to go. I did that and here I am. We are all in this fight together. Maybe it was better that the the 2010 version of the DREAM Act did not pass because it excluded many since it was watered down so much. We need a DREAM Act that’s made for the people. My Californian experience has given me a glimpse on how this country should embrace immigrants, especially children who grew up here.

The welcoming environment in this beautiful state boosted my motivation to face the challenges up ahead in our journey.