We have officially completed the Comuna 13 mural, and the experience has been nothing short of incredible. The opening was a huge success, with so many people showing up to celebrate the finished piece. It was a true community effort—so many friends and neighbors volunteered their time to bring the opening ceremony together, making it a beautiful and unforgettable moment. Seeing everyone gather, share stories, and take in the mural made all the hard work feel even more meaningful.

From the tour groups passing by and making us feel like local celebrities to the neighborhood kids excitedly calling my name every time they see me, the warmth and encouragement from this community have been overwhelming in the best way. On the online front, our community reached the initial fundraising goal within 48 hours, covering the project’s material costs and allowing us to bring this vision to life. The generosity and enthusiasm from both local and global supporters have been truly inspiring.

I’m beyond grateful for my amazing friends who stopped by to watch and even join in on the fun, and for the playful nicknames given to me by Usuga—‘Reina de Barro’ (Queen of the Neighborhood) being my favorite. The little moments have truly touched my heart—like Zack, who pretends not to care but faithfully showed up every morning to greet me, or little Hanson, who put together just enough Spanglish to tell me I’m beautiful and then blushed as Zack laughed at him. The little girls who practiced their English with me always dissolved into giggles afterward, and their excitement fueled my passion even more.

This mural became so much more than an art project—it turned into a story of connection, proof that art transcends language and cultural barriers. The love and kindness I’ve received, despite my broken Spanish, have shown me that human connection needs no translation. I am endlessly grateful for this experience and for the incredible people who have embraced me and this project.

Thank you to everyone who contributed, volunteered, showed up, cheered us on, and made this journey unforgettable. You are all amazing!