October 16, 2024
As someone whose family has been directly affected by war and natural disasters, I am no stranger to the devastating toll these forces take on our lives. With relatives in countries torn by conflicts over power and territory, and my mother’s home in Florida recently devastated by Hurricane Milton, I have seen firsthand how deeply intertwined our global struggles are.

These aren’t just isolated events — whether it’s violence driven by greed or the increasingly destructive effects of climate change, we are all connected. And as a Colombian living in Italy, with family in the United States and Lebanon, I know that these challenges do not discriminate — they touch every corner of the world, and by extension, every one of us.

But with these trials comes an opportunity to rise. It takes extraordinary courage, love, and resilience to rebuild — to recover from loss, whether it be a flooded home or the ravages of war. And while the weight of these struggles is heavy, we do not carry it alone. Together we can face the challenges. Together, we rebuild.

I share this because I believe that we must all remain aware, connected, and supportive of one another. Now more than ever, we must recognize the global nature of our world’s crises and commit to standing with each other through it all. Together we will overcome.

Take care, Mel.