This was our fourth time visiting the town of Gudensberg and once again we had an amazing time working with those kids. One Young American, Ben Harper was inspired by a little girl he met there, this is what he had to say about the experience:
“Today I had the pleasure of meeting a beautiful girl called Eveglen, I met her in poetry class and although her english wasn’t very strong, Theresa helped me translate. We talked about a lot and we soon became friends. She told me she didn’t like the colour of her skin and that she wished she was whiter like my skin tone. I reassured her that she was beautiful but at the same time thought it was very sad that a girl like her at such a young age already didn’t like certain aspects about herself. We talked some more during our lunch break and became closer friends. That afternoon I chose her to dance the stick dance in Lion King with me. Eveglen has Down’s Syndrome however, that doesn’t hinder her ability or passion to enjoy life at all. She inspired me so much, every movement she made has a purpose and so much emotion behind it. It made me realize how quick we are to underestimate an individual due to their given circumstances. When Eveglen was on stage there was this bright shining light beaming from within her. Because of her I am inspired to live every day to the fullest, make the most out of everything I am given and like Eveglen- enjoy the smaller things in life that really count. It’s important to remember in life that everything is what we make it, whether you’re black, white, tall, short, big or small. If you aspire to be happy your light will radiate to others around you, and you’ll be appreciated for the smaller things that make you unique as an individual.”
As Young Americans we are blessed to meet inspiring kids every day of our lives and they never fail to teach us new things about ourselves and the world around us.