Racial History Paper for Diversity in Education Class

My name is Ana Lucía Mora Demestri and I was raised in a country located in the heart of South America, Paraguay. My mother was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and she came to Paraguay when she was eight years old. My father was born in Paraguay. Some of my ancestors came from France and Italy and settled down in Argentina and Uruguay. Many of them also came to Paraguay. I would say I am Hispanic or Latin American. I think I am also white or Caucasian because my family came from Europe as well, but I identify myself as a Hispanic girl.

Three Little Words

I trust tonight.
Tonight I trust.
Three little words.
How simple is that

Yes, simple, is true.
Like the faith of a child.
But deep are my wounds
And deep is my trust...

In Him, in His plans
Which I know, never fail.
He will never change
No, He remains the same

To the poor and the needy
To the rich and the wealthy
To the compassionate and bitter
To the believer and the one who does not believe

He remains the same
Forever
What a truth!
What a statement!

In the darkest night
You hold my hand
I need not to fear
When I go through the valley

Of death and shadow
Of hardship and rain
Your mercies are new
They speak of your grace

Oh my Savior! How I love you!
Your words have changed my heart and mind
I believe that you are truthful
Your mercy and grace have changed who I am

That is why I can sing your song
That is why I am freed of doubts
You are alive and you are right here
My fears have ran like a fast, fast spear

Oh my King! How I need you now
Without you there is no poetry nor color
My world is You and You alone
My poetry and songs are to praise you Lord

You have changed my heart
You have spared my life
I cannot image
What it would be like

To be without you
To wake up and not feel you around
Only imagining this thought
Gives me goosebumps, please don't go

Stay. Right here. Very close
I need to feel your nearness
I want to hear you heart beating
I desire to know you and know me as you have known me

Please come, again I ask
Take my doubts and my unbelief
Help me see what I cannot see
Help me trust and run free

Free from these fears that feel so near
Free from my own prejudices and tears
Of bitterness and anger
Of selfishness without ending

Savior come, let's take a walk
Only you and I, I don't care about the time
Carry me, just like a child
Whisper to me, sing me songs of life

I have tasted you, and I know, you are sweet
Yet I can't get over, I need more of you indeed
Let me be with you, everyday, every hour
Come and change my heart, transform me, I don't want to be sour

I trust tonight.

Tonight I trust.

Three little words.

What a difference they make! 

This is my name...

“My name is Ana Demestri” I caught myself saying one day. As I reflect back, I think something in that statement is missing. My mother’s name is Ana María Demestri. She usually says her name is Ana Demestri. I love being able to identify with my mother, but my name is Ana Lucia Mora Demestri. If I was in my own country, I would say “My name is Ana Lucía” or “My name is Analú”.

Many people here in the States can’t get the right pronunciation of my name right away and I opted to use Ana as an easier name. But I identify myself with Analú or Ana Lucía. I like this because it makes me feel like home, it makes me feel that I belong. Analú is my nick name and I like being called like that. This name has shaped me positively because, as I said before, it makes me feel that I belong, it makes me remember my people, friends, and family.

From now and on, next time I introduce myself I will try to say “My name is Analú”. Even if I have to repeat it again, I would because that is my name and that’s part of my identity.