A few days ago I found this text on social media, and honestly, reading it made me feel so connected to the words of someone who, like me, has emigrated and lived in Venezuela, a truly wonderful country. I hope that as you read it, you'll identify with it as much as I did and understand the hardships of being an immigrant.

I'm writing this while waiting for my flight from Caracas to Panama City, after spending five days in Venezuela following a two-and-a-half-year absence. I'm not a writer, but I believe that to speak from the heart, you don't need to be a literary expert.

I spent five days in Venezuela, and I arrived with my mind filled with all the things one reads and hears: no flashy clothes so I wouldn't get robbed, no social media on my phone so I wouldn't be labeled a "terrorist," afraid they'd find out I live abroad and rob me, afraid some thug or government guard (it's the same thing) would see me and recognize me and try to harass me because I make videos criticizing the dictatorship. I went to Venezuela afraid. Is it right to be afraid of your own country?

I had such beautiful memories of Venezuela, because I love Venezuela with all my heart, but even before coming, I started to think that I suddenly loved a Venezuela that only existed in my mind. That's why I needed this trip; it was going to answer some big questions I had.

Today, after five days in my country, I can only say: how proud I am to be Venezuelan.

The country's difficulties were very noticeable; the streets were in terrible condition, and you could see that people were suffering terribly. There's a huge social divide and disparity, very poor people and very "rich" people—and I put that in quotes because no one can be truly rich in a country where you fear for your life. (It's worth noting that being rich can mean having a car, a house, and enough money to eat, something that's normal in other countries.) However, everywhere I went, I was treated with a smile and incredible warmth. I don't know if I was just lucky, but after two and a half years, I felt right at home. When I was coming to Venezuela, I was telling a friend about it, and she said, "Come with peace of mind; there are more good people than bad." And I can confirm that; in Venezuela, good people are the vast majority. And it's not 7 million, or 8 million. It's many more. And that's not judged by the political party you support, but by your attitude towards life and others.

I saw my friends and family again after so long, I felt at peace, I learned that happiness has nothing to do with money, or that kind of thing, it has to do with the people around you.

I saw with my own eyes 7-year-old children eating from the garbage, I felt immense pain, because even if you give them a hamburger for lunch, they'll still have to go back there for dinner.

I saw the supermarkets a little better stocked, there's not as much scarcity anymore, but the prices are exorbitant and impossible.

I walked through streets where hundreds of brave brothers died, giving their lives for this country. I felt chills. My fear of Venezuela vanished very quickly, especially when I was walking the streets where I grew up. You don't fear the place where you lived for 17 years. Perhaps it was a false sense of security I felt, but once again, I felt at home.

My conclusion is this: these rulers can destroy our streets, our roads, our homes, but they will never destroy our hearts. Once again, "There are more of us who are good." I leave this visit to Venezuela with the conviction that I was born in the best country in the world, not because of its resources and landscapes (which are spectacular), but because of its people, who, despite facing great adversity, continue fighting, moving forward, and with an unbreakable spirit.
Since I left, I feel that every day I prepare myself more to return tomorrow and rebuild my country. Today I leave with more strength and even bigger dreams. I commit to giving it my all. Let's never stop believing in Venezuela; Venezuela is worth it.

Be free, accumulate ⚡💥 and don't trust anyone.