We could all use more collective humanity.

Growing up on the border, Mexico has always been a neighbor to me, Mexicans family and friends. Sadly, the USA hasn't been too neighborly lately.

In 20 days, I am returning to Coyoacán to write for 6 weeks.

If you've read Because Fat Girl, you know that this intimate village within a massive city holds a special place in my heart. The people of Coyoacán and I bonded over a shared trauma of a terrific natural disaster and I fell in love with this community as we all repaired together.

There is something beautiful in watching the humanity come out in a collective group of people.

I feel like we could all use more collective humanity right now.

Growing up on the border, Mexico has always been a neighbor to me, Mexicans family and friends. Sadly, the USA hasn't been too neighborly lately. We're building walls instead of bridges, cutting ourselves off from the possibility and reality of shared culture, community, and collaboration.

I'm not saying Mexico is perfect. My Mexican friends will be the first to point out all the flaws in their country and government. What I'm saying is neither are we – and that maybe we should stop expecting perfection from our neighbors and start demanding basic humanity from our own government.