With a mix of emotion, bravery, and hope, the testimony of a Cuban living in Brazil has touched the hearts of thousands.
In a video that has gone viral on TikTok, the young woman named Alicia Laporte (@alicia.laporte6) documents how she is building her house alongside her partner with their own hands, brick by brick, while reflecting on her migration journey and the true meaning of starting from scratch.
“I'm Cuban living in Brazil, and I am building my house from scratch, brick by brick with my own hands, with the sweat of my days and the hope of my nights, because if I came to this country, it was to grow, to transform my life, not to stay in the corner complaining,” she says at the beginning of the video.
Far from complaining, Alicia extends an invitation to take action: "I learned that complaining is easy, but getting up every day and fighting is what truly changes destinies. It's not about waiting for life to give me something; it's about being grateful for the opportunity to plant and harvest in a land that, although it's not mine, has opened its arms to me."
For her, hard work is not just a means, but a purpose: “Building from scratch is not just a house, it's building a dream, a new story, a new life, and as I lay one brick on top of another, I also lay hope upon hope, because here in Brazil I've discovered that complaining does not build, but perseverance does.”
The impact of her message has multiplied with the reactions from the public. The comments on her videos number in the hundreds, many written by Cubans in other countries who see in her a reflection of their own journey. "You've earned my full attention, congratulations! It's true, we Cubans deserve to make real the dream that was stolen from us," wrote one follower. Another added, "You are an incredible warrior. You reminded me of when I was fixing up my house in Cuba to sell it and come to Brazil."
Alicia not only responds with gratitude, but she also acknowledges her partner's role: "That's the reality; two is more than one. Working as a team makes everything much better, and of course, he deserves a lot of credit."
In a more recent post, he shared a new phase of the construction process: “Today I will be installing the corrugated duct, that flexible tube through which all the electrical wires for the house will pass. I place it before closing the walls, and thanks to its corrugated shape, I can adapt it to every corner without any issue. It’s a detail that may seem small, but it actually makes a difference in safety and practicality.”
For many, her attitude is an inspiration: “I congratulate you for your effort, that takes courage,” wrote a user. Another comment sums up the general sentiment: “That's how we Cuban women are. Blessings.”
The story of Alicia joins other similar experiences that have also gained traction on social media. In Florida, another Cuban showed how, years after emigrating with her grandmother after obtaining a visa, she is building her house in Lehigh Acres as a symbol of stability and personal growth.
Something similar happened with a couple who documented the entire construction of their first home in the United States, from the empty lot to the final result, as a testament to their shared effort during migration.
From Brazil, there have also been reflections on what it means to emigrate without idealizations. A young resident there warned that “don’t come to Brazil if your desire and aspiration is not to move forward, because here you can”, in a direct message to those who are not prepared to start from scratch.
In that same country, another Cuban moved thousands by recounting the reunion with her mother after years apart, sharing that “this is the final journey of a 60-year-old woman who decided to embrace the last hopes she had”.
Although the stories are different, the message is the same: the path of the emigrant is filled with sacrifices, but also with achievements that build not only homes but new beginnings as well.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Story of Alicia and Cuban Migration in Brazil
Who is Alicia Laporte and what has she achieved in Brazil?
Alicia Laporte is a Cuban woman living in Brazil who is building her house with her own hands, brick by brick. Her story has inspired many people, as it reflects her effort and determination to start over in a new country. Alicia documents her process on TikTok, where she shares not only the progress of the construction but also her reflections on the importance of perseverance and action in the life of an immigrant.
Why has Alicia Laporte's story touched so many people?
The story of Alicia has resonated because it symbolizes the effort and hope of many emigrants seeking a new beginning. Through her videos, Alicia not only showcases the construction of a house but also the construction of a dream and a new life. Her message of not remaining in complaint and taking action to change one's fate has touched the hearts of many, especially other Cubans abroad who identify with her migratory journey.
What challenges do Cubans face when emigrating to Brazil?
Cubans emigrating to Brazil face challenges such as learning the language, finding jobs, and adapting to a new cultural environment. Additionally, they must deal with realistic expectations about the progress and sacrifice necessary to establish themselves. Many share experiences of disappointment and learning as they realize the path is not easy, but at the same time, they highlight the opportunities for personal and professional growth that the country offers to those willing to work hard.
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