I had originally planned to post content about my recent trip to Peru. But given Friday’s attacks in Paris, it felt more appropriate to instead pay tribute to a city that is so near and dear to my heart. I had never been outside of the United States before traveling to Paris with my father over 15 years ago to celebrate New Year’s.  The city was buzzing with anxious anticipation of the millennium and I can still remember the sense of awe I felt that night gazing up at the Eiffel Tower, which had been illuminated by hundreds of fireworks. The magic of that moment has never left me and it’s what sparked my love of travel and deep desire to explore our beautiful world.

As special as that trip was, I know my experience is not unique. Everyone who has had the chance to visit the City of Light has felt some variation of the wonderment and whimsy that I describe. The heinous acts of 8 angry, hateful, misguided men were an attempt to destroy the spirit of that unique city. What they failed to account for was the resiliency of the French people and millions of others around the globe who are offering prayers, support and whatever is necessary to ensure that Paris, a city that means so much to so many, continues to exist in a state of peace.

Sadly, the events on Friday have become all too familiar. There is a natural urge in the aftermath of such tragedy for the shock and sadness to give way to anger and vengeance. But now is not the time for divisiveness. It is easy in this moment to cast blame, feed into stereotypes and compare this event to other equally heinous acts of terror that don’t seem to get the same level of attention. However, doing so accomplishes little and only perpetuates hate. My hope is that we instead can come together as a global community and promote a message of peace and understanding.

Those wishing to assist the victims in Paris can do so by donating to the following emergency aid organizations: French Red Cross, Secours Catholique-Caritas France, and the French Secours Popularie.