Nourishment

 

More ring closure: on the fitness App. On the mental boxing arena. On the ''China Anniversary'' that took a different turn, that will never happen, because the ring is no longer worn.

But like a friend said, this is a different tome, or volume, of my autobiography. I had an epiphany when I attended AFS (American Field Service) orientation a week ago. Among deeply empathetic, kind, open-minded souls, I felt a new sense of community. A different flavor of hope. Not the one that betrays, but the kind that stays. A new, fresh generativity purpose. It felt like home. 

AFS helps the world create bridges between cultures by pairing host parents with foreign students. It is about integration rather than division. As a teenager, I had envied classmates and relatives who had been immersed in a foreign country for almost a year and developed lifelong connections. Now I am part of this wonderful organization, as a host parent.

Bibi's arrival at The House of Enchantments after a long 1.5-day journey with 4 connections, going from the airport to the department of transportation for her bus pass before the office closed, jetlagging from a 12-h time difference, figuring out her bus and class schedules together, her starting a new school, back-to-school night for my littlest not so little anymore (last year in middle school), guiding my student in opening a bank account and getting her a new phone number over the weekend, my boyfriend's return to his favorite sport after surgery, post-arrival orientation for Bibi, all of that through interesting discoveries about my student's culture, this was a very intense week for everyone !

I so appreciate the AFS volunteer who captured such a special chunk of a morning !
Thank you Marguerite :)

Yet, despite all these items on the to-do list now updated every day on a chalkboard, I have managed to continue my training for the running trip. My most doable pace consists of four 30-min jogging sessions per week, with walks on days I do not run, and micro-sessions of muscular trainings and yoga stretches and a few laps in the pool. I don't know if I now have the stamina that is optimal, but all I can say is that I am super HUNGRY all the time ! The gift from my student's mother was so timely: thanks to a brilliant, collapsible design, I have the opportunity to satisfy my appetite at any time of day. Looking at the abundance of dried fruit and nuts, I wonder if the deity of American agriculture got offended for having been so defied... shhhh ! (LOL). Above all, I am moved that Bibi included this in her only suitcase. I will always cherish this masterpiece, starting with its open ring, like a moon crescent, and containing abundance, in sections that are surrounded by delicate carvings that look like lace. This new feminine energy in my home is so lovely !!

In the form of a young woman, a wealth of knowledge and faraway, mysterious culture wrapped in ancient wisdom is delivered to my ears and spirit open wide. I am in complete awe of Bibi's fluency in three languages (her English surpasses the level I had at her age), her maturity, her curiosity and her intellectual sophistication and acumen. I am learning so much already. 

And her presence, just like my sons' when they were little, gives structure to my life. And I especially enjoy a new fragrance of coffee as sharing it with someone now motivates me to upgrade from instant coffee to the gurgling coffee-maker !

Greeting my AFS daughter at the airport was a moment I will never forget. Probably the culmination of a form of spiritual labor and delivery... Because I teared up. My eyes spoke the language of immense joy. What a gift to get to spend the next nine months in each other's company ! Her bright and beautiful personality is already treasured by many here. What better nourishment can one find at the House of Enchantments ?