One Week Home
Thursday, December 04, 2008
I'm sure we can make a difference if we are all in this together!!!! -Sabrina (4th grade)
When I come home there are always all these feelings that swirl up inside me. At first, I keep thinking about the kids and what they're doing, if they're okay. Then I call over to Nepal and realize that they're just as happy as ever and that the world is spinning, and their lives are going on as usual. When I go to bed at night I know they're just waking up, splashing cold water on their faces and running outside to play. I imagine them sitting by the fire warming their hands and drinking tea to warm their souls. Little M's probably running around naked, refusing to get dressed for school. In the morning when I wake up I think about them tucked into their warm cozy beds giggling and whispering themselves to sleep as they are right now while I type this.
My house in Mendham feels big and calm and quiet (probably because my sisters aren't home yet.) I feel a sort of strange comfort that I haven't felt in a while—no doorbells ringing, no children crying, no one needing me. My parents are there to listen. My mom books a day at the spa, my dad has stocked the kitchen with all my favorite foods that I haven't eaten in months—avocados, fresh salads, and these frozen 365 pizzas from Whole Foods that I love.
Thoughts start to set in and after those first few days off the plane, those first few days of feeling a bit lost, dazed, and jet lagged... my mind clears and I'm ready again.
This week started with a board meeting. I was reminded of how blessed I am to have a Board of Directors backing me and behind me with every move that I make. They always listen to me and are just so in line with what my vision is. On Tuesday I went and talked to 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders at Bragg School. I was so nervous going into it because I had never talked to that young of kids before in such a large group. It was just AWESOME and the kids were great! Thank you, Wendy and troop 832 for making this happen. You girls rock!
Then there was a Heartworks meeting. Every time I'm at one of their meetings, my eyes well up with tears. I feel so loved and so complete there in that circle of beautiful women. They inspire me to do more and be more! They are MAGICAL!
Yesterday I met with a group of 4th graders and we had a conversation about leadership, and community, and the power within us to change things for the better. After the first 5 minutes, I actually forgot that I was talking to kids in Elementary School. It turned into what felt like a conversation with young adults. Their thoughts and ideas were so incredible. They inspired me beyond belief and I'm so proud to be able to call these kids my Mendham Peers. Thank you for all the e-mails too, guys!
"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." Albert Schweitzer