Cathartic journaling of an adoptive mom.
Latest Posts
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The in-between
Ivy: we have the coolest parents. Because they do all these cool projects.Jackie: yes. But mom is a bit too enthusiastic & friendly. I spoke every day, either making some introductions, facilitating a game, the small group conversations, mc, the movie night. And the meals were excelent meeting places. I attended an art workshop where…
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An incursion into the philosophy of the other
We had a youthful middle aged person, Mihai Lupu, who has abundant energy and vision, to spread himself thin between many projects, with high stakes. He has incredible influence as he is the currently Director of Cabinet to the Secretary of State of the Head of the Department for Emergency Situations of Romania. He researched…
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Implicit bias
Noemi M challenged us to think of someone we met recently, maybe our first day at ROM. Before they spoke, what did we notice first? What assumptions did we make about this person before they even spoke? Did this person immediately feel like “someone like me” or “someone different from me”? Why? What are the…
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The meeting place
Love and faithfulness meet together Righteousness and peace kiss each other. Ps. 85:10 Alan facilitated this exercise, personifying Mercy. Truth. Justice. Peace. It is a brilliant exercise – though as I was talking with Nicole, the youth has a harder time extrapolating and understanding the reason for these four, if they never experienced war. Nicole believe…
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Izidor at ROM
After the morning session I had 5 minutes to est expectations regarding the movie night and discussion afterwards. It was actually perfect. I often worry about the wrong expectations as it can sabotage even a great event. So I said that the film is inspired by the true story of Izidor Ruckel. Abandoned as a…
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How frameworks change the perspective
Rachel is so smart, few can catch the nuances & intricacies of her presentations. There is so much depth in the content she shares always. She started the conference talking about the identity under attack When a group feels under attack they go into defensive mode. When a group is not under attack, they are…
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Rules of engagement
Before I know my audience closely, I like to take to the stage and make myself known. When I focus too much on the individual eyes in the crowd, I get distracted. I am afraid I would filter too much of myself – or I would have to make a conscious effort to stay on…
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Reflection on anOther:
During empathy night I could have shared. But initially Conrad was supposed to do so. His perspective. His take on infertility & adoption. We need more male perspectives on this topic. I was glad he offered. That morning I was invited to facilitate the evening sharing. I was glad to do it. But that put…
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What does it mean to be “another”?
When in English we refer to “another” something, we imply that it is one of a group of things. “Another car in traffic” , “Another person at the party”. “Another tree in the forest”, etc. “Another” implies inherent belonging, even if arbitrary. Labeling someone as just another person in the room leaves out any distinguishing…
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ROM 2026
Getting ready for anOther conference @rom.renewingourminds with some of my favorite people in the world. My kids have grown among these extraordinary humans, welcomed & embraced. They’ve been challenged & inspired to get out of their comfort zone, and I myself have evolved alongside them. The first morning on the Adriatic Sea is a whisper…
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My daughter
Selective & loyal Strong willed and sarcastic She speaks her mind Even as empathy rules her heart I have had a front row seat to her becoming And I know my personality & influence imprinted certain traits I love her wholly & completely Generously & freely She owes me nothing But I feel her generous…
