This was one of the best weekends in a very long time. Our hosts, the Fosters, have hospitality in their blood. Having different people cruise through their homes and lives is not just normal, it enhances their gifts. But for me this weekend has been particularly wonderful and a blessing for a few extra reasons. Conrad feels at home here, though it is the first time he visits this village and community. Conrad is a son and he is a brother in this house. He is as comfortable as I’ve seen him in his own home in California. Rachel as a little sister, he teases and he helps. They built a website together and they made pretzels. And with Jim he shares many similarities. We joke about his journey of adapting and integrating into the Romanian culture then and now, Jim’s journey of learning Romanian, and many of the pluses and minuses of being an American in Romania and living here. Everybody in this household speaks english fluently, and all of a sudden I was released of my duty as a translator, even if just for short periods of time.
I also love connecting with these people – some old friends, brothers and sisters really. Last time I was here was over 10 years ago. But it feels like home. It’s authentic.
We visited people in their day to day lives, working with the land, out of the land, in the land, greenhouse or otherwise. I find myself appreciating the life of a farmer, the patience and rhythmicity of growing vines, crops, flowers… The respect they have for the work well done, for the land, for the process itself, and the serene joy in it. It’s not easy, I am certain, but it is poetic, beautiful and meaningful.
We had great conversations with Jim and Neli. Talking with them I realize I am processing my own uncertainties and tiredness of these past few months. I feel there is more peace and courage inside my head and heart after this weekend.
