Missing and Omission

Hello,

You can't imagine how much I miss being touched by simple but yet meaningful things, by the breeze that not only touches my skin but also my soul, by smiles that not only bring joy to my day but also to my heart, by a story that not only touches my heart but also my inner self.

I miss powerful encounters. I miss challenging situations and innocent words. I miss be surrounded by children and youth and be inspired by them.

I miss the free expression of my thoughts and the possibility to be in awe with simple things. I miss what touches my inner self, that spark that moves my life.

I somehow know that all those things are "there" but I feel like in a "stand by" moment in my life, where that magic of being touched by simple things is missing.

Yesterday in church, the pastor spoke about repenting of those things we didn't do. It made me think of unspoken words, unmade calls, ungiven hugs, untaken steps, the unwillingness to do things or to help others, the relationships not built, the opportunities not taken, the clamors not heard, the possibilities not seen.

It made me think of this sudden "soul freezing" state which might be causing emotional myopia in me and perhaps is making me miss what is just in front of my eyes or in what I call my "inner treasure box" (will write about it later).

Does this reflection resonate with you? Are we listening to the clamors or our friends or people around us? Are we attentive to the sound of nature? Are we seeing what seems unseen and hearing what is difficult to hear? Can we see what is beyond and understand what is not understandable?

I do want...and I wonder what it takes to unfreeze my warm soul!

Love,

Malu

Paul's Birthday!

Hello,

This post is a bit late but I couldn't miss the opportunity to blog about my husband's birthday.

Paul's birthday was on the 1st of March but we celebrated it one week earlier since I had to move to Basel the weekend just before his actual birthday. I organised a small party at our place with his closest friends.

We had a lot of fun. I made some Colombian delicatessen, made Mojitos for the guests and enjoyed chatting with people.

Amor, Happy Birthday! May God give you many more years of life, many more opportunities, possibilities and learning. May God give you more wisdom to develop yourself and to follow your dreams. Thank you for being the wonderful husband you are, for all these years together, for your care, your love, your understanding, for being so amazing and for sharing your life with me.

Happy birthday!

Te amo,

Malu

Back to School!

Hello,

As I said in my previous post, I started my Master two weeks ago in Basel at the World Peace Academy - University of Basel. I am studying Peace and Conflict Transformation, a very interdisciplinary field, with professors from different parts of the world. I hope to focus my studies on Peace Education in countries in war or emergency situations.

So far it has been very interesting to meet people from 16 different countries: Afghanistan, Australia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Kenya, Mexico, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Switzerland, United States and Zambia. People from different professional backgrounds, walks of life and experiences. This definitely makes the Master a more enriching platform to learn from the interaction and from each and everyone's experiences.

Photo taken by Stacy Hughes!

I feel energised by the discussions, by the cultural differences, by the topics we discussed and by the dynamics of the group. This is what I was looking for, the opportunity to challenge my views, to get other perspectives, to broaden my knowledge and get connected to the stories of other people.

I, anyway, still feel new to everything and strongly feel that my life has slowed down a lot in comparison to how it was before. It feels relaxing but at the same time uncomfortable. It is like a part of me wants to find other activities apart from studying, wants to have other dreams to work on every day, and more challenges. It is not that studying is not challenging enough but somehow I need to be engaged in more activities and my heart and brain need to be connected to other projects. I also feel that I need to be in contact with social issues, realities and applying what I learn on daily basis. I also need to balance my life and not only study but do other things to nurture my spiritual and personal life.

So, I have decided to go to French conversation classes starting on Thursday and probably will start going to a gym (still to be decided). I am looking for some volunteer opportunities to help in a place for refugees or to teach children. Let's see if I manage to find something.

In the meantime, I am enjoying the courses, the discussions and the interaction with people. I am walking more often, having more time for myself and getting settled to be able to enjoy more and take more advantage of this year.

See a couple of photos with WPA friends.

Hugs,

Malu

With Ingrid from Brazil and Betsey from United States at my place in St. Louis, France

Preparing a Latin Lunch. We made Mexican burritos, Colombian patacones y a delicious Brazilian cake! Everybody enjoyed it!

Closing cycles and starting new ones!

Hello,

It has been almost two weeks since I started my Master and I hadn't had time to write about my last days in Arigatou and share with you some words I wrote for my closest colleagues.

I had wonderful farewell gatherings, got beautiful gifts and messages from all over the world. I left Arigatou with a lot of satisfaction, happiness and enormous learning, experiences and a broader mind and heart!

Here are some of my farewell words:

"When I came for the first time to the Arigatou office in Geneva and met Agneta in October 2005, my heart was beating so hard and fast. I was excited of having found an organization that combined the topics I was passionate about: education, ethics, children, youth empowerment, religion, interfaith and the alleviation of poverty. I couldn't believe that I had just came to Geneva and I have found this opportunity. I prayed to get a job with Arigatou because since the first time I read about its vision and mission I fell in love with it. I didn't apply for any other vacancy or try to find any other job because I knew inside my heart that this was the place I wanted to work in. My first assignment was to go to Sweden in November 2005 where I met most of you. I felt the power of Arigatou, of this new initiative called the ethics education and of the network. I felt there was more than a mission for children written in paper, there was conviction, determination, a genuine intention and heart put into this organization.

Today when I look back and assess all what I learned and experienced, I, with no doubt, can say that for four and half years I helped changing the world through a unique organization and network and that this job not only helped me to develop professionally but also personally and spiritually. Every activity I got involved in Arigatou challenged my perceptions and ideas and took me to be more consistent with what I believe and what I do in my life. Each and everyone of you shaped who I am today and for that I am truly grateful."

At my farewell drinks!

With Agneta, my former boss!

With Arigatou team in Geneva!

"Thank you for opening the doors of Arigatou and the GNRC and your hearts to me. Thank you for your advices, support, encouragement, trust and for being an inspiration for me. Thank you for every moment we shared and for your friendship."

Big hugs,

Malu