To Community

Well, first off, thanks to my Midwest following for commenting on my blog. I love it! I've laughed, scratched my head, and just had much fun reading the comments. I even learned something about pig latin via Wikipedia because of the comments (In Puerto Rico we used "chi"). Chiyo chime chilla chimo chixa chivi chie chira...

Anyhow, I've been reading "The Alchemist" over the past week for the third or fourth time in my life. The first time I came across "The Alchemist" was in twelth grade when my friend Michael told me he picked it up and didn't stop reading until he was done. Michael never read unless forced to so I was curious. Since then "The Alchemist" has been the book I turn too when I need to be reminded that things happen for a reason. Now I concede that Coelho is not a great writer as far as literature goes. His language is simple, his message is obvious-- his writing is more parable than fiction. But that said, I like his message, and I like that he made it simple enough to be understandable to a majority of people. So I am a Coelho fan (people either love him or hate him I think).

Ok, that's the background you need for my story this week.

This morning I got on the wrong bus. It was the right route but it was just a bit to late to make it to class on time. To top it off, I got off on the wrong stop thinking, "It's gonna be one of those days". I knew I still had frantic studying to do for my final yet I had made lunch plans already, and then I was going to be late to the first day of my elective. But, then I saw red Doc Marten boots and short dark hair. I called out a name, and H, a person who's e-mail I had been frantically trying to find a few weeks back turned around. We had a quick conversation and I got her e-mail again, then I headed to class, happy to be late because when I met H, she seemed like someone I could be friends with so I was happy to see I still have the chance to make that happen.

The rest of the day actually went excellent from there. I had a nice lunch, the final, well, the final seemed passable, and then I spoke about the Global Health Pathway for a group of first year students. (I really get to toot my own horn here because, struggling with anxiety, it's very hard for me to do public speaking but it went pretty well). After speaking, Dr. Acosta introduced me to a student who is interested in the Global Health Pathway. We talked a mile a minute, the way people do when they know they've met someone who fits right in with them.

And then I took the bus home and thought. I've lost an individual for the moment. I might get him back as a friend in the long run. But in trying to get through it, I've gained a community: I've gotten closer to my roomates who, I now know, will come home if I say, "I just can't be alone right now." I've met a pastor and his amazing partner who walks for AIDS, does craft projects, and accomplishes the amazing feat of being upbeat and healthy after 26 years of living with HIV. I've made friends with a displaced Indianan (other than Sarah). I found a person I thought I'd never see again and I met a potential friend. Community-- I love it.

And best of all, my very best friend arrives in 2 days to spend my birthday weekend with me. Yey!!!

Disclaimer: The above image was taken post-final and thus cannot be taken as a true represetation of what Sage Cottage house-members look like. It is only intended to portray the idea of community.

This weeks assignment: Write your own question. And I will answer. Unless I can't for HIPAA compliance issues...