Hope Grows Here

For our last night is Poiana, we wanted to create an experience that could move us away from some of the pettiness and “drama” that comes when a group has been in close quarters and sleep deprived for a long period of time, and into a spirit of family.

We were in a magnificent setting with a mountain backdrop, a clear river washing over rocks as our lullaby, and our host family simply and joyfully exuding love; yet we had quite a bit of discord.

Earlier in the trip, we had small group dialog that had produced some very positive response. So we decided to build on that and focus on ways in which we had immersed ourselves in the village culture and on the fact that you never really know what someone else’s life is like until you “walk in their shoes.”

Our night-time skies prior had been filled with stars, and the girls barely noticed them. We, as leaders, decided to try to bring the girls together around a campfire, observe the stars, and have an open discussion. Storms were threatening earlier in the day, but by the time dinner was finished, the skies had cleared somewhat, and our helpers expertly built a teepee from wood that the girls assisted in gathering.

We started out slowly, talking about our observations of life for the villagers and how it contrasts to ours; the strong work ethic, simple organic foods, the focus on family and on nature. Then we gradually began to share some of our own differences and challenges. Some of our girls have gut-wrenching stories, and all of them have amazing gifts as well as individual challenges. The ways in which they – and the leaders – opened themselves up and reached out to support and surround each other truly broke down barriers and opened new doors of acceptance and love.

What beautiful energy for us to take into the remainder of our journey. One of our leaders (Joan) had stones made by a potter from the North Carolina Mountains with “Hope Grows Here” on the front and Dustin’s GreenHouse on the back. Our last night in Poiana was the perfect opportunity to share those with the group. We were all filled with such emotion. As it turned out, although the sky was covered in clouds last night, our stars were on the ground.

~Sheryl Bryan