Never Say Never

Well, hello!
I realize that it's close to impossible at this point to update you all on the small happenings of the last few weeks. I decided it would be better to start writing late than to never start at all.
I can tell you that I'm very happy, and that I'm learning so much. I live with a wonderful single mom named Gaby who, after the first few nights and some lovely conversations over dinner, told me that she "feels she knows my heart." It was, at once, a comfort to me to know that she not only was happy to have me here, but was really making an effort to KNOW me. She is just wonderful, and we have such great conversations about love and loss and friendship and joy. She just radiates warmth--and she's very patient with my French--so that's definitely a plus.

I've been taking rigorous class for the past three weeks--almost six hours a day--with lots of reading and writing. The class is based on the study of international organizations, humanitarianism, and social justice. Doesn't sound like me at all, huh? We've visited the Red Cross, the UN, and had site presentations from many organizations like the WTO, OCHA (Office of the Commissioner for Human Affairs), UN Development Program, UNHCR (UN High Commissioner for Human Rights), and many others.

It's so interesting to hear these people talk about their work. I've realized that politics and international law and trade are all just big generalized categories for human interaction. All these ideas are based in well-understood human experiences: reciprocity, communication, cultural understanding, trust, mistrust, success and failure. One of the presenters said the other day, "countries are just like people, only expanded." This is so true. I'm finding it so interesting to realize that what is true for the individual human experience is often true on a global scale in political international debate and discourse. The representatives from each country are all just people representing other people. In some small way, it seems to me that the UN and the WTO and other organizations based on a general assembly of country representatives are just part of a big playground or neighborhood. Everyone has their own needs that must be met, everyone tries to help each other, and you remember who helped you during dark times. You bring gifts, you bond with certain individuals, you make decisions together. We all know these experiences. It's no different.

As always, having time away from what I know naturally makes me reflective. I've thought a lot about America while I've been here--how tired we are, how stressed, and how sick. It's fascinating to see my own country through the lens of another. Americans are over-worked, under cared-for, and fearful. The Swiss know it, too. They talk about it all the time--it's as if America is this poor neighbor that looks like the rest of the block on the outside, but when really, all the neighbors know about its secret sadness; its dirty laundry.

And of course, I've had plenty of time to evaluate my own life. This experience feels almost nothing like New York. I'm not nearly as emotionally fragile, as sensitive, or as alone. I've met some wonderful people here, and I've seen and done so much that keeps me in the present. I've been writing a lot and spending a lot of time reflecting on the last year. It's funny--I definitely didn't think I'd be doing this a year ago. Sometimes I catch myself just marveling at the fact that I'm actually HERE, living out a dream I've had for years. I've always wanted to study abroad, but in reality, I never really thought it would materialize. I think about the nature of "being away" a lot. Young people always talk about how studying abroad changes you--how you come back a different person with more knowledge and a grander perspective. Perhaps. But really, wherever you go, there you are. I'm just me here. I'm still the same person with the same tendencies, the same feelings, and the same joys. I wonder sometimes if I'm more changed by place or by time.

More on this later.
I promise.

Peace and love,
Rachel

Two days and counting...

Hello Everyone!
I'm about to take-off on another summer adventure, and just like last summer in New York, I will do my best to share my experiences here so you all can keep up! I leave for Geneva on Sunday, and although there is still SO much to get done before I leave, I can already tell that the next 6 weeks will bring me many wonderful experiences to write about.

Just a quick reminder...If you want to comment on any of my posts, you need to create a google account. Just click "comment" at the bottom of a post, and it will take you to the appropriate page. I don't think they spam email accounts with unnecessary messages. I would love to hear your thoughts and reactions as well as what you are up to back in the states!

Lots of love to everyone. I will be carrying you with me along the way!

Peace,
Rachel