a new window

Every now and again you get outside of your comfortable world and open a new window.  My now and again happened a few days ago when I landed in Dominica in the Carib Territory to serve in the community with a dear friend, Denali.  It is not easy to write about a new place that takes your breath away with every step and that gives away smiles and hugs a plenty.  It is a place the heart skips rope, a lovely green world. Cool, invigorating, mysterious, alive - the color of growth – following everywhere! Green is in the gifts of food brought daily by one or another of our neighbors, the budding friendships along the one road that connects everyone, the flowering acts of service in teaching the tender hearts and minds of children, in working with the junior youth, planting the seeds of a devotional life, and in training resources for a path of service, green is in the giggles and bounce of the children.  Green. Emeralds. A place of glistening gems! 

Denali and Roushy have woven an awesome tapestry of love and friendship along this winding road!  Imagine strolling down this road adorned with every shade of green, polka-dotted with family homes and hummingbirds sipping nectar from the rainbow colored profusion of flowers found in the cared for gardens of all the houses. With the blue sapphire of the sea around every bend, the turquoise sky above. Now as you are walking in the coffered jungle, children jump out with hugs and greetings, friends open up jellies (young coconuts – juice and soft white jelly), another might refresh you a juice or a banana, or even a delicious lunch after a busy morning washing clothes at the river – intermingling of the hearts.  You might stay to say prayers for those who are ill or soon to have a child.  You might be stopping to consult with a friend about a path of service one can undertake, or assist with a children’s class. Or just comment on the beautiful work of the many basket weavers here.  Even those who are repairing the roads will stop to give a friendly greeting.  Everyone here gives.  It is a land of generous living.  Green and thriving!

Of course no matter where you are when you open that window into a new world, the light always casts its shadows. There are things that eat at the peace and tranquility both from within and without – the usual assortment of crimes and debased behavior, stinging centepides – naaasty creatures that enjoy visiting the home – and other more insidious things.  But oh this light pulls one out of that darkness every time. Love’s path leads up to the light, places suffused with green!