I love this and I love it for you! Several times this year I have tried to convene a circle and what I get in response is a rundown of the crammed schedule and a comment maybe next month Tuesday at 4 might work. Sigh. From retired women, no less. Your new situation is so hopeful and beautiful. And I also saw and appreciated Susan Cain’s post.
So pleased you have landed softly and about to be part of creating a sacred women's circle with your hosts. Your post has given my heart a glow. Thank you. 🙏💖
Simone, one of my greatest wishes was to have created something like this in Oregon. What happened there was perfect for that chapter. Now, a new chapter. We work with what we have and what we can create.
This is what all cultures and countries should be like. Connect with people, not matter what. It's wonderful to see that you have found the connections you have being missing for so long.
So true Lisa. It is what I fully intended to create in Eugene. I was stunned when I couldn't get my neighbors to answer a door knock. I felt completely alone for a good long time. My neighbor and I finally connected, but not deeply for a variety of reasons. Still I had some company, but not like this at all. I truly have missed this kind of connection.
Sometimes swift is good so we dip our toes in quickly without overthinking. Yes, the Sole house "circle" does sound solid. And what a wonderful way to steep yourself in the language, as well.
I’ve been taking Spanish on and off since COVID. Still struggling and speaking certainly is not my forte because I am constantly embarrassed to do so. I admire that you are in a situation that requires you to speak it, mistakes and all.
Michelle, as soon as I find my feet here, which is going to take a while, lessons are in order as well. I am stumbling along barely making myself understood so my grammar is just awful. That said, it will come. Slowly, but it will.
Ecuador offers a variety of visas, and I qualify for the retiree. Not a political refugee although that is likely going to happen at some point. I don’t have a visa yet. I am applying for one. It takes a lot of paperwork, some of which can be clumsy and hard to obtain, it’s expensive and detailed and has to be done correctly. I would not say any of this is easy.
Wow! Coded to get in to talk to you ... soooo present tense.
I loved this article Julia. I love that you and Mika have arrived safely in Ecuador, found your people and are learning the "language" of your new culture. You are an open, active and willing participant in the experiment of life. I prayerfully support all you are doing and especially praying that your discussion and dialogue with the women who present themselves in your metron will be open and receptive to the wisdom you, as an elder can share. Conversely, there is so much ancient wisdom, which I know you're alive to, that will come back to you in return. What a gift you are and what a gift you have received. Sending you love for the days ahead ... what wonderful days they will be.
I love this and I love it for you! Several times this year I have tried to convene a circle and what I get in response is a rundown of the crammed schedule and a comment maybe next month Tuesday at 4 might work. Sigh. From retired women, no less. Your new situation is so hopeful and beautiful. And I also saw and appreciated Susan Cain’s post.
So pleased you have landed softly and about to be part of creating a sacred women's circle with your hosts. Your post has given my heart a glow. Thank you. 🙏💖
Simone, one of my greatest wishes was to have created something like this in Oregon. What happened there was perfect for that chapter. Now, a new chapter. We work with what we have and what we can create.
We do, and you are an inspiration Julia. 🙏💖
heartfelt thanks. We’ll see how this all goes.
It makes me purely happy to read this, Julia. Cheers.
What a fabulous day! Made me smile. I wish you many more such days to help with the Big Rocks.
Thanks Glenda. I’m working my slow way through them.
Inspiring x
This is what all cultures and countries should be like. Connect with people, not matter what. It's wonderful to see that you have found the connections you have being missing for so long.
So true Lisa. It is what I fully intended to create in Eugene. I was stunned when I couldn't get my neighbors to answer a door knock. I felt completely alone for a good long time. My neighbor and I finally connected, but not deeply for a variety of reasons. Still I had some company, but not like this at all. I truly have missed this kind of connection.
What a lovely adventure you are naturally creating in this new place. I look forward to hearing more about your women’s circle.
Honestly things happened so swiftly…over time one will evolve, but the one at Sole’s house is solid. That really feels like roots.
Sometimes swift is good so we dip our toes in quickly without overthinking. Yes, the Sole house "circle" does sound solid. And what a wonderful way to steep yourself in the language, as well.
I will most assuredly embarrass myself plenty with language mistakes!
I’ve been taking Spanish on and off since COVID. Still struggling and speaking certainly is not my forte because I am constantly embarrassed to do so. I admire that you are in a situation that requires you to speak it, mistakes and all.
Michelle, as soon as I find my feet here, which is going to take a while, lessons are in order as well. I am stumbling along barely making myself understood so my grammar is just awful. That said, it will come. Slowly, but it will.
I loved this article. Te deseo mucha felicidad y buenos momentos en Ecuador
Muchas gracias!
Are you a political refuge or retired imagrant? Was it difficult to get a visa?
Ecuador offers a variety of visas, and I qualify for the retiree. Not a political refugee although that is likely going to happen at some point. I don’t have a visa yet. I am applying for one. It takes a lot of paperwork, some of which can be clumsy and hard to obtain, it’s expensive and detailed and has to be done correctly. I would not say any of this is easy.
I'm glad you're settling in and finding community!
As a fellow new-to-town Cuencana, I'd love to know which store sells those spices.
Wow! Coded to get in to talk to you ... soooo present tense.
I loved this article Julia. I love that you and Mika have arrived safely in Ecuador, found your people and are learning the "language" of your new culture. You are an open, active and willing participant in the experiment of life. I prayerfully support all you are doing and especially praying that your discussion and dialogue with the women who present themselves in your metron will be open and receptive to the wisdom you, as an elder can share. Conversely, there is so much ancient wisdom, which I know you're alive to, that will come back to you in return. What a gift you are and what a gift you have received. Sending you love for the days ahead ... what wonderful days they will be.
I thought I would miss you after your move. But now, I feel closer than ever. Thanks Julia.