Neighborhood Potluck

The sky was cloudy as we set out the wide variety of dishes for our neighborhood potluck but it didn't keep the people away. This annual event is one that I remember going to since I moved with my family to this street when I was only 6 years old. Back then it was a place to meet the neighbors around me. This time I was catching up with people who I haven't seen in years, but have always been a part of my life. Whether it was taking care of their cats when they went out of town, babysitting their kids, weeding their gardens, singing carols on Christmas eve, or simply hanging out, I know these people. These people care about me. They were interested to hear what I have been up to and what is next.

I also met people and conversed with people who I don't know, or only know just a bit. The bond became stronger as we found things in common, and as we understood our differences in regards to the context that we come from.

When the rain started to come down nobody moved. Everybody was content to continue in their conversations. We wanted to be together and enjoy being in the presence of one another. The children, of all ages, continued to play together in the surrounding yards. We laughed, we joked, we listend, we spoke. We even mourned together the loss of loved ones over the past year. The mosquitos and another pocket of rain finally chased us indoors and some continued to socialize into the nights at one neighbors' house.

Amongst hearing so much criticism these past few years about the suburbs, I couldn't help but recognize that this isn't one of "those" suburbs. We aren't disconnected people sharing a space. We are a community that cares for one another.

Going to Paraguay!

The Peace Corps invited me to serve in Paraguay as a crop extensionist! Halleluya! I leave September 28th. I started a separate blog for my experience in Paraguay. http://maddieinparaguay.blogspot.com. Follow my adventures there!