As I write on a cool Monday morning, the rooster is crowing, the birds are singing and the farm horses are out neighing and grazing on lush pastures. I know these horses well, as I often see them galloping through the village with their owners, making me smile, snapping a picture in delight. I continue to feel incredibly humbled and blessed to be given the chance to live at a slower pace, even for a short while; to witness how the leaves fall graciously to the ground announcing a change in season, how patience takes shape and form through rigorous commitment and discipline, and how through changes we continue to grow, learn and expand the ever-growing universe inside ourselves. Life is rich and wondrous when we slow down to experience its fullness. It's a path of discovery and an act of constant creation when we consciously give ourselves permission to be fully present, to live creatively and to rest in this very breath of life. Living in a small village continues to be rewarding and fulfilling for us. It’s a sanctuary where we can let go of the myriad of thoughts that constantly compete for attention, the long days and the intensive travel that Jesse has been doing. The evenings are cold, but we’re often sitting by the fire outside roasting chestnuts, looking at bright stars and telling stories. The summer in particular was spectacular. We hiked some extraordinary beautiful Swiss and French mountains, like the North Face of the Eiger Mountain (3,970m) of the Bernese Alps, Le Reculet (1,717 m) in Jura Mountains and Mont Blanc (4,810 m) in the French Alps. We challenged ourselves to new distances and heights, some quite painful and exhausting and others more refreshing and exhilarating. All this was a beautiful reminder of the exceptional potential we all have within and the human spirit that never ceases to inspire and seek greater challenges. I know some of you have been following us on Facebook, where I post at least once a week some reflections and pictures. If you have a Facebook account and we’re not connected, please send a note and let’s connect. The French classes are going well. We moved from a more traditional classroom program to a small group conversation with a local professor. Learning a new language keeps me highly engaged and always in a keen listening mode. I always loved to dig into the etymology of words, and this continues to excite my curiosity and delight. With French words derived mostly from Latin, I realized that I know more that I thought I knew. However, speaking fluently and grammatically correct remains to be a laborious learning journey. Jesse continues to have an intensive travel and work schedule, but he is accomplishing a lot and making impact. His team is very dedicated, hard working, and empowering. He feels that he can take on all challenges ahead knowing that he is part of an organization incredibly passionate about its mission and work. Arthur is doing great in school. The days are long for him getting up at 6am and not reaching home until late. He is part of several clubs and afterschool programs. Twice a week he is part of a theatre club at his school. He recently auditioned for the play “Chicago” and got a part in the play as a detective. He is incredibly gifted and performing brings the best in him. Another two days a week he is in a martial arts program to continue his practice at a club in Geneva. We love the master, an Iranian-Swiss University professor, very wise and Buddhist-like in his martial arts philosophy. Arthur is learning a great deal from him. We continue to meet inspiring people and I feel that each day opens a new door for us into another world of magic and possibility. The book writing is going well, although not without challenges. I am learning to develop a practice and discipline of writing every day, which hasn’t been necessarily easy. Patience has always been hard for me to master, but here I am again learning that there is no other way to attain patience but to work with it, rather than resist it. Persistent effort and even small inputs over an extended period of time can yield great impact. So, I am following the muse and staying with it for as long as it takes until we reach the destination.
Aside all these efforts, I am also mentoring, supporting and coaching social entrepreneurs and change-makers who continue to inspire me and make an impact in the world. Finally, I am preparing to apply to graduate school. I will be pursuing a Masters in Expressive Arts Conflict Transformation and Peace Building at the European Graduate School. The program will start in June 2016 through June 2019. Human rights, the arts and social change have been always at the core of my being and my work over the past two decades. The master's program is very much in line with my lifelong mission, vision and work to continue to inspire, uplift and transform the lives of the most vulnerable women around the world. This program will augment my knowledge and skills in the field, will open doors to networks of like-minded practitioners and professionals, and will support my journey to create opportunity, and empower refugee and migrant women, survivors of trauma, violence and human and labor trafficking. You can read more about the program below. I know you will love it too! http://expressivearts.egs.edu/ma-in-expressive-arts-conflict-transformation-and-peacebuilding I hope you will take a moment to drop a note and let me know about you and where your energy is going these days. Miss you all! Much Love, Marga
3 Comments
Deborah Rogers
11/9/2015 06:43:49 am
Thank you, Marga, for another beautiful and inspirational post. I never doubted that you would make the most of this adventure and opportunity, and so glad to hear the whole family is doing well. Sending much love!!
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Fainess Lipenga
11/9/2015 12:49:51 pm
Dear Marga,
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Marga C. FrippSocial entrepreneur on a journey to the heart to find beauty, transform lives, and sow seeds of light, courage and hope. Inspiring Artists
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