exchange ingredients, not knowing what an aubergine was. Silvia became part of our family, an adopted daughter and big sister, a new contact in the connected web of this tiny earth. She said this was the most beautiful journey of her youth and I can think of no better compliment for my family or country. It was a reminder to enjoy the microcosms of life and not the sad news and sinking feelings that seem to constantly cyclone around us in the media. It made us step up and start anew, right here, now, doing what feels true and worthy and keeping the rest at bay. The travel-in-reverse experiment was a rousing success! People ask if we get paid money to host students from other countries and I say yes, but not in dollars. I can think of no prouder duty than being a representative of my nation, the person they spend the most time with, get to know, and I accept that responsibility, especially when they say they want to come back and live here. And sometime down the golden-threaded road we share, we will go and visit their countries too. Silvia told us she cried on the airplane flight home to Italy. She wasn’t the only one. ď Ž
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