Where Hearts meets before Names

Any time I travel to a new place, I attempt to keep my heart and eyes open—to actually see, absorb, and savor everything. One of the most precious experiences I’ve had was from a place that once had been my home. Living around people who are quite different from me, as one individual person, isn’t always easy, but what I experienced there was truly inspiring.
A new religious sister had come into the community, and her integration with the brothers was so seamless—like glue fitting pieces that had never previously met. What made it even more impressive was that she had not known any of them before this walk of faith.
When I inquired of her first-impression reaction to being among these young, high-strung men, she had a quietly encouraging response: “I was close with my dad and younger brother, but I was afraid in my first two weeks.” That fear was fully understandable, but what I saw—maybe not optimally, but in good faith—was somebody energetic, easy-going, and affectionate.
To my surprise, I also found myself bonding with her quite naturally. We were playmates, exchanging jokes that wobbled between East and West—teasing jokes somehow bridging our gaps with laughter.
I would not be surprised if she wished that they were there for her final religious vows. The bond that she had with them and the friendship and love that they shared with each other were beautiful and unique things. It reminded me that sometimes the most meaningful relationships are not forged by familiarity, but by the receptivity of heart, the generosity of spirit, and the willingness to accept the untried.