In the summer of 1979, I had just completed the seventh grade. More importantly, I was completing my last year in the Young Singers of Callenwolde. Our summer tour was to Belgium and the Netherlands. We were to compete in the international choral festival in De Hage, Netherlands, between two weeks of touring Belgium.
What do I remember? I remember the lovely, large family I stayed with in Belgium. I remember discovering Nutella (and begging mom upon arriving at home to try to find this delicious stuff!) I remember, a beautiful country and people who were as eager to learn about the "Americans" as we were to learn to understand Flemish. What I don't remember? I don't recall being scared. We walked everywhere with our host children. From home to school, to practice, we never thought twice about the several city blocks we traveled. I don't remember looking into the faces that passed us on the street, wondering if they mean us harm. All I recall is the wonderful time of this trip.
Travel is stifled when things happen like the bombing in Brussels today. It's staggering to believe that humans can mean to bring such harm to others. We all wonder "what hate drives their behavior?" I guess I wonder "do they not realize the sheer joy found in discovering a new place? Meeting new people, seeing places you've only read about?"
Today, our prayers are focused on those hurt or killed by yet another senseless act. My thoughts float between a choir competition where we were selected the Best Children's Choir in the World and a place so rich in history and beauty that my heart hurts for those who will never travel to see it. Joy and sorrow rolled into one day. Pray for Brussels.
What do I remember? I remember the lovely, large family I stayed with in Belgium. I remember discovering Nutella (and begging mom upon arriving at home to try to find this delicious stuff!) I remember, a beautiful country and people who were as eager to learn about the "Americans" as we were to learn to understand Flemish. What I don't remember? I don't recall being scared. We walked everywhere with our host children. From home to school, to practice, we never thought twice about the several city blocks we traveled. I don't remember looking into the faces that passed us on the street, wondering if they mean us harm. All I recall is the wonderful time of this trip.
Travel is stifled when things happen like the bombing in Brussels today. It's staggering to believe that humans can mean to bring such harm to others. We all wonder "what hate drives their behavior?" I guess I wonder "do they not realize the sheer joy found in discovering a new place? Meeting new people, seeing places you've only read about?"
Today, our prayers are focused on those hurt or killed by yet another senseless act. My thoughts float between a choir competition where we were selected the Best Children's Choir in the World and a place so rich in history and beauty that my heart hurts for those who will never travel to see it. Joy and sorrow rolled into one day. Pray for Brussels.
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