There are some moments when you realize that something has entered your life you never thought of as meaningful.
In my life, I have only received whispers in English, my mother tongue, until now.
See, I have a 6 year old sister here. I tickle her, we plan little games, sometimes she hangs on me at dinner, or sneaks over to kiss my cheek. And lately, she’s been whispering secrets close into my ears.
There is something profound about listening to words so close and quiet they aren’t meant for anyone else. So intimate. Never before has someone who didn’t speak the language of my parents trust me enough to confide in me using another one. No one has even whispered a secret to me since grade school. In that way, I feel both a bit like I am back there, but also, just like in grade school, I feel a bit like I am growing up.
And with these simple moments of innocence, I am growing closer with my family. My 2 year old brother, having seen this, has taken to copying his sister. But, unlike her, he doesn’t really know what is going on, so he just give me hoarse gibberish, and then sits close to me, and giggles when I kiss him. The whole family watches, and we all laugh together.
This is my tenth home stay family world wide. One might say I’m experienced. But here, only three months deep, by no means the longest duration, I am beginning to grow truly close.
To be with a family bold and strong and loving enough to really embrace me is a gift I’m so grateful to receive. I wish all of you in my correspondence the same gifts I am so lucky to have out here.
For this holiday season, find someone you love, hold them close with your hands, and whisper a secret to them. You just might surprise yourself.
Merry Christmas, and have a happy New Year.
Originally Written Dec. 24th, 2009
