Dear friends,

It's difficult to conceptualize that a year has passed since I first arrived at the Gandhi Institute here in Rochester. When I first arrived I spent the week exploring the writings and speeches of Dr. King and the history of Gandhi's resistance work in India in order to get a better sense of the philosophy that the Institute is rooted in. Within a week I went with Kit and Malik to teach a class on nonviolent communication to local Middle School students. Not too long after I took part in a training with Jonathan Lewis on Dr. King and the way he embodied nonviolence. I bring these things up because they reveal a lot about the mentality at the Gandhi Institute. There was no task I was immediately handed. Instead Kit gave me time and space to get a sense of how things run here. I learned through reading, meditating and conversing. From there I formulated how I could best contribute and collaborate in a way that aligned with the vision of the Gandhi Institute.

On the first day of work Kit introduced me to David, Shannon, and Rebecca over lunch at the Red Fern. My time here began with a shared meal, introducing myself and listening as others introduced themselves. I experienced the blessing of nourishment through food and interaction with people. I was reminded of this ritual of introduction yesterday when a new staff member, Meghan, arrived. Kit and Erin jokingly told her she had to make one of the hardest decisions of her life by choosing what restaurant to eat at that day. So a little after noon we embarked over to India House and began the process of introducing ourselves again to someone new. This time it was my turn to articulate why I was at the Gandhi Institute and what my role has been. Transitions are an exciting time; there's hope of new possibilities and relationships.

Seeing someone new enter the Gandhi House reminds me of those feelings; it makes me excited for them. It makes leaving feel especially weird. In some sense I'm not sure what to make of the memories and relationships I have built here. It feels empty to leave such a rich community especially when each personal relationship offers its own world. Only in preparing to leave have I had to come to terms with this.

I feel blessed to have worked at the Gandhi Institute. It has been such a refreshing and unique space to spend my work day. I will miss the relationships and interactions with such a diverse and eclectic crowd. I have learned so much through talking to people, hearing their experiences, and seeing firsthand their passion lived out. All of this will remain with me as I move forward in life. 

in hope,

Al DeNooyer

p.s. I'm right column middle row in the photo