a weekend in amsterdam*
Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at 04:55PM 
My talk at the European Summit (Photo by Irene Nam)It goes without saying that last week was difficult and heart wrenching and took a toll on this little heart of mine. Then I got on a plane and came to Amsterdam to attend this year's European Summit for Global Transformation. (Talk about a change of pace.) As hard as it was to walk out the front door, I am so happy I made it here. For one, I got to hug my little sister as we explored Amsterdam together. At the Summit I met up with like-minded friends from all over the world. Each and every one of their stories and presence fed my soul. We talked and shared and danced and ate. This weekend was nurturing and relaxing on every level and I can’t believe that after just three days it's all over. Now it’s just me in my quiet little hotel room. For the first time in a very long time I am completely alone in a quiet space. I just skyped with my little ones in Nepal. Picture 35 kids huddled in front of a little laptop screen with a fuzzy connection pushing each other here and there to get their faces in on the screen and little Shanti fast asleep on the floor next to them. They told me bright-eyed and shouting over one another about a show they watched tonight about flying snakes. I googled flying snakes while they were telling me all of this so I could follow along with the conversation. I'm guessing that this is what they were talking about. I wanted so badly to jump through the screen and be there with them snuggled on the carpet. I wanted to carry Shanti to her room and tuck her into bed. Four more flights before I’m home again and I can NOT wait. So thankful for the perfect respite the ESGT had to offer. Xo Maggie
Reader Comments (6)
Sounds like an AMAZING couple days! Love how you are right front and center on the European Summit's site!! Safe travels home and can't wait to hear more about the conference soon!
i love how the light looks like a thought bubble! you are full of the most exquisite thoughts!! xxoo
Just opened the NY Times online to a wonderful pic of Maggie and kids with an article about the Kopila Valley home and school. How fantastic to be getting such great press for such a deserving person and cause!!! Congratulations, Maggie!
It would have been worth flying from NZ to Amsterdam just to meet you. x
Hello Maggie,
Just want to quickly acknowledge your work and selflessness. I am a Nepali and I was inspired by what I read in the NY Times.
Cheers,
Nirmal
You inspire me :)