Living as an immigrant in Jordan has made me think more deeply about the immigrant experience in the United States. Granted, I am speaking from a very privileged life and point of view. Still, it has made me ponder over what it means to go to a different country so different from your own and find your way amidst the loneliness, homesickness, and confusion. An important lesson I have learned is the difference one person can make in another person's quality of life.
Case in point: Here in Jordan we were really lucky. We already knew someone here. Just one person. But that person is the "master networker" in Amman as far as I'm concerned and she "adopted" us as part of her family immediately. Thanks to her, we were able to know everything from where to buy groceries to where to get your hair and nails done. Even more importantly, she is the "master hostess" (she actually hosts people at her home several times a week -- every week). That is where her "magic" happens - the "magic" of connecting people. In one sitting (literally) at a lunch just a few days after I arrived) and I was connected to some of the most amazing women in Amman. Those connections have led me to jobs, projects, partnerships, office space, zumba classes, and friendships that will last for a lifetime. I am forever grateful.
Case in point: Here in Jordan we were really lucky. We already knew someone here. Just one person. But that person is the "master networker" in Amman as far as I'm concerned and she "adopted" us as part of her family immediately. Thanks to her, we were able to know everything from where to buy groceries to where to get your hair and nails done. Even more importantly, she is the "master hostess" (she actually hosts people at her home several times a week -- every week). That is where her "magic" happens - the "magic" of connecting people. In one sitting (literally) at a lunch just a few days after I arrived) and I was connected to some of the most amazing women in Amman. Those connections have led me to jobs, projects, partnerships, office space, zumba classes, and friendships that will last for a lifetime. I am forever grateful.
This made me think: in Boston, I felt like this was done but very much from a distance. We don't invite people readily into our homes. We are not as selfless in sharing our connections and not as proactive in ensuring other's well being. Maybe with our family members but with people we hardly know? What would it be like if we gave more of ourselves to help newcomers and immigrants in this way?
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