Caux, Switzerland

After a delayed flight from London, Heathrow, I finally made it into Geneva. I was excited to be here and more excited to get to Caux. On the plane, I met a wonderful Bahamian gal. Switzerland was her break from regular life and she looked forward to her summers here! What a wonderful life to be able to enjoy vacations in Europe! I'm even more thankful that I have this opportunity to be in Caux this summer. I love my job and I'm so excited for the Human Security conference to start!

Upon boarding the train from Montreux to Caux, I met the conference coordinator of the Global Servant Leadership conference. As I was arriving, she was returning to Ukraine. On board the train, I realized that I had forgotten how beautiful Caux was. Located in the middle of the Alps and overlooking Lake Geneva, the place itself seems to be a physical symbol for the word "peace." No wonder it has been the location of forgiveness, peacebuilding and reconciliation since World War two. Majestic green Alpine trees, the crystal clear blue water of Lake Geneva and the beauty of it all meant that I was really here- back in Caux.

Walking into the doors and checking into my room was quite an overwhelming feeling. I came by myself, but yet I did not feel alone. I felt as if all the other Caux Scholars were here with me. This place holds so many good memories: lively political discussions in the Villa Maria, our trip to the United Nations in Geneva, late nights and dancing at the Caux Cafe and amazing, amazing Caux scholars and faculty whom I had the great honor of meeting. I really feel like they are all here with me and I can't wait for those Caux Scholar alumni who will return for the reunion and the conferences.

On the other hand, I realize that my experience in Caux this summer will be different. This is a new beginning. In my position as Conference Coordinator for the Human Security conference, I will experience a whole different aspect of Caux: the inner workings, the administation and logistic side of the conference, and most importantly how people work in harmony to create a space for reconciliation and forgiveness to take place. I'm about to learn how to create peace and I'm super excited!