By Benedikt Meßer, Coworker Alumnus ‘19
You are coming back from an exciting trip to New York City. You have seen more different people in an hour than you have seen in a month, rushing up and down the avenues. Honking cars, flashing lights, and billboards swarm in your head. Then suddenly, you spot the white, rustic facade of Creekside between the cover of the lush branches. Even if you have only lived here for a couple of months, there is a feeling of coming home.
It is a haven—for the students just as it is for coworkers, young and old, everyone. Which is where it gets interesting. It is a social experiment where everyone from everywhere is connected through our bond to the children.
Now, who is in charge of who? I guess it is a balance. Let’s call it “educating freedom,” and that is just fine because forgiveness is the key to balance. A harmonious atmosphere that is warm and holding, nurturing and empowering for all its villagers. But first and foremost, human. Alive and breathing! From fall to spring life-giving and draining. From summer to winter full and ever-changing.
What a place to grow up, to learn to live, to give and receive. Everyone who comes gets what they need because there is a teacher in everyone and everything. Sometimes it is a walk in the woods (or a run), eating a seemingly simple meal (or preparing one), an intimate conversation (or holistic lecture), but always when you don’t expect it.
Which was exactly my case. I started the year with pure excitement and motivation to experience a year abroad but was not at all able to grasp that my life’s journey was just about to begin.
