Alicia Visits!!

As time goes by, we are realizing more and more just how special Maddie's Saudi experience truly was. The friendships we developed there will last a life time as the bonds that were formed are unbreakable. Common joys and common sorrows in a place that is so completely different from one's own base have cemented friendships for which we are extremely thankful.

Alicia and Andy Lewis came to Saudi our last year there and are quite simply, the best of the bestest people. Alicia was a music teacher extraordinaire with talent and personality! Maddie loved going to Alicia's room to play instruments... piano, bongos, whistles... you name it, Maddie loved it. One of my favorite memories was of Alicia and Maddie sitting at the piano at Alicia's house and Maddie trying so very hard to play just like Alicia. Alicia has patience and joy in her heart and Maddie's responds well to her because of it.

We are in different places now, but we were lucky enough to have Alicia come to Shanghai as part of an Atlas Rubicon visit to Maddie's school. Alicia stayed with us and Maddie, of course, remembered her. When we saw Alicia and Andy this summer, Maddie remembered the lady with the piano and when Maddie saw Alicia this time in Shanghai, she again asked where her piano was... I had to explain that it didn't fit in the suitcase!

Why am I not surprised that Maddie jumped up on Alicia's lap to snuggle before bedtime? Why am I not surprised that Alicia let Maddie work on her computer in her lap? Why am I not surprised that Maddie let Alicia carry her up the stairs and put her to bed? It's wonderful to see such acceptance and joy in Maddie's heart! She's a special girl who was able to spend more time with a special lady. Thanks for being here Alicia!!