Ariel Wolpe

There is nothing like being homeless in a new city. Well perhaps not homeless – perhaps Jewish wanderer, couch surfer, pad crasher. I do have a mattress or cushions to curl up on every night, whether it is in a hallway, in a sleeping bag, or there is another body in my bed. If for some reason I cannot find my way through a door, I do know of a rope-web spun 30 feet up in a redwood tree with a mattress in it. It’s a bit treacherous to climb, and I’m not sure how I would get my suitcase up there, but I would surely have magical dreams. For the past two weeks I have been couch surfing while I find a good long-term home- I had to move out of my au pair job ... read more

Sometimes when you don’t call your parents, or talk to long distances friends, it’s a good thing. It means that your life is on track – you are busy, you are fulfilled. Reaching out to others can be for comfort and support when things are not going your way. I’ve heard parents say, when your kid goes off to college and doesn’t want to call you, be happy – that means they have found their place, and don’t need you. Others, when things get bad and stressful, wrap themselves up in a closed blanket, and only let their immediate surroundings – a pet, a lover, a best friend – in. To everyone else they disappear, only emerging when it’s sunny again. I have done both these things: but now I am always the former, reaching out ... read more

Despite my amazingly beautiful interlude to Lake Tahoe with aunt Eileen, uncle David and Samara, as well as Yael and her two girls Luli and Gaby, I am stretching out roots in the bay. Thursday night I attended a contact improv jam, where, apparently, my soul-siblings gather to connect with others and themselves. It was unlike any improv I’ve been to, probably because the ones I’ve attended to were mostly at Emory with student beginners. This was adults with a few mid-twenties mixed in, and exclusively characters. Upon entry, I stuck to my party rule – when I don’t know anyone, I just stand there and look around, giving off a friendly vibe. After 30 seconds a man came up and just started improv-ing – no introduction, no words at all – he just slid his ... read more

I recently got an email from Peter that Gohechi is going to be evicted if they dont raise money and pay their debts: "Some few weeks a ago, I told you about the total debts we have, which some people have willingly told us to pay slowly as funds  avails to our organization.  But recently I was given a letter from the owner of this place saying that before end of December we should clear all the money on his side so that we can begin a fresh next year. I has been so challenging to me,and I have no way out... because of this threat from the building owner, help us with those funds, on the Houserent for all two building up to this coming December the debts is $1500, We pray that you ... read more

This is my last day at Sambhali, and it feels like time to recollect all I’ve gained and contributed during my two months here. There have been many challenging and heartbreaking moments, and I will never forget these lessons. The harsher memories are softened by neighboring images of determination, of sacrifice, of respect, and of love from the strong community of Sambhali Trust. Once immersed in the swift flow of the NGO, I marveled at the smoothness and speed in which things were accomplished. Walls and completely new rooms were built in mere days at the office; the Sambhali store was opened with only a few delays (shocking for Jodhpur); meetings were conducted bimonthly without fail, successfully bring the entire team together to share our work and thoughts. I learned a lot about what a ... read more