I want to write about this as simply as I can, because it was with simplicity and joy that Sunday, May 27, we held our "Spring Festival."
We reached this goal by pooling all our effort, our will, and our happiness together. Everyone concentrated on making this a day of relaxation and fun for parents and young people. All through Sunday we welcomed a group of French friends—forty people from L'Arche "de la Merci"—and we worked and played until evening.
For me, organizing the day, hunting for things to sell at the market stall, and especially running the sales booth were all new and different experiences.
The day had started with a small setback, though. We tried hard to blow up balloons for a fishing game, but they had other plans: they either deflated the moment we tied them, or burst with a loud pop. So we ended up selling them flat.
Whether I was playing games or working the sales counter, I collected smiles and friendships. Selling the shoes was a bit tiring but so much fun! The real bargain hunters turned out to be many of the sisters—one managed to walk away with about eleven pairs (will she wear them all?). I couldn't help noticing the faces around me: everyone seemed calm and amused, though a few looked a little dazed by the noise and heat.
The French friends, despite their high spirits, had to rest once the sun grew hot. But when the time came to say goodbye, I watched them sing and play music. That was perhaps the most beautiful moment—ending the day on smiles and waves all around. The festival was proof of what we can do when we work together, guests and organizers alike. We all gave our joy to each other and received it back.
Valeria Pinna, 1979