Sharing the Light, One Candle at a Time

Here is a short poem I wrote to start today’s post, I call it, This Light.

This light of peace I pass to you
Pass this to another behind or by your side
May the world see the beauty of our love
Let my light shine forth in all honesty
May your light shine forth in all honesty

This light of happiness I pass to you
Pass to another behind or by the side
May the world dance to our laughter and joy
Let my light shine and give hope
May your light shine and give hope

This light of love I pass to you
Pass to another behind or by the side
For all who have lost faith in the human spirit
Let this light shine differently or together
May the world see in us, hope and love

Excitement and Anticipation

Sunday morning was a bit dramatic. Dramatic because the residents anticipated their first Sunday Supper. From my window, it was sunny, and I could hear the birds sing cheerfully. As I walked down the 6th-floor hallway, I could see the excitement on people’s faces. The much-anticipated Sunday Supper has come! 

It was a colorful evening with decorations and refreshments for the reception in the Great Hall. The stage was set, and tables were decorated with assorted food and drinks in the Chevron Auditorium. The board members, alumni, residents, and guests appeared and found their way to their tables. I saw them walk in, elegantly dressed, beautiful, and handsome. Variety, they say, is the spice of life. 

My table was a lively, friendly, and vibrant space, with people from Japan, the US, Nigeria, Vietnam, the UK, China, Taiwan, Norway, Australia, and Belgium. The lights went out and a photo slideshow with highlights of the semester was presented, soliciting cheers and applause from the residents and guests. 

The resident masters of ceremony, Daniel Edrisian and Mary Pompee, a hilarious combination of the Hobbit and fairy godmother, welcomed everyone to Sunday Supper at I-House. And the first for this academic year!

The I-House Executive Director, Mr. Shaun Carver gave a brief welcome speech from the podium. Introducing the board of directors, alumni, and guests, he welcomed everyone. He explained how Sunday Supper was started in 1908 by Harry Edmonds and how it became a tradition at I-House.

The hobbit and fairy godmother returned to usher in a resident – Bryan Chang, who played the piano effortlessly. Then, Cesar Rojas Angel, a journalist and the winner of The Project for Peace grant, presented a short speech about his work. This passion project of his was aimed at empowering people in his home country, Colombia, so that they can tell their own stories.

The next performance was from Jonathan Tay, Mehdi Badri and Smruthi Balasubramaniam. Jonathan played the piano and Smruthi sang beautifully the song, When We Were Young. After this, the Resident Council President, Eric Guntermann asked the residents to take some time to reflect on the events happening all over the world, to think about people who are facing some forms of hardship like wars, droughts, and homelessness. After his thoughtful message, another resident, Vita Verheji, sang Winter Wonderland. Another piano performance followed starring Edric Wang and Bryan Chang. 

The Candlelight Ceremony

Mr. Carver was invited back to the stage to lead the tradition. He explained the history of the ceremony and associations common in all International Houses around the world. He lit his candle and passed the flame to other candles. As the light passed around the auditorium, we all hoped that in some way this light could be passed all around the world. This reflective speech and candle lighting caused a lot of self-reflection for me, reiterating the need to always remember that humanity goes beyond ourselves. Light begets lights. With a promise to spread the light all over the world. 

After the candlelight ceremony and final remarks of the evening, residents retreated to the patio for dessert, music and dancing.

The ceremony came to an end with further celebration. Can you tell me your favorite memories of the Sunday Supper? I’ll love to read them in the comments below.