Communicating in a foreign country can be difficult at times. However, I have noticed how even though we may not be able to communicate using words we can through body language. Smiles, laughter, and hugs; these are the components of mankind’s universal language. Something I have learned is that the simplest of words can carry a lot of meaning.

One of the favorite parts of my day has been waking up and greeting the ladies who work in the cafeteria. “Ciao” or “Buongiorno” I say. They smile and say it back to me. It’s funny how a smile and a simple hello can turn seemingly confusing or dissatisfied faces into smiling, beaming ones. As I walk through town, every person with whom I make eye contact  I try to greet. It helps carry me through my day. Mother Teresa once said: “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.”

Another simple word that has held great meaning for me here is pace, or peace. The first time I went to church here, I realized that  most of the motions of the Mass were exactly the same as in the United States. When it came time to say “peace be with you”, I heard the priest talking about “pace” and I knew. As I shook each person’s hand and said pace to them I felt the same feeling as I had felt greeting people throughout my day. Combined with a simple smile, “hello” and “peace be with you” are simple words that have the power to brighten anyone’s day.