De Dertiende, Moving Edition Feb. 2015 | Page 25

AAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AA AAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAA M AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAA aastricht, Rome, Istanbul, Budapest, Berlin, Hanoi, Transylvania – soon after starting to volunteer at Tafelstraat 13 several years ago, we decided to not only meet up for our weekly student board meetings but to also go travel together. Berenike Schott was happy to contribute to this magazine, relaying her tafelstraat-experience that didn't confine to the building itself. We had become friends quickly after meeting for the first time – at the Tuesday evening Taizé prayer, at the Thursday night meals, or at Sunday afternoon activities. We visited each other during our Erasmus studies abroad, met families and partners, kept in touch during our Masters programs, and are now travelling to wherever the others live. Tafelstraat 13 was a unique meeting point for us, I believe. We are from different countries, cultures and confessions. We studied different subjects and our interests vary quite a bit. At Tafelstraat, we were all immediately welcomed and encouraged to actively take part in organizing and shaping activities. Over the past years, I have met and befriended many people as I move around a lot. Often it is difficult to keep in touch and not lose friendships due to geographical distance. Our Tafelstraat 13 group of friends has spread over four continents at times and yet we are still in regular contact, always thinking about the next trip to go see each other. I am thankful to Tafelstraat 13 for making it possible for us to meet and for creating such a strong bond that is holding us together even years after finishing our undergraduate studies. I should start by saying that I am from Peru and I had a whole year in Maastricht doing my Master Degree at Maastricht University, so I was looking for a place where I can meet people, make friends and share ideas. Jessica Carolina shares her experience at Tafelstraat 13. An experience crossing borders of origin and the mind. I must say I found everything and more in T13, they showed me how simple things such as cook and enjoy Meeting at Tafelstraat doesn't confine to the building itself. Whether it is just an activity or keeping in touch after leaving Maastricht, Tafelstraat offers a bond between people. Our Tafelstraat 13 group of friends has spread over four continents at times and yet we are still in regular contact. dinner give the opportunity to really meet people and share; in the end doesn't matter from which country you are from we all know how to cook at least one dish and we all enjoy eating, right? :) Also they never asked me whether I have a religion or not, they just ask me if I want to pray and I said yes, I wish everybody had the chance to go to Taizé in the Basilica of our Lady; the place, the guitar, the singing opens your hearth to the unknown and with little be of humility we can pray. I will always treasure my year as a student in Maastricht University and in a big part thanks to T13. .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23