One of the things that delights me most about children and elders–and particularly foreigners–is the way they see the world; and how they express that; and how that opens me to seeing things differently too.

This past week, I joined fellow NGO representatives from around the world at the UN for the 56th Annual Commission on the Status of Women. It was an international scene with women attending from every part of the globe, delightfully dressed in traditional garments.

One particular session was so crowded that I was forced to squeeze in among dozens of others in the back of the room on the floor. It quickly grew so hot that I began to remove layers until I was sitting barefoot and in my camisole.

Women smiled knowingly, and later one kindly offered me her spot in the corner so that I could stretch my legs and cool off. Another woman eagerly took a vacated place beside me, whispering, “A wall is helpful thing,” and I grinned, appreciating the support behind my back in a way I had never considered before.