Silver Lining

    We met back with the couple, and they have come to an agreement, one that they will test out and evaluate in a short little while. Although they still have their difference, that's okay, and it's great that they were able to work together to try and achieve a common goal. That is the silver lining of these mediations, is that there is a glimmer of hope for their relationship to be better than it was when they came in for mediation the first day. I also love that it doesn't have to do with our abilities as mediators, although it is a factor, but it has more to do with the desire of the people to come together and find solutions together to their problems.
    We had another couple come in for mediation, and the same thing seemed to occur, there was a glimmer of hope, that silver lining, even though not EVERYTHING was worked out completely and made anew. Overall, the experience with Centro has been very fulfilling and satisfying for me as a learning mediator. I have enjoyed being able to help the comunidad Latina here in Eugene, because they have a special place in my heart. I hope that the people we meet with can tell that I really care for them and their well-being, and that I sincerely hope that they can leave in a better place than when they came in. Like I said, even though everything isn't perfect, and may never be, there is still that silver lining that keeps me going, to try and be a better mediator and practitioner of conflict resolution.