The lessons of gratitude – Magdalena’s story
Before my acquaintanceship with Magdalena, I first had come to know her photography. This is something incredible. The landscapes of such a familiar Georgia are deeply penetrated with a special warmth, fabulousness and depth.
This is exactly the way Magdalena sees this country and its people with their remainingconnection to nature, preserved traditions, simple human warmth and willingness to support.
It comes as no surprise that Magda lives in Polish hostel "Wino i Chleb" in a tiny, as if come out from the fairy tale, Sighnaghi town where everyone knows everyone and greets every passer-by.
Magdalena: Before my moving to Georgia (I’m from Poland) I had been there four times. The first time I came to Georgia pursuing the aim of studying the relationships between Christianity and Islam, the subject, I was interested in at that time. Planning to visit Adjara, I expected to see the conflict but I found out that the people coexist peacefully and there are even mixed marriages. I was so surprised that I decided to learn more about this country.
On my next trips, I have been traveling through Georgia a lot and, wherever I went, I always met kind, soft-hearted and ready to help people. I could not but be surprised because it was so unusual. It is lost in Poland. People still remember the times when they were open, close to each other, but now it is not as it used to be.
In my work (Magdalena takes pictures and writes for the Institute for War and Peace Reporting), I concentrate on the people, their stories and not on the economy. Therefore, I see things from an unusual angle and make many discoveries for myself.
Discoveries? Sounds interesting!
For example, I study the pastoral culture in Georgia. This is a rare opportunity. We almost do not have it in Poland. There are a few places where pastoralism still exists but it is mostly for the purposes of tourism. Here I got acquainted with the shepherds, followed them for some time, exploring their way of life. One can still feel here what spontaneity really is, what following the flow of life is. Yes, sometimes it annoys, especially when you try to plan something.
Magdalena: For instance, I wanted to meet the shepherds for creating some material. They told me to come on the last Saturday of April. I called them on the appointed day, and what I heard was: “Oh is it already the last Saturday of April? Well, you come, call us when you get here and we will tell you where we will be at that moment”. What I have is work, tourists, and meetings. So in order to finally meet them I need approximately a week of free time instead of one day. And it is quite difficult for me because I’m used to planning my time and knowing what to expect from each day. Nevertheless, this has some natural freedom, the feeling of carrying no burden. Thus, I try to balance between planning and spontaneity.
I live in a tiny town of Sighnaghi in the Kakheti region. Here everyone knows each other and is aware of all the news in the town. Yes, sometimes it may be annoying but there is another thing. When I felt unwell, the neighbours noticed that I did not appear outdoors; they came to visit me and took care of my recovery. In Poland, I was not even acquainted with my neighbours. Here, when I leave my house, every passer-by greets me. This is a rare example of close and warm relationships among people.
Meanwhile, the role of women in the regions of Georgia is more traditional. My boss told me that being a foreigner I could do a lot more than a typical Georgian woman.
And how big is the difference between Tbilisi and the regions?
Tbilisi is much more a European city as there are many people in haste on the streets. To understand Georgia you need to visit the regions. Here people love telling their stories. Here you may come across the houses where different generations of the same family lived and are still living. In Tbilisi, people are much more concentrated on their work. In the regions, however, the old values are still preserved – the family, friends. The tide of life is slowed down there. The people are calmer. Indeed, they all have financial problems but the most important thing for them is the family and “today”. Although it often flows into laziness (smiles). For example, living in Poland I worked for 14 hours without complaints because I was happy to have a job. Poland is not the richest country in the European Union, and everyone expects that the Poles will be working hard for less money. I remember being surprised at hearing from one man that he had been working for 3 hours (!) and he got extremely tired!
But where do people feel happier?
People are much happier here, they complain less in spite of the financial problems. They are deeply grateful for the sun, for a good weather. Here I learned to feel grateful for many things, which I did not appreciate so much before.
There was a case when I expected to get the fee for the work done but it was behind schedule and I was almost stony broke. It was hard but then I realised that it was not about the money but the people who are willing to help you because you are who you are. That was a good lesson.
One day I met some older women, age 80, working in the field. I showed great willingness to help them and take some pictures. They worked with something thatcan be called reverence. One of them said, “The main thing is neither getting the harvest in nor its amount. The bottom line is that you eat what you have grown yourself, something that you put your back into. You are happy and grateful to God that everything is organised this way. We are proud of living in Kakheti. This harvest is the gift of God”. The 80-year-old women and they are so happy and grateful! It was impressive.
It was in Georgia, where I learned how to be grateful.
One can still feel here what spontaneity really is, what following the flow of life is.
It was hard but then I realised that it was not about the money but the people who are willing to help you because you are who you are.
Photo from Magdalena's albums
Photo by Magdalena
Photo from Magdalena's albums
Photo by Magdalena
Photo from Magdalena's albums