kiah,
I've pegged that you spend time alone in camp. I spent 8+ hours a day in camp by myself when MTC was new, just to have a body there to say, "hey world! MTC ain't going anywhere, so ya best come on in and have a sit..." I wasn't the only one, there were others too that have done their time sitting alone. But what you have to understand also, is that it's seasonal for the most part. There are going to be times this home is so busy and packed, you'll leave exhausted and praying for those quiet times.
Now, I'm going to answer your so-called challenge.
I think the fact that Webmaze Tuchuk is the oldest original Gorean home that is still thriving, boasting a membership most homes can only dream about, with a goodly spine of members being a part of this home more years than my fingers on one hand can count, should tell you something.
I think you're looking at the home like one would a box of chocolates (nudges whats-his-face outta the way and taking his quote deeper). While it's true you can't know each individual chocolate without biting into them, and finding a variety of personalities as great as if you walked into a busy airport, that box of chocolates collectively is Godiva chocolates, and not Russell Stovers.
This is a home where you walk in and you find a mixed bag of nuts, screw-ups, goof-balls, super-serious, just plain sweet as punch, ornery, feisty, et al.
It's the same as when I arrive at my job every day.
Except one thing.
At work, you get fired for being a screw up.
In MTC, you get embraced and told "hey, it's okay" and are allowed to ease back and learn to not be a screw-up anymore, and have the support of many while you do.
In MTC, when someone says they care --- Ragnar, Karanis, Muse, Lilac, Kitya, Kelsey, delilah, lure, just for starters --- they damn well mean it.
'Nuff said.
talena
