I Belonged

I HAVE attended my first AA meeting in a foreign country--Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The group consisted of nine men. I was the only woman present. There was some English spoken to me, individually, but the language spoken was Portuguese, of which I understand very little. Two of the members are translating our Big Book into their language. Quite a job! With great enthusiasm, the work which has so far been accomplished was read aloud. Regardless of the fact that I was ignorant of practically all that was said, I listened intently and I experienced such a feeling of "belonging." I am unable to put it into words. I was at peace with these people. Here was the perfect example and proof that no matter where we alcoholics who are members of AA go, we need never be "alone."