Meet Rui: The Greeter

Originally, I was looking for a Crafter of Story, someone who could share the stories of the Missing Corner and the people here. What I found instead was a true genuine smile. Someone who is settled enough in himself to have space to see and greet others. To truly connect. This quality is so rare these days! So many of us overload our lives in doing that they have forgotten to hold sacred the space for themselves to smell the flowers. Rui has never forgotten about this and makes it his practice. He can be fully present with you because he is fully present with himself. I first met Rui when he reached out to live on the Missing Corner property for a winter and was struck how well contained he was and easy to relate to. When he declined to work with me the first time, I knew he was a rare person who lives with true and pure integrity with himself and his time. I am over the moon and am excited for him to join the team to see how he weaves us all together with his simple cheer.

-Natalie Anderson (owner)

Q: Can you tell us a little about your background?

I grew up here and my family has been here for generations. Most recently, I've been a bartender for the past 3-4 years at Gander and Goose, and also worked in customer service for many more. These jobs have helped me hone my social skills. (I used to be so shy…) I also got really into hiking as a teenager, which has grown my love for the environment and the natural world.

Q: What’s going on in your life right now that excites you?

In my free time you can find me exploring, trying to find new trails or brilliant flowers and vegetation. I’ve recently got into trail running this year and am continuing to push myself to go further each time. I also tend to take on various home improvement projects. Maybe the trail running is me getting far away from my home improvement projects…When I’m not doing those things, I am most likely hanging out with friends or my cats.

Q: Looking ahead, what are you most looking forward to?

I’m aiming to start college by the end of 2026, getting a degree in either biology/botany or environmental engineering. Too many years have gone by where I’ve thought about pursuing a degree, but I never made plans and committed. There are several reasons for this, including financial constraints, the need to balance work and life, and uncertainty about whether I want to commit to college. After a couple of tough years, I decided that it’s finally time for a change. The environment and the natural world have captivated me enough that I would love to make a career out of it. I would also love to study abroad in either Germany or Japan. Both countries fascinate me and have great areas to explore and learn.

Q: How do you see the Missing Corner and your role?

I see it as a very special and unique place. I often refer to it as a community grange or center, but I see it as so much more. I would like to help with continuing to build it into something great and make it a real happening hub for the community. I'm excited to help make new connections for others and myself - to continue to build strong relationships with folks, especially locally.

Q: If you could inspire a cultural shift, what would it be?

A big cultural shift I would like to see is acceptance of diversity, if not an understanding. I feel many people are still sheltered or afraid of others who are different and react negatively, instead of with compassion and an understanding that we are all humans just trying to carry on. I think we will get there someday, where there will be a much wider acceptance of diversity. After all, if everyone was the same, it would be pretty monotonous.

Q: What challenges have you faced in bringing your ideas to life?

The biggest hurdles I've had when trying to bring ideas into existence are not being able to voice it properly or not having a clear path, abilities and connections to bring it to life.

Q: What is a quote or saying that has stuck with you through the years?

"When we give ourselves permission to fail, we, at the same time, give ourselves permission to excel." ― Eloise Ristad

I look forward to the future with The Missing Corner community…!