10 posts tagged “p4p”
Excerpt from Journal by Phoebe Warner (Rhode Island)
Each moment is not so much a moment, but a place that we all live in. So, though I cried saying "Goodbye" to our Mozambique friends and to South Africa, should I have? I might not see some of these people again, but because of memories and photographs, we can always remember and continue living with these thoughts close to our hearts. Goodbye isn't really forever. And we remember this too, through Jesus' death and resurrection. Did he not come back to life and ascend into heaven? If we didn't believe this we would be liars every time we recited the Nicene Creed. He came back to life and we will too, metamorphically and literally, all because of him.
All this I learned from two books and a week of making friends, listening to others and seeing new things. And as I begin to make a mental list of everything I am going to do when I get home to improve myself and the world, I realize what a blessing these memories are and what a blessing it is to be alive knowing that we will continue life beyond the grave. And so as the angel said at Jesus' tomb... "Why do you weep?"
Kayla Iacobucci (Rhode Island)
We have so much to learn.
The pilgrimage to South Africa was called a "once in a lifetime opportunity" for many of us when embarking on this journey, and on our final day there, some of us took time to discuss what our actions would be once we were home from this trip. It was evident among the group that we all wanted to help the people we had met in the diocese of Pretoria, the children at the Tumelong Haven, and those suffering at the Hospice. Fundraising ideas were in abundance, from evensong benefits at church, to events at individual schools, to micro-lending to individuals and businesses in South Africa. We have been forever changed by this experience, and now it is up to us to carry the stories we heard, the lessons we learned, and the pictures of the people we met back to our homes to share and inform our communities. We still have so much to learn, and God has given us the tools to make our "once in a lifetime opportunity" into many many more lifetime opportunities for those who have touched our hearts.
This from Will Scott's blog:
Today, is my last day in South Africa, four of us Californians will be leaving this evening. I feel sad and yearn for more time with these pilgrims in this inspiring place of hope. Each night of the pilgrimage many of us have stayed up late into the night discussing the days activities at the TEAM conference, learning more about one another, where we’ve come from and where we sense God may be calling us. Last night was a late one.
Cesar Francisco, Mozambique
Today I had two great examples of survival.
One was very emotional for me but I am sorry because I can't tell everyone how that was, but now I am ready to talk about the second because for me it was very important.
This is an example of a survivor because this man who spoke with us lost a part of his body in an explosion but did not forget to be a person like everyone, I am talking about Michael Lapsley.
I think that it shows us that we can never ever desist, we can never forget our dreams, forget that the world needs us to be better than it is, to complete the idea that we can never forget, I am going to quote Fr. Lapsley; "I decided to make this world a better place to live."
I asked him, "How long did he wait before really trying to understand what happened?" and he answered me "3 seconds and the rest of my life," and for me it means that he had "courage to accept what he could not change."
For me it is important to say that we must "believe" that we can do every thing to change our world, and to repeat that no one can do anything without "belief" that he (or she) can.
For today that is all, thank you for spending this precious time reading what I wrote.
Stephanie Monteiro, Liz Wagner (Rhode Island) and Mércio Langa (Mozambique)
As we woke up (A WHOLE EXTRA HOUR LATER), we started our day on the right side of the bed. We arrived at the 'compound' and had an amazing discussion with Father Mike Lapsley SSM. He told us his inspiring life story including much of the history of South Africa. The main point of his discussion was: life is about the choices we can and cannot make. Father Lapsley was born into greater choice simply because of his skin color. As a resident of South Africa he was deeply upset by the ways of life. He joined the struggle against oppression in order to bring choice to the South African people. All non-Whites were forced into segregation and suffered its abuse for generations. Although Father Lapsley was a White man, he felt the need to fight for everyone's equality. In his mind there were three groups of people in South Africa; the oppressed, the oppressors and humans. Because of his race he was forced to be the oppressor, but more than anything he wanted to be a human. In his efforts he was targeted by the South African government as a threat due to his anti-apartheid theology. He eventually was exiled and moved to Lesotho, and later found refuge in Zimbabwe. The movement gained great strength when it became a global agenda in the mid 1980's.
Given that this country limited the choices of its people during apartheid, South Africa is a powerful example of reconciliation. The strength of global action and response, as successfully shown through the end of apartheid, has inspired us to spread awareness to the world. As Father Lapsley says, "healing memories is an issue for the whole world." Through education of HIV/AIDS, a similar global response as that which strengthened the anti-apartheid movement may form. We feel empowered by our strength as messengers of global awareness. As pilgrims we have come to Africa in part to be part of reconciliation and healing processes in the world.
My first introduction to the beautiful acapella singing of South Africa was Ladysmith Black Mombaza on Paul Simon’s album Graceland. That album was a big hit for Simon, who was infusing his music with traditional song elements of South America and Africa. I was captivated by this music, and then by songs from the anti-apartheid movement played on the public radio station in Philadelphia when we lived there right after I was ordained. I remember being moved to tears by one song that was said to have been sung by inmates on Robben Island to encourage a brother when he was being led away to execution. That song added an emotional, a soul element to my understanding of the anti-apartheid struggle that didn’t come to me from reading the news.
About a third of our pilgrims, including me, worshipped at St. Cyprian’s Anglican Parish in Sharpeville on Sunday. The parish is a very short walk from a memorial to the Sharpeville martyrs of 1960. These brave, creative non-violent witnesses to peace and reconciliation decided they would not carry the passports required of black and colored people, that they would burn them publicly, and demand that if one part of the society had to carry the passports then all should.
This simple, but provocative gesture turned into a terrible disaster, in which nervous soldiers opened fire on the people, killing 69 women, men, and children (I saw one memorial column for a young girl of 12), all shot in the back. The massacre horrified the world and turned the energy of the movement towards the needed change.
St. Cyprian’s sacred singing was an ocean of sound, begun by one of two cantors and accompanied by only some simple percussion instruments. The singing was in four parts, and was enthusiastically engaged by the whole congregation. Unlike my life-long experience in the Christian Church in the United States, I saw not one person in that packed building not singing – and most were dancing as they sang (I think this genius art form should be seen as one thing here, singing and dancing). I could see, or better, witness in my seeing and hearing, the truth of what Bishop Peter Lee said about South African singing – it is one of the world’s great art forms.
But with that singing welling up all around me, with the dancing coming out of the singing as waves rising from the matrix of the deep, I could also see that the singing was an expression of ubuntu, the spirit of the community, not only expressing but reinforcing and augmenting that spirit. And I could see that, as I wrote about Archbishop Ndungane’s own spirituality, this ubuntu spirit in song is bound up with a commitment to justice.
+MHA
There are many possible translations in English for ubuntu, including:
- "Humanity towards others"
- "I am because we are"
- "I am what I am because of what we all are"
- "A person 'becomes human' through other persons"
- "A person is a person because of other persons"
A popular definition of ubuntu is, "the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity."
An attempt at a longer definition has been made by Archbishop Desmond Tutu (1999):
“ A person with ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed." (Wikipedia)
Ubuntu, defined above from Wikipedia, is a key concept in theology emerging from the work of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and several other creative theologians working today. I recommend the works of Michael Battle, especially his book Reconciliation.
The value of ubuntu is probably low in the United States, while we have a very high valuation on individualism, and the gifts attendant on it, such as entrepreneurial spirit. The Bay Area might be near the apogee of individualism. Anything at its highest values is liable for distortion, and in the case of individualism it is fragmentation that is resulting distortion, to name one.
Here in South Africa I’m experiencing ubuntu on a daily basis. I want to simply share some of a couple experiences with you to make ubuntu, which points to being the Body of Christ.
On
the bus ride to Sharpeville for church this morning, the bishop of
Christ the King Diocese, Peter Lee, told us a story about Burundi,
neighbor to Rwanda. A parallel event of genocide and civil war
occurred there, with much less media coverage than the atrocities in
Rwanda.
Bishop Lee was in a meeting where the Burundi terrors were being described. There was a demographic chart that showed family statistics in Burundi ten years ago, at the end of the worst of the conflict. Someone attending the seminar pointed asked, since there were many students in many families who were exactly the same age, if there were many twins or triplets.
Here was the surprising answer: at the end of the conflict there were 20,000 orphans in the capital city, Bujumbura. The Church in Burundi called on families to take them into their own homes, which happened, immediately, without fuss. It is said that when the families speak of these “blended” families there is never a discrimination made between the orphans and the birth children. This is a response of a community that understands ubuntu, the Body of Christ.
One other example: the bishop, in his sermon at St. Cyprian’s in Sharpeville, the site of the Sharpeville Massacres, referenced a man in the congregation who was working as a librarian right next to the site of the massacre, and came outside to be part of the civil disobedience action about to happen.
The bishop quoted him as having said, later in his life: “You don’t have a home unless you have a visitor in the home.” To see that the Body is transcendent is a sign that one is living within the reality of Body of Christ.
Peace,
MHA
By Cesar Francisco, Niall Battson and Chris Shumate
Every morning our whole group attends the conference breakfast (often involving too many of Cesar’s favorite sausages and the much needed cup of caffeine). We are lucky enough to integrate ourselves with all the delegates as they overcome the morning hours, and it is often in the dining commons that so much of the magic of this conference is experienced.
There is a famous quote that says “It is better to listen in order to understand, than to listen in order to reply” and breakfast (and the other meals too!) is the where we live out these wise words. The writers of today’s blog had the privilege of listening to the Bishop of Panama, and the Priests of Pakistan and Malawi. The Rt. Rev. Julio Murray, Bishop of Panama, was eager to share his feelings on life in his country, especially after the exit of the Americans. He explained that now his country is whole, because it is no longer divided by the Canal Zone. As a result of this wholeness, his country is gathering prosperity, ready to move in a forward direction to achieve the MDGs. I could feel the pride that he had for his country, which has inspired me to look for ways that I can rein in America’s overreaching affect on the globe.
The Pakistani priests were an inspirational group. Somehow maintaining an Anglican tradition, church, and interfaith community under such difficult circumstances. With the “War on Terror” focused so heavily on their region, the devastating earthquake of last year, the Anglican presence being so in the minority (3% of Pakistan is Anglican) and implicitly tied to the West, their work toward the MDGs is probably the most serious of up hill challenges. Reeba Muzzam shared her stories, successes, challenges, concerns, and fears. I was overwhelmed by her honesty, energy, and above all, hope.
After breakfast, the day was a big change for the group. We piled onto a bus and left the ‘compound’ that we shelter in, to get an interactive taste of the Gauteng province. As in many adventures, emergency toilet stops and course corrections were required before we reached the humble town of Kilpgat (just outside of Pretoria). We were blessed to visit the Tumelong Haven, which is a centre for HIV/AIDS infected and affected (parental death from AIDS) children. On a daily basis, 75 children attend the center that the delightful Christanah runs as result of funds from the European Union and Catholic Relief Services. Our mere presence elicited a feast of smiling faces and energetic children who were excited to have new people to play with (most notably these people’s digital cameras). As seems to be custom in South Africa, the singing was inspiring, the energy unfathomable, and the hope was clearly tangible in these most despairing circumstances.
A small breakout group was also able to visit the adjacent hospice. The visit was led by a passionate gentleman who believes in his calling to assist these families and individuals in their remaining months of life. The center aims to be a palliative clinic providing medicine, comfort and social service. For many this was our first experience in this kind of setting. It was reassuring to know that irrespective of the patient’s income that the community is there for these people. Unfortunately, the reality of the world is hitting them and the people of the center are unsure of its future past June due to the costs related to the program ($286K a year). This was deeply disturbing and we pray that as in the past, they are able to locate the required funds.
Our final journey of the day took us to Tumelong Youth Mission. This is an institute that we were led to believe works with troubled youth in the community. Providing a space, and constructive program to aid them in their growth and communication. Woody Allen once said, “80% of life is just showing up.” Today we feel that we really showed up! The interaction with the individuals was truly unbelievable. Surprisingly, the “troubled youth” treated us to an energetic African dance and song. In addition, a delicious meal was provided to us privileged guests. Everyone must have their own story from this experience, but comment that stands out came from the 20 year old boy called Kobala. He said “I am so excited that you have come here. When I heard about your visit yesterday, I was really excited, so much so I couldn’t sleep last night. Just you being here makes a large difference in our lives”.
The amazing experience was topped off by the truly joyous, funny, and entertaining musical dancing. From our own Alabama ‘Going Bananas’ to African ‘Pirates’ everyone was smiling, laughing, perspiring (it was 85 degrees!) and truly enriched. A wonderful experience that few wanted to leave behind.
To round off this blog, there appears to be one word that integrates our experiences and is so evident in the African culture and community that we are experiencing. That word is ‘Hope’. The word is powerful, sustainable, and it is clearly apparent in the smiles of young ones to the efforts of the MDGs. Martin Luther King said, “Everything that is done in the world is done by hope” and we don’t think we can put ‘Hope’ into context any better.
General Conference comment from Cesar Francisco from Mozambique.
“Every thing starts by believing”
The best thing I have learned in this conference comes from the word “believe.” I say it because I agree 100% with it. I think if we have any future plan that we are seeking, we must believe in it 100%. If we think negatively, we have perhaps 15% of a chance to find it and if we think positively, probably we have 80% of chances to do it. I’ll close this explanation giving 2 examples:
- If we believe that we are able to do the MDGs we can find achieve their goals;
- If the children of Pretoria (who have so little food in their homes) believe that the future will be better maybe, their future would be promised to them.
From blogger and fellow pilgrim Will Scott
After breakfast our group gathered together in a large bus to visit Tumelong Mission - where the Pilgrimage for Peace participants (joined by Anglican Student Federation members, and young people from the St. Alban's Cathedral in Pretoria and Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation's Mike Kidman, Alex Baumgarten from the Episcopal Policy Network Washington National Cathedral's Eugene Sutton) visited a daycare center for young children affected and infected by HIV/AIDS and a hospice for those dying of the disease. The children welcomed us warmly in song and were excited to have their photos taken with digital cameras in which they could immediately see themselves on a tiny screen. One wishes that the eradication of poverty and disease could happen so instantaneously. I was deeply touched by our time there and hope that when I return to the United States that a relationship with these places of healing, hope, and compassion may continue.
Our group then visited Bokamoso Life Centre where we had lunch with a large group of young people who welcomed us warmly in song and dance. During the meal, I talked with three young people who shared with me their passion for poetry, dancing, singing and drama. Each conveyed to me tremendous hope about the future and pride in the emerging South Africa. When we talked about matters of sexuality, each reminded me that South Africa allows gay marriage in their constitution. Following the meal for well over an hour we played some wonderful games together, sang and danced ---
There is so much to say yet I am not sure that words can express fully the profound gift this time of witness truly was for all of us. Life transforming, global community forming and hope proclaiming. There is much serious, hard work to be done and precious times like these will help sustain us for the long haul.
Will Hocker, Gweveta Smith, and Liz White
Breakfast started around 6:30 a.m. and half of the pilgrims were up and ready to start the day! I think it had something to do with the time difference. As the day began the remaining of the pilgrims were up and very well rested. I was very interested to know what was on the agenda for today. Later during the day we got a chance to go to the mall, then we ate lunch as a group at RawHide, the food was kind of bland, but it was good. After lunch, we waited in the lobby for our transportation to arrive; it took forever! Well after waiting Bishop Marc Andrus informed us, we had more time than expected, so we could go to our rooms and rest. The day seemed like it was going to be very long and tiresome, but who knows what was going to take place throughout the day.
Tonight the festivities officially began with a Eucharist at All Souls Church in the township of Tsakane. With the church packed, we spilled out to tents set up around the parish yard and we celebrated a liturgy filled with the Holy Spirit. The air was thick with absolutely incredible music as the sun set in the background. Njonkongkulu Ndungane, Archbishop of Cape Town, celebrated over our holy meal and Archbishop Rowan Williams preached a sermon reminding us to not let one lamb stray.
Following Eucharist the good people of All Souls Parish welcomed us with open arms and a delicious home cooked dinner. We ate and drank in good cheer, sitting at tables with people from Malawi, Kenya, Namibia, Burundi, Pakistan, Japan, the Philippines, and with relative locals from Cape Town and Johannesburg. As women served us their families’ favorite recipes; fried fish, samp, mixed veg, and mealy-meal, they asked our blessings on them as well; “remember me with my beef stew.”
With a beginning like this, there is no telling how wonderful this week will be!
