As some of you know, I had an incredibly hard time adjusting to life at Notre Dame last year. Having found a place where I finally felt I fit in in Minnesota I resisted the move to Indiana with so much of my being. Every day on campus I felt oceans away from everyone I loved and the community I belonged to. Every day I wasn't near the lakes or the city I reminded myself "I purposely decided against Notre Dame in undergrad because of its location, how did I end up here?" And I struggled to understand how I was going to take this education and turn it into a career when, for the first time in my life, I was at a total loss as to what I wanted to do next.
I realized at the end of my first year of graduate school what I had done. I had squandered the precious time I had with amazing classmates, a healthy stress level, and a beautiful city in its own right by my negative attitude. Most of all, I let my emotions take over the opportunity I had before me to attend the prestigious Institute I had been dying to attend since my Junior year of undergrad, the one whose acceptance letter brought me so much joy that I couldn't help but tear up.
When it came to leave for the Philippines I knew of course it would be hard to tear myself away once again from the man, city, and friends I love. But I was determined to have a better attitude this time around. I had been waiting for this field experience for years now, it was my chance to make up for not studying abroad in undergrad and to put my peace education into practice. It was my chance to learn who I am as a peacebuilder. I was not going to let this experience go to waste.
So, now that I am more than halfway through, how has it been going? It hasn't been perfect, I've struggled a bit with finding my place here, figuring out what I am doing at work, or with my research. I've struggled just figuring my way around the city! But I have gained some insight as to my place in this field of peacebuilding. Generally, I am attracted to peacebuilding that marries local, grassroots, relationship building with advocacy and nonviolent activism. Besides this, however, I haven't had a very clear idea of where I was going with this whole peace passion of mine. How do I translate my conviction into practice and employment? Moreover, upon arriving at Notre Dame I let my fire for peace be quenched even more. I was overwhelmed by the international diversity of my group. What did I, a privileged white American, have to say to people who have lived through and been victimized by conflict in their own countries?
I eventually came to the understanding that all people have experiences of war and conflict. My experience of war is characterized by close relationships with multiple military people and my involvement in peace activism. Other people's experience of war may be watching the news for 5 minutes and then flipping the channel to TMZ. All these experiences are necessary to understand, or us peacebuilders will never be able to engage all different types of people in promoting conflict transformation.
While I had these opinions, as well as others, to express, I spent the whole year keeping it bottled inside. I let my privilege trap me. I still felt that as an American I had nothing to say -- my country had said more than enough. I came to the conclusion by the end of the year that outsiders really couldn't contribute much to peacebuilding; who am I to tell an Iraqi or Mexican how to solve conflict in their country, particularly when my country contributed to it!
Being in the Philippines, however, has both changed my mind and empowered me to take back my voice again. First, I have seen how those involved in a conflict can become so stuck in it that they need an outsider to offer a new idea or insight. On the other hand, an outsider can never attain the sort of understanding of the conflict, culture, and country that an insider has. Therefore outsiders have to learn to walk the delicate line between respecting a culture not their own while challenging it to try something different. Either way, both insiders and outsiders are needed at the peacebuilding table to ensure the peace process is benefiting from a wide array of opinions and options.
Second, I've had moments here where I have realized, "you can say something!" I am so shy to speak sometimes in large groups and I over-analyze what I will say, wondering whether it is relevant or eloquent. But lately I've been realizing -- stop worrying, just say it! Part of this has come from the fact that many Filipinos have expressed their frustration with American policy with me. I have to say something in these instances. I try to express with sincerity my understanding and apologies to these people. I've realized that while here in the Philippines I may do some research or help with awareness events or peacebuilding trainings, but my greatest role as a peacebuilder in these six months is to impress upon the wounded people of Mindanao that an American listened, apologized, and stood in solidarity with them.
So, all that being said, I still am not exactly sure what direction I might take career wise, but at least I have gotten a bit further with some self-revelation!
I've also learned something else quite important from my time in the Philippines -- I've learned to chill out. Life in the Philippines is slow, playful, and light-hearted. For an East Coast-raised American, this is both a wonderful change of pace and a challenge. I don't think my stress level has ever been this low since I was a teenager. I've started to not plan every second of my day and...gasp...I am even late to meetings some times (I still end up being early Filipino-time though)! On the other hand, I do still get frustrated by how slowly some of my work moves forward. But I am continually challenging myself to find the balance, between slowly, but thoroughly and cooperatively, moving work forward, while also advocating for things that just need to get done.
The next two months and two weeks are going to fly by. I have an upcoming trip to Boracay for R&R with my workplace, continued research for myself, for my internship, and with another organization I've started working with on the side, David comes in three weeks and we are off to visit Manila for one, then the Mindanao Week of Peace is upon us, and then I have two weeks to wrap everything up and head home. The speed at which I see my weeks flipping by on the calendar is overwhelming. But my advisor recently reminded me of advice he gave me before I left, "you will probably understand what you should be doing for your field experience when you are about to leave, this is normal." This is reassuring, my time in the field is really meant just to give me a smattering of experiences. And I can't deny that I am being exposed to a deeply rich smattering of experiences.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
A Country at the Crossroads
This summer I read Eat, Pray, Love (and I wish the movie would hurry up and premiere in the Philippines!!!) and I’ve thought back to a certain part of it during my time here in Davao. Gilbert writes how the essence of each city can be summed up in one word. If I remember correctly Rome is summed up with the word "sex." I’ve been thinking about this during my time in the Philippines and the best I've got so far as to the word I would use to sum up Davao is "Durian."
In terms of Mindanao (and perhaps all of the Philippines, but I couldn’t say) I would use a word like “crossroads” or “liminal” or “in-between,” maybe “confused.” There is this constant tension here between the conservative and the progressive, the desire to be Western, but also to unearth indigenous traditions; the desire to develop, but maintain its Filipino character. Here is an example: abortion, divorce, and gay marriage are all illegal in the Philippines. The rate of premarital sex is extremely low compared to the U.S. Overall, the country is quite sexually conservative, but cross dressers and flamboyant gay men are a staple of TV entertainment here. In the mosque we went to in Zamboanga there were a few biologically male youth who identified themselves as women who participated in our breaking of the fast. They sat on the female side of the mosque, and the youth all generally accepted them. To me this shows the sort of mash up there is here of conservative and progressive -- the older traditions being pockmarked with modern ideas and global trends.
Personally, I think it is important for Mindanao to maintain its traditions and indigenous culture, but I would also like to see it progress on issues such as anti-corruption in governance and gender equality. But I wonder, is this possible? Has a developing country ever been able to hold onto its culture, avoid Westernization, and have progressive policies? Or does the intention to preserve the culture of a place always succumb to the force of multinational corporations and their destructive policies? Can a traditional culture reformulate itself to hold onto the essence of the tradition while respecting liberal gender norms? In other words, how can a society bring its traditions and cultural beliefs into the modern day? I will be very interested to revisit Mindanao and the Philippines in a few decades to see which paths it chose (or was forced) to follow.
In terms of Mindanao (and perhaps all of the Philippines, but I couldn’t say) I would use a word like “crossroads” or “liminal” or “in-between,” maybe “confused.” There is this constant tension here between the conservative and the progressive, the desire to be Western, but also to unearth indigenous traditions; the desire to develop, but maintain its Filipino character. Here is an example: abortion, divorce, and gay marriage are all illegal in the Philippines. The rate of premarital sex is extremely low compared to the U.S. Overall, the country is quite sexually conservative, but cross dressers and flamboyant gay men are a staple of TV entertainment here. In the mosque we went to in Zamboanga there were a few biologically male youth who identified themselves as women who participated in our breaking of the fast. They sat on the female side of the mosque, and the youth all generally accepted them. To me this shows the sort of mash up there is here of conservative and progressive -- the older traditions being pockmarked with modern ideas and global trends.
Personally, I think it is important for Mindanao to maintain its traditions and indigenous culture, but I would also like to see it progress on issues such as anti-corruption in governance and gender equality. But I wonder, is this possible? Has a developing country ever been able to hold onto its culture, avoid Westernization, and have progressive policies? Or does the intention to preserve the culture of a place always succumb to the force of multinational corporations and their destructive policies? Can a traditional culture reformulate itself to hold onto the essence of the tradition while respecting liberal gender norms? In other words, how can a society bring its traditions and cultural beliefs into the modern day? I will be very interested to revisit Mindanao and the Philippines in a few decades to see which paths it chose (or was forced) to follow.
Creation Spirituality
Recently I have been desperately missing autumn. As I hear reports of the temperature dropping in Minnesota and I see my friends’ facebook statuses about canning goods from the farmer’s market, my heart is a bit sad. I knew I would feel this way when I realized I would be in the Philippines for the harvest many months ago. But now that I’m in it I’ve been wondering, “why is the harvest and autumn and canning so important to me?”
When I was growing up my family vacations were either to visit my Grandma, who lived near a quiet, calm beach, or to the beautiful North Carolina Appalachian mountains. As I got older, trips to visit Grandma and dig my toes into the familiar sand became a sweet homecoming. My soul felt lighter near the sea. I also craved mountain trips and lamented that I never seemed to fit in enough hiking and camping each year. Even in my conservative Catholic days I always felt as though I was more in touch with God in nature than in Eucharistic adoration.
In college when I studied theology I learned of the principal of Catholic social teaching, "Stewardship of God's Creation." When I interned with the Conference of Catholic Bishops I was impressed by the Bishops’ campaign to impress upon Catholics in the U.S. the need to be stewards of the earth. As I progressed further in my theology classes I began reading eco-feminist theology. I learned how the previous Catholic teaching of dominion over the earth (hearkening back to Adam naming the animals in Genesis) formed part of the thinking of the time that allowed for men to destroy the environment for capital and development. This domination of the environment was distinctly wrapped up in the domination of women as well, since pre-modern ideas regarding femininity were associated with the earth. Some of these eco-feminists argued that stewardship, while a step forward from dominion, was still not an appropriate relationship of humans with the earth. Stewardship still allowed for a relationship in which humans were “over” the earth. Communion with the earth, described as complete equality with the earth, should be the relationship humans strive to have with creation. This sort of relationship is the most morally responsible, these eco-feminist theologians argued. (If you are interested in this theology a good place to start is by reading some works of Rosemary Radford Ruether.)
With this background I began my volunteer year with the Sisters of St. Joseph. Sustainability was one of the core tenets of the St. Joseph Worker program. To practice this principle we learned a myriad of ways to live sustainable lives. Here I learned “if its yellow let it mellow, if its brown flush it down,” I learned what diva cups are, I learned how to freeze and can food, and I tried my hand at making my own cheese. I began biking as much as possible, instead of driving a car, shopping at the co-op and the farmer’s market, and taking care of two gardens come spring. My roommates and I attended Nordic prayer services at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, where we sang, “creation waits with eager longing” as we waited for the snow to thaw and for spring to bloom. I started reading books like Animal, Vegetable, Miracle and Dance of the Dissident Daughter – books that in different ways explored the eco-feminist ideas I had been learning about in the classroom. I also read the phenomenal book about Celtic creation spirituality, Christ of the Celts by J. Philip Newell. Together with Jesus Against Christianity (a book about the historical, radical, nonviolent Jesus) by Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer, I stated then that these two books summarized my faith.
This is all to say that looking back on it I spent that year seriously inculcating my life with a sort of creation, eco-feminist spirituality. I didn’t realize all the “earthiness” I had spent that year doing until I wondered why it was so hard to go this year without canning and welcoming the harvest. When I say a little part of my soul dies with everyday that I don’t work in the garden or can a vegetable, I’m not exaggerating too much. Gardening, canning, biking have all become important rituals in my life that are ways in which I express my appreciation for the earth and my communion with it. Here in the Philippines I bought plants for the house, since I know I can’t live without something green to take care of and I try to live as sustainably as possible – keeping the A/C off when its bearable, buying from the market instead of the grocery store, taking the jeepneys instead of cabs, etc. It was important to me to learn how to live sustainably here as soon as possible, because I realize now, looking back on my life, that these practices are my form of prayer. I may not go to mass every Sunday but I try not to shirk from my responsibility to turn lights off and conserve water. These small actions are how I say “thank you God for making this beautiful earth, I promise to be an integral part of it and respect it.”
The political debate on environmentalism is important and has a place. And it is important for me to be aware of this debate and the points on either side in order to engage the debate as a responsible citizen who doesn’t want to see the planet explode from overheating. And I do turn off lights and conserve water because I think every bit matters, and if every one did these things it would make a big difference. I do eat organic because I want to increase the demand so as to drive down prices to make it more affordable for everyone. I do buy from the local farmer’s market as much as possible instead of the grocery store, because even if it isn’t organic, it is important to weigh the environmental impact of hauling food around the world to stock grocery stores. But I’m also not going to force these practices on any one; I’m not an extremist about it. And I am in no way perfect either – I take long showers sometimes, I enjoy certain processed chocolately foods, and I am sure I waste water since I am a little OCD about washing my clothes well. But what I am is a person whose soul needs to constantly feel in deep communion with the earth by trying my best to infuse my day with expressions of thankfulness for the bounty she provides to sustain life.
My prayer is a switched off light, a dig in the dirt, a turn of bike pedals, and a juicy homegrown cherry tomato.
Taken from: http://tinyfarmblog.com/cherry-tomatoes/
When I was growing up my family vacations were either to visit my Grandma, who lived near a quiet, calm beach, or to the beautiful North Carolina Appalachian mountains. As I got older, trips to visit Grandma and dig my toes into the familiar sand became a sweet homecoming. My soul felt lighter near the sea. I also craved mountain trips and lamented that I never seemed to fit in enough hiking and camping each year. Even in my conservative Catholic days I always felt as though I was more in touch with God in nature than in Eucharistic adoration.
In college when I studied theology I learned of the principal of Catholic social teaching, "Stewardship of God's Creation." When I interned with the Conference of Catholic Bishops I was impressed by the Bishops’ campaign to impress upon Catholics in the U.S. the need to be stewards of the earth. As I progressed further in my theology classes I began reading eco-feminist theology. I learned how the previous Catholic teaching of dominion over the earth (hearkening back to Adam naming the animals in Genesis) formed part of the thinking of the time that allowed for men to destroy the environment for capital and development. This domination of the environment was distinctly wrapped up in the domination of women as well, since pre-modern ideas regarding femininity were associated with the earth. Some of these eco-feminists argued that stewardship, while a step forward from dominion, was still not an appropriate relationship of humans with the earth. Stewardship still allowed for a relationship in which humans were “over” the earth. Communion with the earth, described as complete equality with the earth, should be the relationship humans strive to have with creation. This sort of relationship is the most morally responsible, these eco-feminist theologians argued. (If you are interested in this theology a good place to start is by reading some works of Rosemary Radford Ruether.)
With this background I began my volunteer year with the Sisters of St. Joseph. Sustainability was one of the core tenets of the St. Joseph Worker program. To practice this principle we learned a myriad of ways to live sustainable lives. Here I learned “if its yellow let it mellow, if its brown flush it down,” I learned what diva cups are, I learned how to freeze and can food, and I tried my hand at making my own cheese. I began biking as much as possible, instead of driving a car, shopping at the co-op and the farmer’s market, and taking care of two gardens come spring. My roommates and I attended Nordic prayer services at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, where we sang, “creation waits with eager longing” as we waited for the snow to thaw and for spring to bloom. I started reading books like Animal, Vegetable, Miracle and Dance of the Dissident Daughter – books that in different ways explored the eco-feminist ideas I had been learning about in the classroom. I also read the phenomenal book about Celtic creation spirituality, Christ of the Celts by J. Philip Newell. Together with Jesus Against Christianity (a book about the historical, radical, nonviolent Jesus) by Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer, I stated then that these two books summarized my faith.
This is all to say that looking back on it I spent that year seriously inculcating my life with a sort of creation, eco-feminist spirituality. I didn’t realize all the “earthiness” I had spent that year doing until I wondered why it was so hard to go this year without canning and welcoming the harvest. When I say a little part of my soul dies with everyday that I don’t work in the garden or can a vegetable, I’m not exaggerating too much. Gardening, canning, biking have all become important rituals in my life that are ways in which I express my appreciation for the earth and my communion with it. Here in the Philippines I bought plants for the house, since I know I can’t live without something green to take care of and I try to live as sustainably as possible – keeping the A/C off when its bearable, buying from the market instead of the grocery store, taking the jeepneys instead of cabs, etc. It was important to me to learn how to live sustainably here as soon as possible, because I realize now, looking back on my life, that these practices are my form of prayer. I may not go to mass every Sunday but I try not to shirk from my responsibility to turn lights off and conserve water. These small actions are how I say “thank you God for making this beautiful earth, I promise to be an integral part of it and respect it.”
The political debate on environmentalism is important and has a place. And it is important for me to be aware of this debate and the points on either side in order to engage the debate as a responsible citizen who doesn’t want to see the planet explode from overheating. And I do turn off lights and conserve water because I think every bit matters, and if every one did these things it would make a big difference. I do eat organic because I want to increase the demand so as to drive down prices to make it more affordable for everyone. I do buy from the local farmer’s market as much as possible instead of the grocery store, because even if it isn’t organic, it is important to weigh the environmental impact of hauling food around the world to stock grocery stores. But I’m also not going to force these practices on any one; I’m not an extremist about it. And I am in no way perfect either – I take long showers sometimes, I enjoy certain processed chocolately foods, and I am sure I waste water since I am a little OCD about washing my clothes well. But what I am is a person whose soul needs to constantly feel in deep communion with the earth by trying my best to infuse my day with expressions of thankfulness for the bounty she provides to sustain life.
My prayer is a switched off light, a dig in the dirt, a turn of bike pedals, and a juicy homegrown cherry tomato.
Taken from: http://tinyfarmblog.com/cherry-tomatoes/My Trip to Zamboanga, Part 2: The Research!
As I mentioned below the main part of my trip to Zamboanga was focused on my research. For any of you interested in how that’s going, read on!
I don’t know if I mentioned it before, but I am doing research for my Master’s on the use of interfaith rituals as a form of grassroots peacebuilding. I want to learn how these rituals are used, why, with what effect, and how they can be improved to build even more peace. From what I have learned so far interfaith rituals are a popular and often used tool for grassroots peacebuilding in the Mindanao context. Many of my interviewees stated that interfaith rituals help the participants realize they worship one God and share many commonalities among their religions. Interreligious dialogue, in general, allows for a space in which Muslims, Christians, and Indigenous Peoples can learn about each other and break down prejudice and biases. Interfaith rituals help this process in particular because they have a mystical quality to them; many have said there is just something there that brings together the participants. It also seems to me that interfaith rituals are quick and easy proof that the tri-people can do something together. Interfaith dialogue can sometimes be all talk about respect, collaboration, and peace, but an interfaith ritual can easily, quickly, and meaningfully put this talk into practice (working on a social action event, for example, while also meaningful proof of collaboration and respect takes much more time, work, and investment than a ritual like spontaneous prayer).
However, my interviews have also raised a ton of questions for me. There were uncomfortable moments during my interviews and focus groups discussions in which people stepped on each other’s toes and upset someone from another faith tradition. Sometimes it seemed to me that some of my interviewees didn’t have a deep understanding of the faith tradition of others, even though they had been heavily involved in interreligious dialogue. Many interviewees also told me that they do not participate in the rituals of other’s religion, but only observe. Only Muslims could actually participate in Muslim rituals and vice versa with Christians. It became obvious that many are only comfortable with interreligious dialogue if a strict divide is maintained between the religions.
Now I am at the stage of trying to formulate my questions and figure out where to go next. First, there is a question over depth of dialogue. I was a little upset by the lack of understanding some interviewees had of each other’s faith traditions. Is a deep understanding necessary though? Do they need to have deep knowledge of each other’s doctrine and practices, or is the fact that they sit together and are tolerant of one another the main goal? Is tolerance and respect all that is needed for peace here in Mindanao, or should interreligious dialogue progress to try to attain something deeper? And how do I even begin to judge the level of “depth” of dialogue?
I am also struck by the use of the word “participate.” What does it mean to “participate” in the rituals of another faith? Is merely witnessing a form of participating? Is it participating if you are present at the ritual and pray to your own God during this time? But everyone told me that they believed everyone shared the same God, so if we all have the same God, why can people not actively participate in each other’s rituals? How does this issue of participation affect peacebuilding? Does the level of participation engaged in by the participants affect the amount of peace built from this experience? Or again, is just getting the tri-people to sit together at a ritual, regardless of how participation is interpreted, what brings about peace? Many said that interreligious dialogue bridges gaps among the tri-people, but which gaps are being bridged if the tri-people want to maintain separate in some ways? What separation is necessary to overcome for peace and what is okay to live with for the sake of protecting one’s culture and traditions?
Lastly, everyone answers that interreligious dialogue helps bring together Muslims, Christians, and Indigenous, but I want to dig deeper as to why. Why is interreligious dialogue or rituals any better or worse a peacebuilding tool than any other strategy? What does it uniquely have to offer, if anything, and why?
Throughout all this I’m also still learning how to be a better researcher. How do I rephrase questions that aren’t clear? Where is the line in using leading questions? When should I ask further questions of an interviewee and when should I simply interpret the interviewees questions based on my own background research and opinion?
Anyone have some answers or advice for me? :)
I don’t know if I mentioned it before, but I am doing research for my Master’s on the use of interfaith rituals as a form of grassroots peacebuilding. I want to learn how these rituals are used, why, with what effect, and how they can be improved to build even more peace. From what I have learned so far interfaith rituals are a popular and often used tool for grassroots peacebuilding in the Mindanao context. Many of my interviewees stated that interfaith rituals help the participants realize they worship one God and share many commonalities among their religions. Interreligious dialogue, in general, allows for a space in which Muslims, Christians, and Indigenous Peoples can learn about each other and break down prejudice and biases. Interfaith rituals help this process in particular because they have a mystical quality to them; many have said there is just something there that brings together the participants. It also seems to me that interfaith rituals are quick and easy proof that the tri-people can do something together. Interfaith dialogue can sometimes be all talk about respect, collaboration, and peace, but an interfaith ritual can easily, quickly, and meaningfully put this talk into practice (working on a social action event, for example, while also meaningful proof of collaboration and respect takes much more time, work, and investment than a ritual like spontaneous prayer).
However, my interviews have also raised a ton of questions for me. There were uncomfortable moments during my interviews and focus groups discussions in which people stepped on each other’s toes and upset someone from another faith tradition. Sometimes it seemed to me that some of my interviewees didn’t have a deep understanding of the faith tradition of others, even though they had been heavily involved in interreligious dialogue. Many interviewees also told me that they do not participate in the rituals of other’s religion, but only observe. Only Muslims could actually participate in Muslim rituals and vice versa with Christians. It became obvious that many are only comfortable with interreligious dialogue if a strict divide is maintained between the religions.
Now I am at the stage of trying to formulate my questions and figure out where to go next. First, there is a question over depth of dialogue. I was a little upset by the lack of understanding some interviewees had of each other’s faith traditions. Is a deep understanding necessary though? Do they need to have deep knowledge of each other’s doctrine and practices, or is the fact that they sit together and are tolerant of one another the main goal? Is tolerance and respect all that is needed for peace here in Mindanao, or should interreligious dialogue progress to try to attain something deeper? And how do I even begin to judge the level of “depth” of dialogue?
I am also struck by the use of the word “participate.” What does it mean to “participate” in the rituals of another faith? Is merely witnessing a form of participating? Is it participating if you are present at the ritual and pray to your own God during this time? But everyone told me that they believed everyone shared the same God, so if we all have the same God, why can people not actively participate in each other’s rituals? How does this issue of participation affect peacebuilding? Does the level of participation engaged in by the participants affect the amount of peace built from this experience? Or again, is just getting the tri-people to sit together at a ritual, regardless of how participation is interpreted, what brings about peace? Many said that interreligious dialogue bridges gaps among the tri-people, but which gaps are being bridged if the tri-people want to maintain separate in some ways? What separation is necessary to overcome for peace and what is okay to live with for the sake of protecting one’s culture and traditions?
Lastly, everyone answers that interreligious dialogue helps bring together Muslims, Christians, and Indigenous, but I want to dig deeper as to why. Why is interreligious dialogue or rituals any better or worse a peacebuilding tool than any other strategy? What does it uniquely have to offer, if anything, and why?
Throughout all this I’m also still learning how to be a better researcher. How do I rephrase questions that aren’t clear? Where is the line in using leading questions? When should I ask further questions of an interviewee and when should I simply interpret the interviewees questions based on my own background research and opinion?
Anyone have some answers or advice for me? :)
Monday, September 20, 2010
My Trip to Zamboanga
I still haven't told you about my trip to Zamboanga, and it was a week and a half ago! I've been putting this post off because the trip was so rich and I did so much in such a short time that it has been hard for me to think how to boil this down into one post! I'm just going to go ahead and give it a try!
Just to give some background Zamboanga is located on the Western part of the island. Zamboanga has a bad reputation largely because it has been associated with being victimized by activities of Abu Sayyaf, an extremist organization associated with Al Qaeda that is headquartered on the small islands south of Zamboanga city. Abu Sayyaf has had a past of kidnapping people in Zamboanga, particularly in 2008 when there was a surge of kidnapping of humanitarian workers. Just this past August there was a bombing in the airport over some political issues. The bomb was aimed to kill just one person, which it didn't, it only killed the person carrying the bomb. Lastly, one day before we left 2 Abu Sayyaf members were killed so all Mindanao police were on high alert when we left on our trip. I was a bit nervous, but I was with many people and I trusted these people to not take me anywhere I would be in real danger. Everything ended up being perfectly safe.
Just to give some background Zamboanga is located on the Western part of the island. Zamboanga has a bad reputation largely because it has been associated with being victimized by activities of Abu Sayyaf, an extremist organization associated with Al Qaeda that is headquartered on the small islands south of Zamboanga city. Abu Sayyaf has had a past of kidnapping people in Zamboanga, particularly in 2008 when there was a surge of kidnapping of humanitarian workers. Just this past August there was a bombing in the airport over some political issues. The bomb was aimed to kill just one person, which it didn't, it only killed the person carrying the bomb. Lastly, one day before we left 2 Abu Sayyaf members were killed so all Mindanao police were on high alert when we left on our trip. I was a bit nervous, but I was with many people and I trusted these people to not take me anywhere I would be in real danger. Everything ended up being perfectly safe.
I went on this trip with Catholic Relief Services,
And what a week it was! PAZ organized a week chock full of interviews and focus group discussions and community visits for my research. As exhausting as it was I was able to get an ample amount of information for my research. During the week I interviewed directors of peace institutes at both
Zamboanga is a beautiful city. Largely untouched by tourism and development since many are afraid to travel to this area, the area has kept many original buildings, such as the 16th century Spanish fort and the Spanish town hall. While the area has been preserved a bit because of the conflict (one positive?), it is also much poorer than
The City Hall with Rizal park in the foreground
taken from: http://www.zamboanga.com/html/funsun2.htm
Fort Pilar
Taken from: http://travel.webshots.com/photo/1018401048000101585iwKcMzqinM
The altar at Forth Pilar
Taken from: http://pamelaalfaro.wordpress.com/2007/10/14/que-haces-tu-
en-zamboanga/
The Muslim village of Mariki
Fort Pilar
Taken from: http://travel.webshots.com/photo/1018401048000101585iwKcMzqinM
The altar at Forth Pilar
Taken from: http://pamelaalfaro.wordpress.com/2007/10/14/que-haces-tu-
en-zamboanga/
The Muslim village of Mariki
Taken from: http://kenny-macrohon.blogspot.com/2009_08_01_archive.html
One of the highlights of the trip was the people I was able to meet. The youth we met are amazing and could already have an MA in Peace Studies from Notre Dame about three times over from all the peace camps and peace advocacy they have been engaged in. The staff of PAZ were warm, smart, and passionate about peace. And my interviewees were quite inspiring from the amount of work they had done for peace. Overall, I felt quite inspired and refreshed from my trip to Zamboanga. The warmth and welcome I received from the people there reminded me of the responsibility I have to bring the voices of the people I have encountered in Mindanao back to the
Saturday, September 11, 2010
American Forces in the Philippines
Here in the Philippines there are a number of U.S. military. The Philippines has a "Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA)" with the U.S. From my limited knowledge, one of the main reasons for these forces to be here is to try to contain the spread of influence of the extremist group Abu Sayyaf. This group is based on the islands off of Western Mindanao, in Jolo and Basilan. Wikipedia says they are in Zamboanga as well but I was just there and all the residents swore up and down Abu Sayyaf isn't there (they were also trying to make a good impression though and still wouldn't let us go to places, where in the past, kidnappings of foreigners has occurred).
My initial reaction to learning about the VFA was dislike - I am in peace studies after all! Seriously, though (I don't want to give the impression that all peace studies kids are completely anti-war and hippies like me!), I learned about the VFA while reading a document published by my organization condemning it. I also learned around that time of an incident of a woman being raped by American forces here. I was learning all the negative issues revolving around the VFA.
I hadn't actually seen any U.S. military here until last week when out at a nightclub. I ended up chatting with a U.S. born Filipino in the army. His job in the army is working in the civilian affairs unit. He explained that his mission is purely humanitarian. He told me how he goes into villages and listens and takes notes of what the people there want or are in need of. Then his team goes into action and builds schools or water projects, etc. It was my interpretation that part of the objective of these missions was to engage with Filipinos and improve their lives in the hope of avoiding the infiltration of the influence of Abu Sayyaf. He was a little wary of being judged for his work -- he stated that a few bad apples in the military make everyone look really, really bad. I was really impressed by how genuinely passionate he seemed about helping Filipinos and bringing peace into their lives. We then launched into a conversation about how trained peacebuilders and trained military need to work together, to him we all have the same objective.
And its true, we do need to work together. As far as I can tell, there is a lot of unspoken (and not so unspoken) animosity between some professional peacebuilders and the military. We are often viewed as having antithetical stances. And yes, we do sometimes have antithetical ideas about how we should get to peace and what that peace is supposed to look like. I, myself, am quite a peacenik and like to protest against certain U.S. foreign policies, military structures and the overall culture of militarism in American society. But I really do try to think well of individuals in the military. I have been blessed with one particular amazing friend in my life who is currently serving in Afghanistan and is doing so because she genuinely wants to help and bring peace. She, and the man I met here in the Philippines, continually remind me that as much as I just want to "rage against the machine" sometimes, the world isn't that black and white. There are people in the military who choose their job because they believe this is where they can bring peace to people around the world. Peacebuilders like me could do much better if we learn about the military, its ins and outs, its language, and engage it respectfully. Continual animosity of professional peacebuilders towards the military is neither peaceful nor productive. Through respectful engagement professional peacebuilders and military personnel can challenge each other's ideas, positively influence one another, and refine our strategies to be the best and most peace-loving practitioners we can be.
My initial reaction to learning about the VFA was dislike - I am in peace studies after all! Seriously, though (I don't want to give the impression that all peace studies kids are completely anti-war and hippies like me!), I learned about the VFA while reading a document published by my organization condemning it. I also learned around that time of an incident of a woman being raped by American forces here. I was learning all the negative issues revolving around the VFA.
I hadn't actually seen any U.S. military here until last week when out at a nightclub. I ended up chatting with a U.S. born Filipino in the army. His job in the army is working in the civilian affairs unit. He explained that his mission is purely humanitarian. He told me how he goes into villages and listens and takes notes of what the people there want or are in need of. Then his team goes into action and builds schools or water projects, etc. It was my interpretation that part of the objective of these missions was to engage with Filipinos and improve their lives in the hope of avoiding the infiltration of the influence of Abu Sayyaf. He was a little wary of being judged for his work -- he stated that a few bad apples in the military make everyone look really, really bad. I was really impressed by how genuinely passionate he seemed about helping Filipinos and bringing peace into their lives. We then launched into a conversation about how trained peacebuilders and trained military need to work together, to him we all have the same objective.
And its true, we do need to work together. As far as I can tell, there is a lot of unspoken (and not so unspoken) animosity between some professional peacebuilders and the military. We are often viewed as having antithetical stances. And yes, we do sometimes have antithetical ideas about how we should get to peace and what that peace is supposed to look like. I, myself, am quite a peacenik and like to protest against certain U.S. foreign policies, military structures and the overall culture of militarism in American society. But I really do try to think well of individuals in the military. I have been blessed with one particular amazing friend in my life who is currently serving in Afghanistan and is doing so because she genuinely wants to help and bring peace. She, and the man I met here in the Philippines, continually remind me that as much as I just want to "rage against the machine" sometimes, the world isn't that black and white. There are people in the military who choose their job because they believe this is where they can bring peace to people around the world. Peacebuilders like me could do much better if we learn about the military, its ins and outs, its language, and engage it respectfully. Continual animosity of professional peacebuilders towards the military is neither peaceful nor productive. Through respectful engagement professional peacebuilders and military personnel can challenge each other's ideas, positively influence one another, and refine our strategies to be the best and most peace-loving practitioners we can be.
Praying for Peace
This past week I spent in Zamboanga City, in the western part of Mindanao, conducting research for my future master's paper. I'll be sure to put up a blog post soon about that but I forgot my camera and I want to try to wait for photos of my trip from my new friends.
While I was there, however, I broke the fast with my Muslim friends in a community mosque. My prayer there, of course, was for peace, in Zamboanga, in Mindanao, in relations among Christians and Muslims and beyond. At the Catholic retreat center I stayed in while in Zamboanga I woke every day feeling refreshed and peaceful. I could only thank God for that and pray that people all around the world can feel this same calm. Today, upon my return back to Davao my classmate, Chernor and I, headed to two Chinese temples here, one Buddhist, the other Taoist. I conjured up my World Religions classes in undergrad and gathered inspiration from the "Eighfold Path" and "The Way." I lit incense, kneeled, and made prayers for peace and love across the world, particularly on this September 11th. I hope someone's (or some might say everyone's) God is listening...
The front of the Buddhist temple
Who doesn't love a koi pond!?
The main altar
Another prayer area, where we lit incense
This was one of the beautiful carvings on the wall depicting the
eight major moments of the Buddha's life
The main gate to the Buddhist temple
Another temple!
The main altar in the Taoist temple.
I love the Octagon shape, such nostalgia for
St. Joseph Worker Days at the Dwelling Retreat Center.
There were Tibetan singing bowls at both temples,
but I liked the one in the Tao temple better, is was simple but larger.
I also have such nostalgia for these bowls, here's looking at you Sisters of St. Joseph!
Yes, that is Jesus and his Sacred Heart among the other statues.
On the right side of the altar you can see the caretaker of the temple. Chernor and I chatted that, as much as we love our work, there is something beautiful about leading a life of simple dedication to something like looking after a temple.
Getting some balance in life!
While I was there, however, I broke the fast with my Muslim friends in a community mosque. My prayer there, of course, was for peace, in Zamboanga, in Mindanao, in relations among Christians and Muslims and beyond. At the Catholic retreat center I stayed in while in Zamboanga I woke every day feeling refreshed and peaceful. I could only thank God for that and pray that people all around the world can feel this same calm. Today, upon my return back to Davao my classmate, Chernor and I, headed to two Chinese temples here, one Buddhist, the other Taoist. I conjured up my World Religions classes in undergrad and gathered inspiration from the "Eighfold Path" and "The Way." I lit incense, kneeled, and made prayers for peace and love across the world, particularly on this September 11th. I hope someone's (or some might say everyone's) God is listening...
The front of the Buddhist temple
Who doesn't love a koi pond!?
The main altar
Another prayer area, where we lit incense
This was one of the beautiful carvings on the wall depicting theeight major moments of the Buddha's life
The main gate to the Buddhist temple
Another temple!
The main altar in the Taoist temple.I love the Octagon shape, such nostalgia for
St. Joseph Worker Days at the Dwelling Retreat Center.
There were Tibetan singing bowls at both temples,but I liked the one in the Tao temple better, is was simple but larger.
I also have such nostalgia for these bowls, here's looking at you Sisters of St. Joseph!
Yes, that is Jesus and his Sacred Heart among the other statues.
On the right side of the altar you can see the caretaker of the temple. Chernor and I chatted that, as much as we love our work, there is something beautiful about leading a life of simple dedication to something like looking after a temple.
Getting some balance in life!Monday, September 6, 2010
On a related note to my previous post I want to talk about a sensitive subject for me here in the Philippines, and maybe solicit some thoughts on this. I wanted to write about it in my last post, but there just wasn’t enough space (I write long enough already, right!?). So the topic for today is American (or white, born in developed countries) men who travel to the Philippines to marry a Filipina. Here in Mindanao if you do see another white person, it is almost always an older white man, anywhere from his 30s-60s, with a Filipina.
I’m just going to own my prejudice here and say I really don’t like it. Having worked with trafficking and domestic violence victims – about half from Southeast Asian countries, I’m extremely uncomfortable with this. I have seen the absolute worst of what can happen in these situations and I worry so much for these women. A few days ago when Chernor and I went out dancing there was this older, slightly overweight, unattractive (by American standards) white man with two young, scantily clad Filipinas grinding on him as he just stood there, drinking his beer, and looking around. I just kind of gave him this look like, “seriously?” I’m really trying not to judge but it is proving quite difficult for me.
On the other hand, I want to support interracial dating – as a few of my friends have been joking for a while now, it could be a good peacebuilding tool! Seriously though, people do just have different preferences for the looks and personalities of their partners. I’ve also done a lot of research on mail-order brides, particularly from the Philippines. Many of these women are educated, self-sufficient and they think they will get more respect and opportunities from a Western, progressive man. They can end up in completely fine and happy partnered relationships. I have friends here who have dated white men, and that doesn’t bother me really at all; I know them, I know they respect themselves, and I hope they wouldn’t let a man disrespect or hurt them.
In the middle are issues regarding feminists from developed countries versus feminists from developing countries. There is a large shift in thinking right now going on within feminism – feminist from developing countries are telling feminists from developed countries, “You don’t know our situation at all, this is not your lived experience, please stop speaking for us!” Who am I to make any judgment at all about any of these Filipinas? I have no idea of their experience. I want to understand that for women here marriage with a man who can provide for you and secure your future is seriously important. That the kind of men who marry abroad won’t only take you home to force you into domestic servitude or pimp you out. I want to understand that there is love too among white men and Filipinas and its not all about money for everyone. And perhaps even if there are financial concerns involved, that that doesn’t take away from the romantic aspect. Or maybe that the romantic aspect isn’t a crucial element of the conception of marriage here. Or maybe it just all depends on the individual.
But I really can’t.
I really don’t understand. In the U.S., as a privileged woman, I can basically do whatever I want in life and be completely financially secure without a man. I can also choose who I want to love and how, free of almost any hindrances. I don't understand, but I want to. I’m glad this shift in thinking is happening within feminism, it is much needed and I think there is much truth to the words of the feminists from developing countries. My hope is that us Western feminists listen up and take notes, and that, slowly, an equal partnership emerges among feminists around the globe – our ideas converge (although we don’t always have to agree), and we learn to support and stand in solidarity with each other, in whatever form that takes.
I’m just going to own my prejudice here and say I really don’t like it. Having worked with trafficking and domestic violence victims – about half from Southeast Asian countries, I’m extremely uncomfortable with this. I have seen the absolute worst of what can happen in these situations and I worry so much for these women. A few days ago when Chernor and I went out dancing there was this older, slightly overweight, unattractive (by American standards) white man with two young, scantily clad Filipinas grinding on him as he just stood there, drinking his beer, and looking around. I just kind of gave him this look like, “seriously?” I’m really trying not to judge but it is proving quite difficult for me.
On the other hand, I want to support interracial dating – as a few of my friends have been joking for a while now, it could be a good peacebuilding tool! Seriously though, people do just have different preferences for the looks and personalities of their partners. I’ve also done a lot of research on mail-order brides, particularly from the Philippines. Many of these women are educated, self-sufficient and they think they will get more respect and opportunities from a Western, progressive man. They can end up in completely fine and happy partnered relationships. I have friends here who have dated white men, and that doesn’t bother me really at all; I know them, I know they respect themselves, and I hope they wouldn’t let a man disrespect or hurt them.
In the middle are issues regarding feminists from developed countries versus feminists from developing countries. There is a large shift in thinking right now going on within feminism – feminist from developing countries are telling feminists from developed countries, “You don’t know our situation at all, this is not your lived experience, please stop speaking for us!” Who am I to make any judgment at all about any of these Filipinas? I have no idea of their experience. I want to understand that for women here marriage with a man who can provide for you and secure your future is seriously important. That the kind of men who marry abroad won’t only take you home to force you into domestic servitude or pimp you out. I want to understand that there is love too among white men and Filipinas and its not all about money for everyone. And perhaps even if there are financial concerns involved, that that doesn’t take away from the romantic aspect. Or maybe that the romantic aspect isn’t a crucial element of the conception of marriage here. Or maybe it just all depends on the individual.
But I really can’t.
I really don’t understand. In the U.S., as a privileged woman, I can basically do whatever I want in life and be completely financially secure without a man. I can also choose who I want to love and how, free of almost any hindrances. I don't understand, but I want to. I’m glad this shift in thinking is happening within feminism, it is much needed and I think there is much truth to the words of the feminists from developing countries. My hope is that us Western feminists listen up and take notes, and that, slowly, an equal partnership emerges among feminists around the globe – our ideas converge (although we don’t always have to agree), and we learn to support and stand in solidarity with each other, in whatever form that takes.
Here in the Philippines I get a lot of attention. My classmate and I both do – we look extremely different than most people here so we easily stand out. In Mindanao, there isn’t a huge presence of foreigners either, so it may not be an everyday occurrence for people to see a white person. (It definitely is not an everyday occurrence for the people here to meet a black man, or anyone from the whole continent of Africa.)
A lot of it is just stares or coy looks but many times I get, from both men and women, “You’re beautiful!” (Yesterday this man from his tractor trailer that he just parked scrambled out of his seat while I was walking by to yell after me “I love you!”) At first the attention was a little much, especially from men. I’m quite protective of myself as a woman, and in a new culture and country you have no idea really what the implications of men calling out to you is, are they harmless or not?
I’ve learned now that most Filipino men are quite harmless and most people here are just playful, and I can be friendly back and say Good Afternoon (no I love you toos though!).
But there is something still bothering me a bit about all this attention. A little part of me feels sad when the women look at me and say “You’re beautiful!” Afterwards, they look down at the the pale skin on my arms. My skin tone, my features, my height, maybe my hair are all viewed as desirable, perhaps exotic features. This comes as quite a shock to me since I’ve been a normal looking American all my life. And in my country Asian women, with soft skin, dark hair, and petite figure are the picture of beauty (and are sometimes quite unfairly exploited for their beauty as well). I try to remember to look at these women who compliment me and remind them “You’re beautiful!”
It’s just so mind boggling to me – concepts of beauty. Where did it all start? How have conceptions of beauty come to evolve so differently in different places all around the world? How come I’m so beautiful here in the Philippines but these women would be God’s gift to men (and women!) in my country? Of course, having conceptions of beauty is fine and natural, but what I don’t like is one-dimensional conceptions of beauty. I’m uncomfortable with beauty being just one version of one type of a person (a person who may never exist in reality) that young girls struggle to attain and have low self-esteem and eating disorders because of this for years. I’m uncomfortable with beauty that comes from an affinity for those who have power and riches in one’s country, those who may look closest to the colonizers, and were thus favored by them accordingly, those who have lighter skin.
We’re human, and our minds work in categories. We simplify things to understand. Understanding beauty is no exception. But our, often limited conceptions of beauty, like all narrow thinking, have serious ramifications. I’m not sure I have any answers to or conclusions to these thoughts; other than I think it is important to cultivate an appreciation of beauty in all people and in all of creation.
On an adorable side note, today we went to a village in Zamboanga in Western Mindanao to celebrate Iftar, the breaking of the fast. There were all these little kids following Chernor and I, staring at us, and one brave soul who just stepped forward and pointed straight at Chernor. Later when we passed them again the little boys (maybe 7 or 8?) said “Hello, American!” I looked at them and said all playful, “How do you know I’m American!?” They just stared at me and smiled like, duh, you look so American! They were so precious!
A lot of it is just stares or coy looks but many times I get, from both men and women, “You’re beautiful!” (Yesterday this man from his tractor trailer that he just parked scrambled out of his seat while I was walking by to yell after me “I love you!”) At first the attention was a little much, especially from men. I’m quite protective of myself as a woman, and in a new culture and country you have no idea really what the implications of men calling out to you is, are they harmless or not?
I’ve learned now that most Filipino men are quite harmless and most people here are just playful, and I can be friendly back and say Good Afternoon (no I love you toos though!).
But there is something still bothering me a bit about all this attention. A little part of me feels sad when the women look at me and say “You’re beautiful!” Afterwards, they look down at the the pale skin on my arms. My skin tone, my features, my height, maybe my hair are all viewed as desirable, perhaps exotic features. This comes as quite a shock to me since I’ve been a normal looking American all my life. And in my country Asian women, with soft skin, dark hair, and petite figure are the picture of beauty (and are sometimes quite unfairly exploited for their beauty as well). I try to remember to look at these women who compliment me and remind them “You’re beautiful!”
It’s just so mind boggling to me – concepts of beauty. Where did it all start? How have conceptions of beauty come to evolve so differently in different places all around the world? How come I’m so beautiful here in the Philippines but these women would be God’s gift to men (and women!) in my country? Of course, having conceptions of beauty is fine and natural, but what I don’t like is one-dimensional conceptions of beauty. I’m uncomfortable with beauty being just one version of one type of a person (a person who may never exist in reality) that young girls struggle to attain and have low self-esteem and eating disorders because of this for years. I’m uncomfortable with beauty that comes from an affinity for those who have power and riches in one’s country, those who may look closest to the colonizers, and were thus favored by them accordingly, those who have lighter skin.
We’re human, and our minds work in categories. We simplify things to understand. Understanding beauty is no exception. But our, often limited conceptions of beauty, like all narrow thinking, have serious ramifications. I’m not sure I have any answers to or conclusions to these thoughts; other than I think it is important to cultivate an appreciation of beauty in all people and in all of creation.
On an adorable side note, today we went to a village in Zamboanga in Western Mindanao to celebrate Iftar, the breaking of the fast. There were all these little kids following Chernor and I, staring at us, and one brave soul who just stepped forward and pointed straight at Chernor. Later when we passed them again the little boys (maybe 7 or 8?) said “Hello, American!” I looked at them and said all playful, “How do you know I’m American!?” They just stared at me and smiled like, duh, you look so American! They were so precious!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Random Weekend Impressions
Again, I have waited quite a while to post, so sorry dear readers! I have quite a few ideas I've been mulling over lately and will for sure get some (hopefully) thought-provoking posts up soon, but until then, here are some thoughts from my weekend.
This weekend I spent by sharing interfaith prayer on Friday, starting scuba diving lessons on Saturday, dancing at night, and having some great conversations with new and not so new friends.
Mostly, I'm having this quite new feeling of being happy to be American. As most of you know I have many, many issues with the U.S. system, politics, and, especially now, our current state of (in)tolerance and (lack of)progressiveness. But there are so many parts of me that are so American I didn't even realize until I spent considerable time here. I don't know if I can even name them. But it is so apparent when I meet other Americans and there is automatically this level of understanding and commonality between us that is lacking in other relationships here. It is truly a privilege to learn from other cultures and have the challenge of relating, but there is nothing like knowing that someone just gets you and where you are from in a place where you are so different. This weekend I met some military men from the U.S. (I'll talk more about them later...) as well as took my scuba diving lesson with U.S. Veterans. I have rarely conversed with Americans since I have arrived here, there aren't a lot of foreigners in general and we try to be cool and not congregate together. It was just really nice to connect with home for a bit. I've felt even a little proud to be American and a little hopeful for our future after speaking with these peace-loving Army men. Things aren't perfect in the U.S., but they aren't anywhere. I have always wanted to make things better in my country, which I just now realize means I love my country. If I hated it I would just move to Canada and not care less...
That being said, however, there are multiple ways you can connect with people. I chatted up my scuba diving instructor more than my American partners because he was way closer to my age and we were talking about the "Davao party scene." Women from any culture I connect with on another level, for example.
I guess that is part of the beauty of humanity, down at our core, we really share something quite unique with one another. When you travel you really get this experience of finding the myriad of ways you can make connections with complete strangers in a new place. And that is something we spoke a lot about at our interfaith prayer -- finding commonalities through difference. Its not like we can only connect among our commonalities, but its a starting point -- and the work of peacebuilders is surely to help those who feel so different and antagonistic towards one another find some way to connect, to share.
I truly love meeting new people and hearing their stories, we often forget to do this in our daily lives, but are forced to when we travel. This post started out with me talking about being American, but I guess I have rambled on to this point -- I have some serious overflowing love for humanity today. I don't know how it happened, but a weekend of prayer, scuba, and dancing somehow reminded me of how beautiful this life, world, and the people in it are.
This weekend I spent by sharing interfaith prayer on Friday, starting scuba diving lessons on Saturday, dancing at night, and having some great conversations with new and not so new friends.
Mostly, I'm having this quite new feeling of being happy to be American. As most of you know I have many, many issues with the U.S. system, politics, and, especially now, our current state of (in)tolerance and (lack of)progressiveness. But there are so many parts of me that are so American I didn't even realize until I spent considerable time here. I don't know if I can even name them. But it is so apparent when I meet other Americans and there is automatically this level of understanding and commonality between us that is lacking in other relationships here. It is truly a privilege to learn from other cultures and have the challenge of relating, but there is nothing like knowing that someone just gets you and where you are from in a place where you are so different. This weekend I met some military men from the U.S. (I'll talk more about them later...) as well as took my scuba diving lesson with U.S. Veterans. I have rarely conversed with Americans since I have arrived here, there aren't a lot of foreigners in general and we try to be cool and not congregate together. It was just really nice to connect with home for a bit. I've felt even a little proud to be American and a little hopeful for our future after speaking with these peace-loving Army men. Things aren't perfect in the U.S., but they aren't anywhere. I have always wanted to make things better in my country, which I just now realize means I love my country. If I hated it I would just move to Canada and not care less...
That being said, however, there are multiple ways you can connect with people. I chatted up my scuba diving instructor more than my American partners because he was way closer to my age and we were talking about the "Davao party scene." Women from any culture I connect with on another level, for example.
I guess that is part of the beauty of humanity, down at our core, we really share something quite unique with one another. When you travel you really get this experience of finding the myriad of ways you can make connections with complete strangers in a new place. And that is something we spoke a lot about at our interfaith prayer -- finding commonalities through difference. Its not like we can only connect among our commonalities, but its a starting point -- and the work of peacebuilders is surely to help those who feel so different and antagonistic towards one another find some way to connect, to share.
I truly love meeting new people and hearing their stories, we often forget to do this in our daily lives, but are forced to when we travel. This post started out with me talking about being American, but I guess I have rambled on to this point -- I have some serious overflowing love for humanity today. I don't know how it happened, but a weekend of prayer, scuba, and dancing somehow reminded me of how beautiful this life, world, and the people in it are.
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