One for the Road

First and foremost, the long-awaited list of Australian beer highlights:
*Pure Blonde
*James Squire Amber
*Fat Yak
*James Squire Golden Ale

And, the equally noble list of our Favorite Aussie Phrases:
*You're better off going for a wander
*I want you to have a think about it
*Please make welcome our next speaker
*I'll be back in a tick
*Let's meet up for brekkie (breakfast, of course)
*We'll throw some snags on the barbie (meat on the BBQ)
*Actually, our group is pretty pissweak

Truth be told, there were so many more, but we couldn't understand half of what these people said to us! As they say: "English is the common language that divides us."

Well, my friends, we just packed up our room and are preparing ourselves to head home. It's very bittersweet, I tell you. I miss J and K soooo much and I can't even wait to be with them again! Our lives back home are incredibly full and blessed and wonderful.... and.... it's really hard to leave here. We have become so at home in this city, in this setting, on this land. Outside the Parliament, we enjoyed walking, sight-seeing, eating, biking, and walking some more.

Within the Parliament, we reveled in an experience of global diversity and solidarity like nothing we've ever experienced. We had serious conversations with people from India, Egypt, Germany, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago, Kuwait, the UK, and Somalia. We heard presenters from Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, France, Scotland, Japan, and so many more. We were surrounded by beautiful people in religious and cultural dress from religions and regions all over the world. Each day was an immersion in learning and sharing and opening of hearts and minds.

There have been a million pertinent lessons for my work (thankfully, since they are the ones who paid for me to come here!). Some of the most memorable and applicable sessions were specifically focused on interfaith work of university chaplains! I heard about many great models, insights and opportunities. I connected to a national and international network of university interfaith chaplains.

At all times, I was aware of the lessons that apply to the impending Interfaith Understanding Conference that Nazareth will host in April. My positive experiences - and critiques - of the Parliament have led me to create a big list of "what to do at IUC" and "what not to do at IUC." One thing I know for sure, we have a TON of work to do between now and April to get ready for our event. The five of us from Rochester (Shafiq, Denise Yarborough, Allison Stokes, Mike and I) rallied a LOT of interest in our Rochester conference - including students from Somalia, UK and Australia.

On a personal level, wow, I don't even know where to begin. I feel so enriched by the experiences of people from other faiths and cultures. I have such a bigger perspective on everything. I can close my eyes and remember how it felt to do yoga and dance beside people I've never met. I can hear Dalai Lama's sweeeet voice. I can remember the urgent call for change in our world. I can see the colorful dances from Indian youth. I can hear the music of the aboriginal people. I can feel the solidarity of our whole human family, united in the microcosm known as the Parliament of the World's Religions. I feel wonder. And peace. And hope.

THANKS to all of you who have supported our family (through child care, emails and simply reading our blog) while we have been away. We are excited to come home sweet home to you ~ enriched and rejuvinated.

Love,
~Lynne