We can’t allow Hicks to be the scapegoat for our lack of courage to have a real conversation

I sit at the table cutting out dozens of white fabric doves for an ordination stole I’m making for a friend who comes from the Mennonite tradition; a tradition rooted in peace and non-violence. The story about the three Chapel Hill students plays in the background on the news - murdered at point blank range – perhaps over a parking dispute, but I can’t help think it’s because of their faith. Following this, the story about Kayla Mueller, the slain hostage held by ISIS.  I start to cry.

I cry because of the disparity. I cry – overwhelmed by the space between these two stories. I cry because this happened in my community. I cry because of the religious intolerance.  I cry because of the young lives lost and all the hope and passion lost with them. I cry out of fear. I cry because I am scared for Muslims in my community and around the world. I cry because it’s sad and senseless and I wonder what the world is coming to. I cry out of despair questioning if we will have the patience, compassion, and courage to talk about three Muslim lives lost.

We don’t know – and we may never know – the gunman’s motivation. Various administrations (Chapel Hill Police, City, and U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina) adamantly maintain that it was over a parking dispute. As someone who has worked in marketing and public relations, I understand their initial position. It is reasoned out of fear of potential violent retaliation.  The goal is to keep people calm.

While I agree with Ripley Rand, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina when he states "Based on all the information that our office and law enforcement have at this time, the events of yesterday are not part of a targeted campaign against Muslims in North Carolina".  I do believe this was an isolated incident by the gunman.

I agree with Abdullah Antepli, director of Muslim affairs at nearby Duke University, who calls for people not to jump to conclusions over the motive for the killing.

However, I cringe when I hear Karen Hicks’ attorney reduce this slaying to a “simple matter …these victims were in the wrong place at the wrong time”. 

I must give a lip quivering “No”!  

While Hicks clearly suffers or suffered from some sort of emotional, mental breakdown – (I don’t believe the average rational person murders people at point blank range over a parking space) this horrific slaying cannot be reduced to anything simple. This loss has nothing to do with three Muslim lives being at the wrong place at the wrong time.  This may be an isolated incident by the gunman but this is not an isolated incident of religious intolerance. [Against Muslims, Jews or any body that has an alternative religious point of view than you] If this were the case – none of us would have sat up at attention – questioning if the murder of three college students had to do with their Muslim identity.

To reduce this murder to a simple misunderstanding; a simple unfortunate instance of circumstance denigrates the lives of three extraordinary humans: Deah Shaddy Barakat, Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha, and Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha.

We can’t allow Hicks to be the scapegoat for our lack of courage to have a real conversation about Islamophobia, religious intolerance, racism, and even spiritual abuse in our country and around the world.

When I think about the thousands who attended the prayer vigil Wednesday evening- who came to share their prayers, their solidarity, their tears, I witness tangible courage that I pray will give way to hard conversations.  I cry with hope.  We can and must do better.

Last moments in this beautiful country....

Im sitting on the veranda of our hotel in Colombo.  It's our last morning in Sri Lanka. Im taking in the sounds and smells of the city.  I hear the Buddhist monks chanting. The sounds of Tuk Tuks buzzing by.  I hear the hotel staff sweep the walk way. Horns honking, birds squaking, people rustling about their day. I could, perhaps be in any city, but I'm not. I am in Sri Lanka which I know from the sweet fragrant air. While the cities are often polluted with smog, one can also catch glimpses of lavender, coriander, and tumric. At one point driving thru the hill country the air smelled like sweet lavender.

On our last day we will visit one of Diane's friends and share about life in the States with her English class! We will finish up our day touring a bit of Colombo and of course, shopping.  We will depart for the airport around 11pm for a 2am flight home.

Diane and I were asking each other what we would miss most about SL. For me, perhaps the newness of discovering a new place; the adventure of the unknown and the beauty of learning about it. I have enjoyed every aspect of this trip- from navigating the train station, meeting new people and the hiking! It's all been wonderful. I was also asked if I would come again- absolutely! I hope I get the chance again. We have not met any Americans on this trip - Diane and I are happy to be SL ambassadors - if you have the chance come! You will love it! I certainly have.

Thanks for your love, prayers and well wishes.  See you home soon!

Elephants, Tea, and seeing the World's End.

You may wondering how we are getting to all our destinations. I shared earlier that we hired a driver to take us from Kilinichchi to Tangalle over a three day period. Having a driver is like being in a Dowtown Abbey episode, except not nearly as regal since we have to navigate our route over broken roads and very few signs.Somehow we manage. The other aspect of having a driver which is surreal is that most major tourist hotels include accommodations for your driver. It's just the way things are done.Being a driver is apparently a good job in SL but I cant help feel uncomfortable with the priYou may wondering how we are getting to all our destinations. I shared earlier that we hired a driver to take us from Kilinichchi to Tangalle over a three day period. Having a driver is like being in a Dowtown Abbey episode, except not nearly as regal since we have to navigate our route over broken roads and very few signs.Somehow we manage. The other aspect of having a driver which is surreal is that most major tourist hotels include accommodations for your driver. It's just the way things are done.Being a driver is apparently a good job in SL but I cant help feel uncomfortable with the privilege

So today, Kajan, our driver, for the most part safely gets us to the elephant orphanage.  Elephants are part of the fabric of this country.  Elephants for the longest time were revered until colonialism and when they started being hunted for their ivory.  They are protected once again but rural farmers tend to not care for the wild elephants as they tend to be a pain when trampling on their crops!

Diane and I visited an Orphanage that gives us an up close and personal look at the elephants. It's a bit controversial because of this but overall it was clear the elephants were well taken care of and this sanctuary provides a point of education and appreciation, as well as a revenue source for the community.  It was amazing to be able to feed, touch and just watch these amazing animals.  The best part was when they move the elephants down to the river for water time!  Because the river is on the other side of the street, there is a huge elephant parade that happens four times a day! (bath time happens twice a day for two hours each) I have a video to share which Ill try to insert into the post of the elephant parade! Once across you can watch them have a grand time!

After our time with the elephants, we hit the road for the hill country and where all the tea plantations are.  I took a few pictures, but they dont do justice to the beauty witnessed.  I would need 50+words for 'green' alone!  Our journey to this part of the country took longer than expected but we stopped for a quick tour and a cup of tea.  From there we headed to Nuwara Eliya, where we stayed in a lovely guest house (think B&B). We also met back up with my new friend, Shanna, whom I met in Colombo. We realized we would be in Nuwara Eliya at the same time so decided to hike World's End at Horton Plains together.

It is a shame it was dark when we arrived as Diane shared it's a cute town. Unfortunately, I didn't see any of it as our departure for hiking was 5:30 AM! I guess Ill have to come again!

We departed for World's End, a 6 mile hike with spectacular views. We left early as it is recommended to hike early to avoid the heat but also to get to World's End before the fog rolls in.  It was a misty and foggy morning.  It wasnt ideal for a hike but we made it that far so might as well hike! While the top of the mountain wasnt clear, it was spectacular!  The other parts of the hike were also brilliant. Shanna said the terrain - moving from plains to rain forest, reminded her of New Zealand. (guess Il have to go see for myself).  We were told we might see leopards. We didn't, but we did her them! An exciting and frightening experience.

After our hike, we dropped Shanna off at the nearest train station and we headed south for Tangalle. While it's only about 150 kilometers from where we hiked to Tangelle, it took about 5 hours.  Between the traffic, poor road system, bad signage and winding roads, traveling just takes longer in SL. We are not in a hurry because all that awaits us is sandy beaches.

So today, Kajan, our driver, for the most part safely gets us to the elephant orphange.  Elephants are part of the fabric of this country.  Elephants for the longest time were revered until colonialism and when they started being hunted for their ivory.  They are protected once again but rural farmers tend to not care for the wild elephants as they tend to be a pain when trampling on their crops!

Diane and I visited an Orphanage that gives us an up close and personal look at the elephants. It's abit controversialbecause of this but overall it was clear the elephants were well taken care of and this sanctzuary provides a point of education and appreciation, as well as a revenue source for the community.  It wasamazing to be able to feed, touch and just watch these amazing animals.  The best part was when they move the elephants down to the river for water time!  Because the river is on the other side of the street, there is a huge elephant parade that happens four times a day! (bath time happens twice a day for two hours each) I have a video to share which Ill try to insert into the post of the elephant parade! Once across you can watch them havee a grand time!

After our time with the elephants, we hit the road for the hill country and where all the tea plantations are.  I took a few pictures, but they dont do justice to the beauty witnessed.  I need 50+words for 'green' alone!  Our journey to this part of the country took longer than expected but we stopped for a quick tour and a cup of tea.  From there we headed to Nuwara Eliya, where we stayed in a lovely guest house (think B&B). We also met back up with my new friend, Shanna, whom I met in Colombo. We realized we would be in Nuwara Eliya at the same time so decided to hike World's End at Horton Plains together.

It is a shame it was dark when we arrived as Diane shared it's a cute town. Unfortunately, I didn't see any of it as our departure for hiking was 5:30 AM! I guess Ill have to come again!

We departed for World's End, a 6 mile hike with spectacular views. We left early as it is recommended to hike early to avoid the heat but also to get to World's End before the fog rolls in.  It was a misty and foggy morning.  It wasnt ideal for a hike but we mmade it that far so might as well hike! While the top of the mountain wasnt clear, it was spectacular!  The other parts of the hike were also brilliant. Shanna said the terrain - moving from plains to rain forest, reminded her of New Zealand. (guess Il have to go see for myself).  We were told we might see leopards. We didn't, but we did her them! An exciting and frightening experience.

After our hike, we dropped Shanna off atthe nearest train station and we headed south for Tangalle. While it's only about 150 kilometers from where we hiked to Tangelle, it took about 5 hours.  Between the traffic, poor road system, bad signage and winding roads, traveling just takes longer in SL. We are not in a hurry because all that awaits us is sandy beaches.

Ancient ruins, a beautiful hotel and monkeys

My legs are still a bit tired from the climb to Sigiriya.  Sigiriya is a giant rock that ascends 370 meters. Diane and I now wish we would have counted the steps but there were so many I'm sure we would have lost count. Just know if it were part of our Monday night Tir Na Nog run club - we definitely earned our beer! I chose to stop looking as to how the iron steps were engineered to the side of the rock and focus on the view.
Sigiriya is a collection of ancient gardens,, caves, water gardens, frescas and ruins. Once thought to be be a King's fortress, scholars now believe it was a monastery. The view was spectacular, enough to keep us on top lingering even though the sun was in full force. The entire journey took about three hours. Not too bad, however long story short we didnt have water. We were grateful for the water cistern that was available half way up. While it's recommended you only drink bottled water here, we were so thirsty we decided to chance it. (it's been 24 hours so I think we're fine.)

The plan after Sigiriya was to head to our hotel - Kandalama Hotel, freshen up, grab lunch, then head to the Buddhist temples.  However, finding our hotel proved a bit more difficult than we planned. With the hike and the sun wiping us out we decided to take full advantage of the hotel and boy are we glad!

The KAndalama hotel is the nicest hotel I've ever stayed in. I would imagine it rivals some of the very best in the States. The hotel is built into the rock and is remenicent  of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the way that it uses nature.  This hotel was designed by Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa and was the first certified Green hotel.  Every view from this hotel was stunning. To help appreciate the views, the hotel's staff offered impeccable service so we were just able to relax. And relax we did.

To care for our wearied bones after our long hike, we spent some time in the hotel's infinity pools and watched the monkeys play. Yes- I said monkeys and by play I mean watching monkeys run across the yard, chasing each other, scurrying up the side of the hotel walls! I have never been to a hotel where the staff tells each guest - the monkeys will come up to your balcony but they wont harm you. Be sure to lock your balcony door because they know how to slide it open. They will ransack your room! Apparently this happens on average once a day.

We ended our day with a wonderful massage in the spa and dinner. Diane took anither dip in the pool and I crashed. The next morning we had tea on our deck - no monkeys - followed by a lovely breakfast. We headed out for a day of elephants and tea!

Kilinochchi: The Heart of Healing and Hope

After three days here I am confinced that Sri Lanka is the birthplace of Hospitality. From making sure I got on the right train, to SL women making sure I had snacks on the journey to amaamma (grandmother) making sure we had tea and something in our bellies before our 6 AM departure this morning.

I have spent the last two days in Kilinochchi. Kilinichchi is in northern SL and few tourists would make their way up here to visit except to see remnants of the civil war, most of which the government has wiped out. There is nothing fancy here. No high end hotels, no ocean views, just the hospitality and warmth of the Tamil people - which is more than enough.

Diane's friend, Rev. Joshua, lives here. He was the pastor of a church in Jaffna when she lived here.  He is now back in Kilinochchi and has estblished the Kaveri Kalal Manram, an organization that helps rebuild the lives of this area through women's empowerment, establishing organic gardens coconut plantatiins and other sustainable projects.  The goal is to reestablish the resources (farm knowledge, seeds, confidence) that have been wiped out from the war. Diane and I had the chance to visit some of these projects and it was very exciting.  We also got see new born baby goats (2 hours old) which if you know me- know that was a real high light!  Yesterday we relaxed, but not too much.  Rev. Joshua put us to work helping write a grant to help fund a sustainable coconut plantation for communities affected by leprosy.  I have learned that leprosy is on the rise here and unfortunately the SL refuses to acknowledge the problem. Sad for many resons, as there is a cure.  I also learned that the coconut economy is so important SL has an entire ministry dedicated to it: The Sri Lanka Coconut Authority.  no kidding!

We ended our time here with watching the local children perform in their monthly dance recital. Sweet bread filled with a coconut mixture and tea was offered to the guests and Diane and I watched in amazement as the kids- dressed in traditional colorful SL attire, powerfully, yet gracefully hit their feet against the floor. Im certain I would stub my toe!

So now we are off to Sigiriya to climb a rock fortress! We do so by way of a private driver, a young Hindu man by the of Kajan, who we are certain does not know what he's gotten himself into. He will be with us the next three days as we make our way south to Tangalle.  I have no doubt more adventures are in store!

Colombo live and the call of my pillow

I made it to Sri Lanka safely.  If I've calculated correctly - I have been up for 62 hours. I've already met some wonderful people on my journey, from Bill who dashed with me to a new concourse in Dubai, (I will say Emerates is fantastic except for the whole communication thing) to Peter and Josie from the UK who kept me company on the flight to Colombo; to Chonathan, my driver who was my first introduction to Sri Lankin hospitality. I shall not forget Shanna, the Parisian boat DJ who stood in line with me for over 30 minutes while I got my train ticket.  I am grateful for these folks and the many more I will meet.

I am too tired for creative writing now... So I shall share my initial findings about Sri Lanka-

1) while it definitely conjure memories of my time in Thailand, this is not Thailand and I will do myself some good to be sure not to compare it.
2) people here are kind
3) while I haven't had much of it yet- the food is amazing.

Tomorrow I head out very early 4:45 To the train station to head to Kilinochchi. There I will see Diane!

Peace!

Off to Sri Lanka!

New adventures are always a good catalyst to get someone to start writing again.  My adventure is a 12  day trip to Sri Lanka.  My dear friend, Diane Faires, invited me along on part of her sabbatical journey.  (let us give thanks and praise to generous sabbatical grants!) Diane lived in Sri Lanka as a Global Missionary through the Chris
tian Church (Disciples of Christ) for three years teaching English among many other things. (Gosh, that was probably a decade ago.) I am honored to be a guest to share in new memories as she visits old friends that call her family. I am looking forward to learning more about Sri Lanka through its people and culture. I am excited to hike World's End, visit tea plantations, elephant sanctuaries, and relax on the beach with one of my favorite people in the world!

Since my first international trip to Thailand, I know that travel changes you. You don't always know how - but you know that you will be changed and spiritually richer for the experience. I can't think of a better way to start 2015!

My backpack is packed and I head to the airport in a few short hours. I plan to write and post pictures about this journey along the way.  I invite you to come along for the ride!