After the Eucharist (see previous entry) I went with one of our Associates, the President of the Episcopal Church Women (les Dames) in the Diocese of Haiti, to the gathering at which she and others were being honored for their work and named Distinguished Women of 2012.
The president of the Diocese of Haiti ECW, presented by Bishop Duracin, is honored as a distinguished woman.
SSM Associates' cross and ECW Distinguished Woman pin
I stopped by the monitors to see what was going on afterwards. This year they have the resolutions being debated listed on a monitor with pertinent information and eventually how the vote went.
tracking each resolution - live status updates
Next up, back to my room, smoothie for lunch in hand, for some meditation time before heading back to the Ecclesiastical Art Exhibition. Beautiful things. I mentioned that I love beautiful textiles, I believe; I'm hoping to do a whole post on them sometime soon.
Great O Antiphons, 2010 Linda Witte Henke, Indianapolis
Bishop Curry from North Carolina preached this morning. He didn't even have to open his mouth before I was excited: I've heard him preach before.
Bishop Curry preaching at General Convention 2012: We need some crazy Christians!
And I wasn't disappointed.
Harriet Beecher Stowe was on our calendar for today from Holy Women, Holy Men. It is Bishop Curry's opinion that, despite the liturgical propers, the best gospel passage for her would be the story from Mark in which Jesus' family tries to restrain him because, depending on the translation, "He has gone out of his mind," "He is beside himself," "He is mad," or, the best in his and my opinion, "They thought he was crazy and they went to get him under control." As he pointed out regarding the last translation, that is exactly what the Church has been trying to do for centuries.
Because Jesus, by any normal standards, was crazy. Love your enemies? Bless them?
"I like being the Right Reverend," he said, "and the Exalted Pooh-bah," but, he said, Jesus said to get rid of all that because the greatest among you shall be your servant. "Try that," he continued, "at the Republican or Democratic National Conventions."
Rejoice when you are persecuted? "That's plumb crazy!... and we need some crazy Christians."
Mary Magdalene was crazy, he said. Jesus gets executed as an enemy of the state. The sensible thing to do is run. Take the roll call at the cross. "Peter? Absent. James? Absent. Andrew? Absent. Mary Magdalene? PRESENT. Hallelujah!" She was crazy enough to stand at the cross. And we need to be crazy enough to stand up for Jesus and his love and compassion when it would be an insane thing to do.
We actually have a feast day, he said, for crazy Christians. It's called All Saints Day. And not All Sanes Day. Holy Women, Holy Men (formerly known as Lesser Feasts and Fasts) should be known as the Chronicles of Crazy Christians.
Bishop Curry then went on to talk about Harriet Beecher Stowe and all the crazy things she did when she could have been home safely raising a family. He pictures her as a little old lady knitting and wearing a shawl - with some escaped slaves in her basement. He sees her slipping slaves up north during a prayer meeting. Apparently Abraham Lincoln, upon being introduced to her, said, "So this is the little lady who started the Civil War" with her book Uncle Tom's Cabin, which so inspired the abolitionists.
We need, he said, more crazy Christians to start civil wars - not bloody ones, but ones against hunger and other evils. We need Christians who are crazy enough to love like Jesus, crazy enough to give like Jesus, crazy enough to forgive like Jesus, crazy enough to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
***
Amen, my brothers and sisters. Bishop Curry's got it right.
Later we sang a hymn from her writings set to Felix Mendelssohn's tune Consolation. Here is the first verse.
Still, still with thee, when purple morning breaketh, when the bird waketh, and the shadows flee; fairer than morning, lovelier than daylight, dawns the sweet consciousness, I am with thee.
-- Voices Found #30
Gracious God, we thank you for the witnesss of Harriet Beecher Stowe, whose fiction inspired thousands with compassion for the shame and sufferings of enslaved peoples, and who enriched her writings with teh cadences of the Book of Common Prayer. Help us, like her, to strive for your justice, that our eyes may see the glory of your Son, Jesus Christ, when he comes to reign with you and the Holy Spirit in reconciliation and peace, one God, now and always.
I just saw on the news that it was 105 degrees here in Indianapolis today. Have I mentioned that I've adjusted to air conditioning fairly well? I wasn't expecting to come from Haiti and find higher temps!
It's been a busy day. After breakfast and the Eucharist, I helped someone change her volunteering schedule and then went on to sit in the back of the House of Deputies for a while to watch. They were talking in part about some of the structural changes that are on the table. Two of the bits I saw regarded going paperless next time and doing something about inadequate space for the church archives. I believe both passed. Not, obviously, the most hotly debated items. However, it was interesting to listen in.
House of Deputies Fredrica Thompsett at the microphone
Voting goes as follows:
1. Voice vote (all in favor say yes; all opposed, no)
2. Then if that isn't clear, they go to green and red cards.
all in favor, green cards in the air
all opposed, red cards up
3. And if that isn't clear, they go to the electronic clickers and on-screen results.
House of Deputies electronic voting results on screen
Bonnie Anderson, President of the House of Deputies, laughing about something - it isn't always completely solemn, even though taken very seriously.
Next stop, the Geranium Farm lunch with Barbara Crafton speaking. If you are familiar with her eMos or her books, you will know how pleased I was to be there (thanks to my mother). She is a fine speaker as well as writer. Her website isn't the best, but the content, once you get to it, is worth it: http://www.geraniumfarm.org/home.cfm. Of course you can always look up her books on Amazon or at the library.
Barbara Crafton speaking at the Geranium Farm lunch sponsored by the ECW Triennial
On to the CAROA booth for my afternoon shift talking to people about religious orders and our work in Haiti (and giving out our brochures for altar linens, of course).
I had a chance to wander past some of the booths myself as well, meeting and talking with any number of interesting people about their ministries and ours, admiring some of the beautiful artwork, and perusing the books. I'm glad I have no money. Had I a salary, I would still have no money because it would all be spent on books and art and beautiful stoles (which are also art). I can think of much better uses for it, but the temptation would be very great indeed.
The Wippells Bear
I came close to petting the beautiful fabrics used in some of the vestments, hangings, and clothing. I hear there is a church textile exhibit somewhere in the convention center, and I need to locate it when I have a free moment. I'll have to bring my handkerchief, though, in case I start drooling. I do love interesting fabrics. They just make me itch to do some artwork or quilting or sewing with batiks and silks and other such lovely things.
Or I could just sit there and admire them, which is much less expensive. (-:
flyer for an exhibit of the work of various church textile artists
I may take pictures of some of these items for your enjoyment.
On a different track, today's award for best booth content goes to Zion House. I am very impressed with this ministry with homeless women veterans. I must say I am skeptical of many of our reasons to go to war, but I think it's shameful the way we neglect our veterans after all they have been through on our behalf. This involves not only housing and work, but also any necessary treatment, financial planning, and the development of new business skills as they transition back into a non-military context.
The best summary is from their product website (http://www.boadiceashop.com/): We are female veterans who make Goat's Milk soaps and lotions as well as other products to support Zion House - a transitional living home for homeless female veterans. All proceeds go to support Zion House. Boadicea - (pronouced - Bow - De - Ka) - was a Warrior Queen in the 1st Century on the island of Briton.
More:
Zion House is an organization in Avon NY, which provides transitional living and various other services for female veterans who are in the process of assimilating themselves back into society. These women under the leadership and guidance of Rev. Kelly Ayers, have found a niche where they can provide a quality, all natural product for you and your family while at the same time learning how to build, grow and maintain a business from the ground up. The business and life skills they learn at Zion House can and will be of use to them in many facets of their lives.
Wounds of war are not always physical. In the Rochester, Buffalo and New York areas alone, there are roughly 100 female veterans who are treated annually for conditions that have lead to HOMELESSNESS. They need our help. They have done their duty - won’t you help us serve them. We are looking for donations of time, talent and treasure. Your contribution is tax deductible! You can also support the veterans of Zion House through purchases of all natural goats milk products on our sister website www.boadiceashop.com
goat milk spa products made by homeless female veterans and the priest in charge of the program
I've now tried the unscented goat's milk lotion and can recommend it. I think it's strong enough to be good in winter as well as summer, and for situations where you want lotion without the perfume (think hospital visits), this would be perfect.
Boadicea Goat's Milk and Shea lotion made by female veterans
After a break during which I came back to my room for a bit and prayed vespers with Sr. K, we were off again to the final event of the day, a dinner for the United Thank Offering and the Episcopal Church Women. The speaker addressed the topic of forgiveness and deserves his own post; I hope I will get to that even if it's just a little blurb. We sisters sat at a table with the ECW delegates from the Lexington, KY, area.
Afterwards, I walked back slowly with my mother, who was also there, and had a chance to talk with my sisters and my father on her cell phone. I think all of us were worn out, but we will all certainly sleep well tonight, so this is not necessarily a bad thing.
And now, if I am going to get that sleep, I had better turn in. Good night, all.
I woke up at 6AM today and arranged myself, seated against the headboard of the bed, to have my morning prayer time in quiet and without having to look at my watch.
Then I woke up again at 8:20.
St Therese is supposed to have said that God loved her just as much asleep as awake...
There was a bit of a scramble but still time for breakfast before the 9:30 Eucharist. I lost the rest of the sisters before the service even began, but found some people from the Diocese of Massachusetts as I was looking - nice to see friends again. Hugs all around.
And then the Eucharist. I love the Eucharist. This morning what moved me first was the music - so many voices singing with all their heart in praise to God, together in harmony. And then we broke bread - real loaves, large loaves, good bread - together. Together - all different, all those voices singing together making such a rich sound to the glory of God. I can't help but think of the communion hymn taken from the ancient text of the Didache: As grain, once scattered on the hillsides, Was in this broken bread made one, So from all lands Thy Church be gather'd Into Thy kingdom by Thy Son.
(http://hymnopedia.com/Hymns:Father_we_thank_Thee_who_hast_planted; Hymnal 1982 #302 & #303)
Later in the morning I was talking to someone at the CAROA booth - Conference of Anglican Religious Orders in the Americas (http://www.caroa.net/) - and felt this huge hug from behind: my mother. Haven't seen her since September. My father was not far behind. SO good to see them.
Here are a few of the interesting people and projects I ran across today at the convention:
The Seamen's Church Institute has among their varied ministries several knitting projects. One of our sisters has knit dozens - no, probably hundreds - of scarves for sailors. They also have a Christmas knitting project called The Knit before Christmas for Christmas at Sea (http://cas.seamenschurch.org). I see that Christmas at Sea also has a Facebook page, which I intend to check out.
Here is one of their YouTube videos called Conquering the Sock, Inch by Inch (part 1). If you would like to knit for sailors, check out their videos and their web page.
What they are doing at the Convention, though, is a bit different. They are giving out 1200 little bags with yarn and directions to make tiny hats to put on Starbucks tea bottles in NJ in November with information about the SCI and its projects. I (perhaps foolishly) took a bunch of them to do on vacation. Which means I will be learning to knit in the round (trusting this video below to teach me). Feel free to pray...
I gather that Starbucks employees will be (or are?) doing some extensive volunteering with the CSI.
1200 TEAny Hats General Convention 2012 Seamen's Church Institute booth in the Exhibit Hall
Then two ladies came by the CAROA booth midday, and their signs caught my eye. I'd love to spend more time talking with them at some point. Their group is the Palestine Israel Network of the Episcopal Peace Fellowship, and they are sponsoring a resolution called "Pursuing a Just Peace in the Palestinian/Israeli conflict." It sounds to me as though it is primarily calling for advocacy and education in the hope of ending the stalemate. One particular desire is to have every diocese study a document called Kairos Palestine 2009, which was written by Palestinian Christians, and a document (or educational program?) called Steadfast Hope, originally developed by the Presbyterians. I need to read further so as to find out more, as I am not acquainted with either. In any case, these two women, a Holocaust survivor and a Palestinian Christian, seem to be the kind of people that would be well worth knowing no matter one's stance.
a Palestinian Christian and a Jewish Holocaust survivor at General Convention 2012 to promote advocacy for a peace with justice in the Holy Land
Last on the schedule today was a reception for international visitors to General Convention. I had an interesting talk with a Korean theology professor currently living in Nashville and with a Korean Anglican parish priest, ran into someone from my seminary, and spoke with a number of people who had been to Haiti recently. Of course the Haitian delegation was there, and I finally found the sisters again.
Partway through the reception, a number of Spanish-speaking bishops and other visitors got up on the podium and led us in "Ay, ay, ay, ay..." and "Alabare" among other songs. It was so good to be able to sing along and to remember happily my year at St. Luke's-San Lucas, Chelsea.
Spanish-speaking Episcopal bishops from Cuba and elsewhere leading us in song - Alabare!
Finally, I got to put my Spanish to use again when I was introduced to the Bishop of the Episcopal Church of Cuba, the Revma. M. Griselda Delgado del Carpio, Obispa Diocesana. I believe she is the first woman bishop of that diocese. I really enjoyed my brief talk with her, and she encouraged me to come to Cuba for a visit. I'm not sure how that might happen on a nun budget, but should the opportunity present itself someday, of course I will take it.
My legs have finally recovered from hours of walking around today. I realize in gratitude that I could be hot as well as tired: the temperature reading in the hotel lobby said 100 degrees earlier today. I am thanking the Lord that I am inside in air conditioning - so different from Port-au-Prince - though I do hate to think of the energy we are using. It will be easy to sleep tonight, and I think it's time to do just that so as to be ready for tomorrow. Another full day. I'm looking forward to it.
We didn't do much to celebrate the Fourth of July, given that the day was spent getting registered for the Convention and doing our first shifts at the booth for the religious orders, but there were fireworks. Yea!
gathering in advance of the fireworks - helpful to have a fountain to play in given the temperatures here!
We went to a reception earlier this evening (July 4) sponsored by the Episcopal Public Policy Network. At both the reception and earlier in the day in the exhibit hall, I enjoyed meeting quite a number of interesting people and running into a few old friends.
Indianapolis kindly welcomed us with temperatures from Haiti. That's what I'd call going above and beyond the call to be hospitable.
It's a little warm here... I find I noticed it more because most of the day today I was inside in air conditioning, so when I went outside, the temperature change was extreme. However, I wasn't going to let that get in the way of watching fireworks! Even in a long-sleeved habit.
'Cause I'm leaving on a jet plane.
DO know when I'll be back again!
Good news, that.
the coast just north of Port-au-Prince
On my way to the church's General Convention in Indianapolis.
getting ready to celebrate Independence Day at the Miami airport
Miami looks like the inside of a computer from the air...
looks like the inside of a computer to me...
What struck me was how orderly it all seemed. Oddly so. All the roads were straight (or evenly curved) and paved, the cars were moving along evenly in straight lines, and everything was so neatly arranged. It just seemed so...well... tidy.
sun through clouds, river glinting far below
Beautiful skies between Miami and Indianapolis.
the sun seen through the ice crystams on the plane window - the first frost I've seen in a while, needless to say
"our eyes behold the vesper light..."
red sun below a layer of clouds
red sun against a dark sky with sunset-lit clouds above - beautiful skies seen from the plane
orange moon over Indianapolis, city lights below
It seemed so odd to see the city all lit up like that, especially as the sun had just set and it wasn't very dark. A bit later, I started to tell Sr. Kethia that it might be best to iron a habit that night in case there wasn't power in the morning... oh. right. Toto, we're not in Port-au-Prince anymore.
And then when I got to the hotel, I remember turning on the water and then pulling my hand back, startled for a second at the hot water (in my bathroom at home, there is no hot water, and the cold water comes out of the left faucet). And I hesitated a second before putting my toothbrush under the faucet.
It didn't take me long to get used to the air conditioning, however. It's hot enough here in Indianapolis this week that even Haitians are complaining about the heat. I'm not laughing. Really. I think it's kind of them to make us feel so at home by ordering up Haitian weather to welcome us.
This Sunday we went to Mirebalais for their patronal festival (St Pierre). Very nice service. Perhaps I'll post more later.
What I just loved was this: the sight of a teenaged girl riding sidesaddle on her laden donkey along the side of the highway, obviously heading to market, eyes fixed on her cell phone, texting.
So very Haiti.
This isn't the teenager who was riding along texting, but you get the idea. I guarantee you this woman has a cell phone someplace in her bags. (taken along the highway between Port-au-Prince and Mirebalais)
I began this blog as I prepared to leave for a seminary field education placement in a parish in Haiti, creating it as a way of sharing my experiences and reflections over the summer with people at home and continuing it upon my return.
I finally returned to Haiti in 2011. So much in a short time. I returned to the US in 2013, but something tells me I'll be back. Meanwhile, there is still so much I intended to share while I was there. I hope some of it will make it onto this blog. A piece of my heart is always in Haiti, and I hope some of yours will be, too. Pray for Haiti, please. So much is needed; with God, so much is possible.
Meanwhile, there are ample opportunities for ministry here, and plenty of discoveries to make. There are beautiful things to consider, birds to watch, and concerns to share. And I am never short of curiosity to lead me into all sorts of odd corners. In all of it, God is present. Welcome to the adventure.
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This is a personal blog. Nothing in it is an official statement from the Sisters of St. Margaret, the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti, or any other organization.
