Books Worth a Look

  • Little Bee by Chris Cleave - This book is a must read. Better than anything else I've read, it takes you vividly into the life of a person in the 3rd world who has no choice but to escape. It is brilliantly written & works well as an audio book. Often I've sent info about the wonderful refugees I've met in Europe. We know only so much of their plight as it is painful for them to recall much less live through again by recounting it. But over time it is clear what they've lived through. This book is excellent as you discover the horrors of their world. Somewhat how to me, it is like being in Europe near a Concentration Camp. One has an obligation to visit it. 'Never to Forget.' In this case, to have our eyes opened.
  • Garbage King by Eliz Laird - The book is set on the streets on Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia and here lives Mamo and his sister Tiggist. When Mamo's "uncle" offers a job, he soon sets out on a bus to work. Little does he know that he is actually being sold into slavery...

Monday, September 21, 2009

A Quaker Quest

My friend Chris invited me to go to a Quaker Quest with him tonight. http://www.londonquakers.org.uk/events/qquest2009 It was a fascinating experience. Housed in a large attractive complex near Euston Station, the evening began at 6:30 p.m. with light dinner snacks.

At 7, three Quakers presented their thoughts on living simply. It was a rare opportunity to hear everyday individuals talk about learning to get to the core of what matters.
Small group discussion followed.

The same three followed up with personal vignettes in their lives as how they practice simplicity. It was fascinating, thought provoking and inspiring. A Q & A session followed. Finally there was an abbreviated 25 minute period of silence.

Quakers are of course well known for their support of peace and social justice.
An online search brought up the following interesting story re: Quakers & Baltimore. http://rawstory.com/news/2005/National_Security_Agency_spied_on_Baltimore_0110.html


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REFLECTIONS & ARTICLES

Thoughts on the amazing people I get to meet.

Rich, my 19 year old friend, soon to be Franciscan and recent community member at Haley House in Boston. An article he wrote.

http://www.capuchinfranciscans.org/pdf/2008%2003%2011%20CVO%20Update%20A%20community%20of%20two%20tables.pdf