I know, I know... and off to Iran
It's been a while. I guess I'm not much of a blogger. But I'm going to try to do better. Especially since I leave Tuesday, April 29, for Iran. I will be going with the Fellowship of Reconciliation and the group of citizen diplomats is a really amazing group of people. I don't really know what my internet access will be like, but I am hoping to be able to post here. If I'm not able to sign into Vox, then I will try to email postings to my colleague Monica for her to upload. In other words, the communications might not be instant or regular, but we will do our best to keep you informed. I also plan to post photos on DioCal's flickr photostream.
Those of us who are members of this delegation share the stance that policies of mutual isolation by the US and Iran have resulted in mutual demonization, misinformed public discussions, and poorly-conceived policy. In other words, the "Great Satan" and this key state in the "Axis of Evil" must open up and must grow to understand one another if we are ever going to achieve the peace that the people of the Middle East long for, and that will bring security to all peoples.
Of course the work of this one group of civilian diplomats is only one small piece of the work to be done, but it is an important piece. The delegation I will be traveling with is the seventh sponsored by FOR and we will be meeting with politicians, religious leaders, artists, and young people. We will visit the school of Shia Theology (Madraseh) in Qom, and we will meet with Jews, Christians and Zoroastrians as well.
We will be broken into three affinity groups: politics, religion, and arts/culture. I plan to join the arts and culture group as I think it will provide the best opportunity to meet younger Iranians. I'm really hoping to be able to hear some traditional Persian music, and maybe even some Iranian rock-and-roll. I also love Chai and plan to drink lots of it.
I will be a walking multimedia recording studio. I have two audio recorders (one that records in surround sound), i have a digital SLR camera with telephoto and wide-angle lenses, and I have an HD camcorder. Upon my return, I will be available to speak at churches, schools and community events, hopefully with a fully-produced multi-media program.
We ask your prayers for our safe travel and for our work. We also ask your prayers for peace and understanding and that our governments might gain wisdom and true compassion.
much peace,
Sean McConnell
Communications Officer, Diocese of California
Comments
Dear Sean,
My prayers and thoughts are with you. I look forward to sharing your experiences via electronic media.
Shalom, Salaam, Peace and Love,
Adaline