December 6, 2007
Newsletter #10

Surrounded in love

Dear Friends,

I am soon going to the States for the holidays, which has brought me to reflect on my departure.  As I will be returning to a place that was familiar to me, I must take the time to reflect on the place that has become familiar to me over the past 15 months. I am thankful to have a life here with a supportive community, which has allowed me to grow in many ways. The love of the people in both my work and personal life amaze me each day. As people come in and out of my life in this transient lifestyle, I have met many people who have made an impact on me in some way, though I may not see them again. Recently, I have been overwhelmed with this feeling of love and support from my community, which allows me to see the beauty of the people by whom I am surrounded. Whether it’s a supportive comment from a co-worker, a random smile by my tuktuk driver, or a funny text from a friend, these little things make a community the positive thing that it should be.

Lionel Derenencourt, the coordinator of Joining Hands, visited our Sri Lankan community in November to facilitate a two-day workshop on global organizing for social change. This was a time for members of our Praja Abhilasha partner organizations to come together to reflect on and evaluate our past activities and progress, and to discuss our priorities and how we can increase our capacity to organize an influential campaign. It was decided that land would be our focus issue and, from that decision, Lionel helped us think about what aspects of land rights are most important, our strategy for approaching those issues, and our key message. One aspect we must pursue is that of broadening and diversifying the perspective of our network. As we are a network of multiple faiths, it is important for us to hold our communities of faith accountable to their commitment of justice and love to their people and creation. We can no longer work from within ourselves, but must reach out and find a motivation within our faith to determine what is right and just.

This brings me to my second reflection, my faith. I am going home for a holiday that is very important in the Christian community. While living in a country of multiple faiths, I have had the opportunity to observe the celebrations of these faith communities. I cannot say I understand all of the rituals or practices within these holidays, but the spirit of community is always present in them. So this Christmas I am embracing and enjoying the community that we are called to live in, as Christians and people of the world. Reflecting on the birth of Jesus and the life he led of reaching out to those around him is one reminder of that, a reminder of our unity among our differences.

The community I live and work in isn’t exclusively Christian; it supersedes religious boundaries and is grounded in love. This is somewhat difficult to believe, as a war is escalating in this country between the majority Sinhalese government and the LTTE—the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (“Eelam” being a state in Sri Lanka)—who are predominantly Tamil. But this war can only be viewed as something outside of the beauty of this country and its people. As I briefly leave this community, which is struggling to find a deeper unity, I can only pray that the love of being one in community will somehow take precedence over the struggle for power and dominance.

I am looking forward to reuniting with my community in the States and celebrating this holiday, which brings with it a beautiful message of love and peace. Perhaps we will meet in the States. If not, have a wonderful and safe holiday. Embrace the love that surrounds you in every day life. It is truly amazing.

Peace,

Chenoa
Companionship Facilitator
Joining Hands – Sri Lanka