Para leer en español Every day at five am in the small rural community of Basurú, on Colombia’s Pacific Coast, a group from the local Mennonite church gathers to broadcast the events of the day. Using a microphone connected to megaphones hoisted high above the community on bamboo poles, the technology may be archaic but
Tag: colombia
A wise person once told me that advocacy means to listen boldly. I have been trying to put that into practice ever since. As a Seed group, we attempted to listen boldy by visiting Mesoamerica. We wanted to examine paradigms of power and change from the bottom up and see how Mennonite Central Committee (MCC)
I have a love-hate relationship with MCC team retreats. I always feel like I need a retreat to recover. But, I think they may be good for me. Here is why: Sometimes, you just have to go on a retreat to remember that you are on the defining line between introvert and extrovert. Sometimes, you
When I saw the email invite to Mamupjan’s 14th commemoration of displacement in my inbox, my first reaction was panic. After I engaged in some deep breathing to dissolve the ball of stress that had instantly formed in my stomach, I was able to continue reading with a mixture of happiness and regret. Regret because
Para leer en Español When I first heard that Jorge had been arrested, I set up a shrine in my house. It reminded me that although I was not there physically, I could have a tiny piece of the coast in my home as a sign of the life and hope that exists all over
Because not everyone wants to participate in the Peacebuilding Olympics, I have decided to open up the playing field a little. Here are a few of my top medal picks of the week, along with a few losers: First of, a big gold plated disk to the Olympics for being over. I never quite know
I sometimes say good morning to people on the street as I walk to work as a form of social experiment. Nuns are my favourite as they are quick to respond, usually with a smile. Others usually look at me, perplexed, and then may mumble something or just ignore me altogether. The shoeshine man always
I have the gift of vacations. Unlike many people I know, I am very good at doing nothing for long extended periods of time. Ever since I graduated from high school and realized that real life involved working forever, early retirement has become my goal. And what a fabulous vacation I had! Here are some
Español A lifetime and three years ago, I lived in Ottawa. It was wonderful, despite polar vortex conditions. They say you can never go back but last week I did. I ate a falafel, had wonderful conversations with old friends, spent too much money on books and maple syrup, and connected with the MCC Ottawa
I learnt how to fly (slowly, with helmet, parachute and life jacket) eight years ago. This week, I am reliving those experiences as I ski the slopes of Panorama. My first downhill skiing experience consisted of an unfortunate incident in Grade One during a class trip to mighty Moose Mountain. After a short lesson, we
Anna L. Vogt 