We've arrived
Jambo! Greetings from Kenya. Our delegation converged on Nairobi last night (Friday), from Portland, Seattle, D.C., and London, etc. After a late night check-in at the 680 Hotel, we woke (groggily) to bustling streets, streaming sunshine, and a beautiful 70 degree breeze.
Our Portland group (we are five) met the rest of the team this morning over a buffet breakfast, where we made plans for the day. First stop: An Ecumenical Service at a nearby basilica. Special Guest: none other than Desmond Tutu.
Tutu, a small but mighty man, nonchalantly made his way through the growing crowds of World Social Forum participants. After a beautiful introduction in which a woman recited Isaiah’s prophetic words of “proclaiming the year of the Lord’s favor” (the Jubilee Year!), Tutu took the stage.
He called for “togetherness.” He said we cannot be human if we separate ourselves from human beings or humanity. We are a family, he said. Tutu reminded us of Jesus’ roots – a family fleeing to Africa. He reminded us of Jesus’ death, and that it was an African carrying his cross, not someone from the West. He drew connections to the early church and Africa, and the many great leaders who emerged from this place. Africans overcame slavery, he said. Overcame colonialism. Overcame apartheid. And created Nelson Mandela.
He reminded us that the West created the Holocaust, communism, fascism, weapons of mass destruction. He reminded us, begged us (in fact) to be more modest. Don’t be so “hoity-toity” West, he said. He called Africans to appreciate their heritage and resources. To stand tall. He called for strong African leadership – leaders FOR the land and it’s people. And he reminded us that we, the wealthy, have a responsibility to help those in need. Among things, Tutu asked the West to CANCEL THE DEBT!
The sun was powerful. We squinted to see. We opened our ears as Tutu spoke heatedly, and strained to hear when he closed in a whisper. Terrorism will always exist when poverty exists. When inequality exists. But… God smiles when we’re together.
We, the Portland 5, have been enjoying our time together. Tomorrow will kick off the beginning of the World Social Forum. We have a full day of workshops and sessions. Debt is one of the strong issues at the forum, so there is much to choose from. We’ll report more tomorrow, once the forum begins!
Stay well!
Our Portland group (we are five) met the rest of the team this morning over a buffet breakfast, where we made plans for the day. First stop: An Ecumenical Service at a nearby basilica. Special Guest: none other than Desmond Tutu.
Tutu, a small but mighty man, nonchalantly made his way through the growing crowds of World Social Forum participants. After a beautiful introduction in which a woman recited Isaiah’s prophetic words of “proclaiming the year of the Lord’s favor” (the Jubilee Year!), Tutu took the stage.
He called for “togetherness.” He said we cannot be human if we separate ourselves from human beings or humanity. We are a family, he said. Tutu reminded us of Jesus’ roots – a family fleeing to Africa. He reminded us of Jesus’ death, and that it was an African carrying his cross, not someone from the West. He drew connections to the early church and Africa, and the many great leaders who emerged from this place. Africans overcame slavery, he said. Overcame colonialism. Overcame apartheid. And created Nelson Mandela.
He reminded us that the West created the Holocaust, communism, fascism, weapons of mass destruction. He reminded us, begged us (in fact) to be more modest. Don’t be so “hoity-toity” West, he said. He called Africans to appreciate their heritage and resources. To stand tall. He called for strong African leadership – leaders FOR the land and it’s people. And he reminded us that we, the wealthy, have a responsibility to help those in need. Among things, Tutu asked the West to CANCEL THE DEBT!
The sun was powerful. We squinted to see. We opened our ears as Tutu spoke heatedly, and strained to hear when he closed in a whisper. Terrorism will always exist when poverty exists. When inequality exists. But… God smiles when we’re together.
We, the Portland 5, have been enjoying our time together. Tomorrow will kick off the beginning of the World Social Forum. We have a full day of workshops and sessions. Debt is one of the strong issues at the forum, so there is much to choose from. We’ll report more tomorrow, once the forum begins!
Stay well!
posted by Bola Moyo at 8:31 PM
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