Three days in

Dear Friends,

Today was heavy.
After a semester of learning what we (kind of) could from books and movies, we dove head-on into Northern Ireland's history.
I did not retain a lot, but here is where I'm at:

Reconciliation is a long process. Signatures on a line, handshakes in photos, and a lack of bombs does not mean that a culture has actually shifted in any significant way. I met two men today, they are from different sides of Derry, and they are friends. But what troubled me was that once one man was gone, the tone of the other became drastically defensive. There seemed to be no letting go, no intentional altering of cultural norms and expectations. There was a lot of defensiveness, a lot of long-explanations, but no story of personal transformation.

I have come to the conclusion that reconciliation is a fluid and personal journey, as much as it takes place between people and groups.
If we rely solely on relationships to count towards reconciliation, if we think having friends from the other side of the bridge is enough, we miss out. We forget that reconciliation means giving up, forgiving, and doing so independently of the other side.
The other side may need to forgive something completely separate, they may have completely different needs, hurts, and expectations; and if we spend all of our time focusing on that--what gets done? We spend years and years in the same chairs with the same angry banter getting no where.

Instead, we must begin the work of reconciliation personally, and within our own communities. And if we do this simultaneously as we also build relationships and repair broken structures; there may be more room for the spaces of peace we ourselves create to be filled with meaningful transformation.

Furthermore. On a more specific note:
Labeling oppressor and oppressed is really tricky, and we probably shouldn't ever do that.

instead, what I found helpful today was going through a process of identifying things within communities which maintained myths of: victimization, superiority, power, and historical narrative. As myths are identified, I think the grey issues in conflicts become a bit more manageable and the reconciliation process above becomes more attainable. Identifying key points also elimiates our need as peacemakers and justice-seekers to choose sides, and we become fluid-actors, truth-speakers, and agents for change in all contexts.

On a more fun note:
We played games as a class for about two hours. I have not laughed so hard, yelled with joy so much, or felt so comfortable as I did tonight. Perhaps the greatest blessing of this trip is the small-haven it has provided of personal restoration and re-sprouting.

More to come later,
KC

An opportunity to support:

Dear blog reader,
           As you may know I sought support last spring to attend the Christ at the Checkpoint Conference in Bethlehem, Palestine. At the conference I felt a strong call on my life to engage in global conflict as a peacemaker, a mentor, and a friend. During the conference, my passion for seeking true justice and holistic peace was increased as I had the opportunity to meet Christians from all around the world who were also making and seeking peace globally and in their home communities. Since returning home, I have been eagerly seeking new opportunities to go back to Palestine, to continue learning, and to further understand God’s call on my life.

            The program I am enrolled in at North Park is taking a trip to Northern Ireland this May. Admittedly, at first I was very frustrated with the decision of the department to travel to Europe. But after good conversation with mentors, prayer, and discernment: I am confident that God is going to use this trip to further my understanding of self, of call, and of reconciliation. While in Northern Ireland my peers and I will have the opportunity to meet with expatriates and peacemakers, Catholics and Protestants, those who are still hurting and those who have been healed, and to experience the rich culture of Northern Ireland as well.

            As you may have already gathered, this letter is more than informative: it is also an invitation. I was hesitant to seek help to pay for this trip, but after a conversation with a friend I began to understand that what I am going to be doing on this trip is bigger than myself; so it is important that I seek support from others in the process.

           Overall, we are each expected to raise about 2,600. My hope is that you would be willing and able to donate $20-$200 towards expenses such as: airfare, hotels and hostels, bus fees, food, and gratuity to tour guides, hotel staff, and organizations.

            If you are able to donate, please make checks out to North Park University with Conflict Transformation Program in the memo line. Donations are tax deductible.

 Please send all checks to:

                        Dr. Robert Hostetter

                        North Park University

                        Conflict Transformation Studies Program

                        3225 W Foster Ave

                        Chicago, Il 60625

If you are unable to donate, please support us in prayer as we prepare and depart for our trip! We will be gone May 10-24. My hope is that you will also pledge a specific day of the trip to hold us in prayer. If you would like to commit to a specific day, or you have questions, please email me at katiecom12@gmail.com or text me at 503-899-7216.

Thank you for allowing me to share this with you, and for being willing to support in whatever way you can!

Katie Comfort