Today has been a glorious day in Bradford. It's the third sunny day of the year, which in itself is something to celebrate already. But it's also easter sunday.
I have been quite preoccupied lately with the work I need to get done for the semester so I have been doing too little thinking about other things. But this easter has been good. I enjoy easter because it gives me a chance to reflect on my faith. I admit to not having really observed Lent this year and I reflected much more briefly than I would have liked, but it was a worthy reflection nonetheless, and one that lifted my spirit.
I like Good Friday and Saturday because it provides this necessary space in my faith for uncertainty, doubt, disillusionment and maybe expectation. On that day Jesus died, I wonder what went through the minds of his followers. I wonder how they felt on Saturday. I imagine they felt lost, unsure, doubtful and depressed even. They didn't know Sunday would bring such news. I appreciate that because too often I anticipate Sunday because as someone in the 21st century, I know the story well. I often fail to stop, wait and wonder. Because in that lowest moment in Saturday, when God seems to have disappeared, that time is still divine time.
And yes, Sunday comes and it's ever sweeter when I've acknowledged the loss and found the resurrection.
Happy easter.
April 16, 2006
April 06, 2006
judas helped jesus?
Sorry for not being very diligent with updating my blog. I am doing fine. Still enjoying the schizo (and yes, I know I'm not very PC) Bradford weather - sun, hail, sun, rain, rain, rain, sun, hail (all in one day)... But that's alright because I seem to stay away from most of it whilst sitting within the protective yet sanity sucking walls of the library. The past few weeks seem like one long day in the library. Yes, that's my exciting life right now.
Some interesting read from the Globe and Mail here. Judas helping Jesus out. I always did wonder about that. I was chatting with a couple of people the other day and someone asked about Satanism. One of my friends was saying that in Satanism the Bible is viewed as the story told by the 'winners'. Someone mentioned that in Satanism, or at least the one he was talking about, Satan could be seen from the perspective that he was the oppressed and God was the oppressor... (If Satan won, wouldn't the narrative be so different?)
Aren't stories so fascinating?
Some interesting read from the Globe and Mail here. Judas helping Jesus out. I always did wonder about that. I was chatting with a couple of people the other day and someone asked about Satanism. One of my friends was saying that in Satanism the Bible is viewed as the story told by the 'winners'. Someone mentioned that in Satanism, or at least the one he was talking about, Satan could be seen from the perspective that he was the oppressed and God was the oppressor... (If Satan won, wouldn't the narrative be so different?)
Aren't stories so fascinating?
March 18, 2006
Iraq and Tom Fox
It's three years since the troops went into Iraq and there are mixed feelings about whether or not the troops should stay in or leave.
On another note but still in Iraq, over a week ago, it was confirmed that one of the CPT (Christian Peacemakers Team) hostages was killed. Tom Fox, one of the four taken hostage was confirmed dead, killed by the Swords of Truth, the group that took him hostage in November. You could read his blog here. And here is an article he wrote the day before he was abducted. My prayers go out to his family. (I blogged about the abduction on 23 Dec 05)
On another note but still in Iraq, over a week ago, it was confirmed that one of the CPT (Christian Peacemakers Team) hostages was killed. Tom Fox, one of the four taken hostage was confirmed dead, killed by the Swords of Truth, the group that took him hostage in November. You could read his blog here. And here is an article he wrote the day before he was abducted. My prayers go out to his family. (I blogged about the abduction on 23 Dec 05)
March 03, 2006
being filipino and canadian
The past few weeks have forced me on a few different levels to tap into both my canadian-ness and filipino-ness. Two weeks ago I took part in a studio recorded panel discussion on canadian politics, particularly on the recent federal elections. I sat in a discussion panel with four other canadians, and the host, who was also canadian. It was fascinating and nerve-racking, given the fact that I had never done anything like that and I am not all that politically savvy. I was defaulted into the panel being one of the few canadians in bradford. The show might air this weekend but I haven't heard anything about it, but will definitely post some information once I find out.
This past week I also got to sit in on a roundtable discussion with the Philippine Ambassador to the UK to discuss peace issues and sustainable development in the Philippines. I sat amongst much more qualified and informed Filipino students. A wiser person would equate ignorance with keeping her mouth shut, but I suppose, I'm not that wise of a person. Regardless, it was a special time. I got to know the other students here (there were 10 of us in all) and I learned a lot more about the Philippines. I am starting to recognise and acknowledge the Philippines as one of the places I would like to consider for work. If you had asked me five years ago, I would have said 'not a chance' but there's been some stirring in me for the past three years about the Philippines. We'll see what that means and where that takes me.
On a another level, I am thinking of looking to some degree on identity for my dissertation. On an academic note, I think it will be useful to consider how we shape our understanding of ourselves and how we differentiate ourselves from 'the other'. On a personal note, I think it might help me consider how I define myself and recognise some of the labels I give myself to attach meaning to my personhood and hopefully explore some of the questions that I have been asking myself for the past few years. It's all in the preliminary stages of the dissertation right now. I don't suppose I'll really know what I'm saying until the night before its submission.
This past week I also got to sit in on a roundtable discussion with the Philippine Ambassador to the UK to discuss peace issues and sustainable development in the Philippines. I sat amongst much more qualified and informed Filipino students. A wiser person would equate ignorance with keeping her mouth shut, but I suppose, I'm not that wise of a person. Regardless, it was a special time. I got to know the other students here (there were 10 of us in all) and I learned a lot more about the Philippines. I am starting to recognise and acknowledge the Philippines as one of the places I would like to consider for work. If you had asked me five years ago, I would have said 'not a chance' but there's been some stirring in me for the past three years about the Philippines. We'll see what that means and where that takes me.
On a another level, I am thinking of looking to some degree on identity for my dissertation. On an academic note, I think it will be useful to consider how we shape our understanding of ourselves and how we differentiate ourselves from 'the other'. On a personal note, I think it might help me consider how I define myself and recognise some of the labels I give myself to attach meaning to my personhood and hopefully explore some of the questions that I have been asking myself for the past few years. It's all in the preliminary stages of the dissertation right now. I don't suppose I'll really know what I'm saying until the night before its submission.
February 23, 2006
more on the philippines
Just to add to the post a couple of days ago, the BBC has posted some photos on the Philippines. An interesting photo collage on poverty in the Philippines.
On another note, on Monday the Philippine Ambassador to the UK is coming to Bradford and together with some of the other Filipinos here we will be hosting him with a roundtable discussion on peace and sustainable development on the Philippines. Don't have a clue what that means but we'll see what we come up with by Monday.
On another note, on Monday the Philippine Ambassador to the UK is coming to Bradford and together with some of the other Filipinos here we will be hosting him with a roundtable discussion on peace and sustainable development on the Philippines. Don't have a clue what that means but we'll see what we come up with by Monday.
February 21, 2006
no survivors
There are between 1000 to 2500 feared dead. 84 confirmed dead. Mass graves and a school buried in the mud. The mudslide in Guinsaugon last Friday is another tragedy hitting the Philippines. Rescuers have confirmed that there are no survivors from the school that is buried.
The news reports give many reasons for the landslides, including a small earthquake, rains and of course deforestation and illegal logging (!!!!). At this time I would like to extend my prayers and thoughts to the displaced families and those who have lost loved ones.
I'm sure some of the bigger humanitarian organisations have come to the aid (at least briefly) of the Philippines. If you are interested in finding out or donating, you could flip through some of their websites. A quick search led me to this.
The news reports give many reasons for the landslides, including a small earthquake, rains and of course deforestation and illegal logging (!!!!). At this time I would like to extend my prayers and thoughts to the displaced families and those who have lost loved ones.
I'm sure some of the bigger humanitarian organisations have come to the aid (at least briefly) of the Philippines. If you are interested in finding out or donating, you could flip through some of their websites. A quick search led me to this.
February 04, 2006
still around...
It's been over a month since I last blogged, which is a shame on me. So, happy new year everyone and happy valentine's as well...Thanks for consistently checking in.
I had a great three weeks in Vancouver over the Christmas and New Year holidays. I returned to Bradford sometime mid-January and have not left the library since. Okay, so that's a little bit dramatic but I've been buried in books and papers. My lack of motivation to work in Vancouver (although the break was fantastic) meant I had about four weeks of work to do in a week, which is why I have neglected everything else but sitting in the cold University of Bradford library for the past three weeks. I have a week and a half left to do the rest of my work. And it's looking a little tight but I'll be happy when the crunch time is over and the new crunch time begins (it already has actually, I'm just behind as usual).
Anyway, enough of my uneventful life in the library (although if you sit in the library long enough, you realise what an absolutely strange place it is, with strange people and a strange 'in the library culture').
The new year is an interesting thing. It's a month into 2006 and in the few minutes I have to think of something other than ethnic conflict, landmines and guerillas, I realise that this is quite a significant year for me. Every year is significant but this year is when I am finally going to embark on a potentially life long career of [insert career] in [insert place]. Of course the blanks reflect the ambiguity of the year, and I am quite aware that life constantly changes so 'life long' is may not be reflective of what comes up in September. Still, the openness is both exciting and daunting. A small voice asks me every now and then if I could find something in September and the pressure of finishing my programme, being in student debt and the expanse of the field can be intimidating. But the excitement of finishing a programme I was anticipating to do for a few years, the options available and the places and people I see and meet are overwhelming. I am curious how things will turn out. Of course it's only February. You might note a hint of panic towards July-August, so stay tuned.
I am also keenly aware of my uncertainty about going back to Vancouver. It was a sad moment stepping on the plane in Vancouver going to London and realising that I was unsure when my next trip home would be. It is home and I love being there, but it's not my current home. Again, I might be saying something different in a few months. Lots of decisions to make in the next few months.
It's back to the books for now. I will update. I was quite reluctant to update because I'm tunnel-visioned right now. I can't see past the next article I have to read and that's no fun to blog about, or read about. But perhaps the boredom and tediousness of school work might force me to tap into Angela's alter-reality and I might blog about that for interest's sake.
I had a great three weeks in Vancouver over the Christmas and New Year holidays. I returned to Bradford sometime mid-January and have not left the library since. Okay, so that's a little bit dramatic but I've been buried in books and papers. My lack of motivation to work in Vancouver (although the break was fantastic) meant I had about four weeks of work to do in a week, which is why I have neglected everything else but sitting in the cold University of Bradford library for the past three weeks. I have a week and a half left to do the rest of my work. And it's looking a little tight but I'll be happy when the crunch time is over and the new crunch time begins (it already has actually, I'm just behind as usual).
Anyway, enough of my uneventful life in the library (although if you sit in the library long enough, you realise what an absolutely strange place it is, with strange people and a strange 'in the library culture').
The new year is an interesting thing. It's a month into 2006 and in the few minutes I have to think of something other than ethnic conflict, landmines and guerillas, I realise that this is quite a significant year for me. Every year is significant but this year is when I am finally going to embark on a potentially life long career of [insert career] in [insert place]. Of course the blanks reflect the ambiguity of the year, and I am quite aware that life constantly changes so 'life long' is may not be reflective of what comes up in September. Still, the openness is both exciting and daunting. A small voice asks me every now and then if I could find something in September and the pressure of finishing my programme, being in student debt and the expanse of the field can be intimidating. But the excitement of finishing a programme I was anticipating to do for a few years, the options available and the places and people I see and meet are overwhelming. I am curious how things will turn out. Of course it's only February. You might note a hint of panic towards July-August, so stay tuned.
I am also keenly aware of my uncertainty about going back to Vancouver. It was a sad moment stepping on the plane in Vancouver going to London and realising that I was unsure when my next trip home would be. It is home and I love being there, but it's not my current home. Again, I might be saying something different in a few months. Lots of decisions to make in the next few months.
It's back to the books for now. I will update. I was quite reluctant to update because I'm tunnel-visioned right now. I can't see past the next article I have to read and that's no fun to blog about, or read about. But perhaps the boredom and tediousness of school work might force me to tap into Angela's alter-reality and I might blog about that for interest's sake.
December 23, 2005
christian peacemakers hostages
It's nearly a month since the four men of the Christian Peacemaker Team were taken hostage by the Swords of Truth group in Iraq and nearly two weeks since the deadline passed. Still no word on what has happened.
Their kidnapping has caused a commotion on the news and on the blogosphere, many posing opinions, arguments and questions surrounding pacifism, the appropriate involvement of the West on issues in the Middle East, Christian vs Muslim, right wing vs left wing, and of course the appropriateness of risking one's life for such a situation.
Christian Peacemaker Team (CPT) has been operating since 1984 and was formed with a vision to reduce violence by nonviolent means, particularly by 'getting in the way'. It is a spiritually based group applying non violent direct action strategies in the attempt to protect human rights and manage violent conflict. They have sent delegation upon delegation in some of the most volatile regions over the past several years and have brought change to some of these situations.
CPT has been in Iraq since October 2002, half a year before the US led invasion. Their work there primarily surrounded human rights and supporting UN weapons inspection. As the war and circumstances in Iraq changed, their work shifted, although at all times opposing the war and working on human rights abuses. The kidnappings and death of foreign aid workers in the last year caused the team to downsize and reduce their visibility.
I have great admiration for the many people who risk their lives in support for an alternative to war. It takes such faith and idealism that I'm not sure I have, although I do believe very strongly that war is hardly an option.
Macleans, a Canadian weekly magazine, published an article in its most recent issue questioning the validity of the CPT strategy in Iraq. Should nonviolent resistance, particularly from a Western group be an option in such a place as Iraq? They suggest that if part of the mission is to possibly die for the mission, then perhaps this is the place for it, because although they walk in with good intentions, insurgents and criminals may see them as either another obstacle that must be rid off or walking $$.
I can't believe the number of times I've heard or read something to the effect that 'it's their fault that this is happening to them, they walked right into it.' Granted the situation is volatile, I hardly think that the purpose of the group and of nonviolent action is to get kidnapped, killed or hurt in the process of creating an alternative to nonviolence. There is a chance it will happen, but it certainly is not the purpose. The work of those CPT delegates was to deal with issues of human rights abuses, and to raise an alternative awareness of the situation in Iraq. These aren't suicide missions for the delegates and to suggest that the purpose of going is to die for this cause or that there is no room for sympathy because it is pure foolishness is ignorant and narrow.
I try to remain hopeful but my heart sinks. Hope and pray for the release of Jim Loney, Tom Fox, Harmeet Sooden, and Norman Kember. May Christmas bring comforting news to the families of the kidnapped and to peacemakers everywhere.
Their kidnapping has caused a commotion on the news and on the blogosphere, many posing opinions, arguments and questions surrounding pacifism, the appropriate involvement of the West on issues in the Middle East, Christian vs Muslim, right wing vs left wing, and of course the appropriateness of risking one's life for such a situation.
Christian Peacemaker Team (CPT) has been operating since 1984 and was formed with a vision to reduce violence by nonviolent means, particularly by 'getting in the way'. It is a spiritually based group applying non violent direct action strategies in the attempt to protect human rights and manage violent conflict. They have sent delegation upon delegation in some of the most volatile regions over the past several years and have brought change to some of these situations.
CPT has been in Iraq since October 2002, half a year before the US led invasion. Their work there primarily surrounded human rights and supporting UN weapons inspection. As the war and circumstances in Iraq changed, their work shifted, although at all times opposing the war and working on human rights abuses. The kidnappings and death of foreign aid workers in the last year caused the team to downsize and reduce their visibility.
I have great admiration for the many people who risk their lives in support for an alternative to war. It takes such faith and idealism that I'm not sure I have, although I do believe very strongly that war is hardly an option.
Macleans, a Canadian weekly magazine, published an article in its most recent issue questioning the validity of the CPT strategy in Iraq. Should nonviolent resistance, particularly from a Western group be an option in such a place as Iraq? They suggest that if part of the mission is to possibly die for the mission, then perhaps this is the place for it, because although they walk in with good intentions, insurgents and criminals may see them as either another obstacle that must be rid off or walking $$.
I can't believe the number of times I've heard or read something to the effect that 'it's their fault that this is happening to them, they walked right into it.' Granted the situation is volatile, I hardly think that the purpose of the group and of nonviolent action is to get kidnapped, killed or hurt in the process of creating an alternative to nonviolence. There is a chance it will happen, but it certainly is not the purpose. The work of those CPT delegates was to deal with issues of human rights abuses, and to raise an alternative awareness of the situation in Iraq. These aren't suicide missions for the delegates and to suggest that the purpose of going is to die for this cause or that there is no room for sympathy because it is pure foolishness is ignorant and narrow.
I try to remain hopeful but my heart sinks. Hope and pray for the release of Jim Loney, Tom Fox, Harmeet Sooden, and Norman Kember. May Christmas bring comforting news to the families of the kidnapped and to peacemakers everywhere.
December 01, 2005
UN Habitat Jam
Got this on email. Looks interesting. Being involved does not have to mean placards...
- Habitat JAM -- Dec. 1-3
- More than 100,000 people around the globe are expected to participate in this 72-hour online global discussion about urban sustainability -- that will lay the groundwork for the World Urban Forum in Vancouver next June.
- The Habitat JAM discussion will have six topics:
- - Improving the lives of slum dwellers.
- - Sustainable access to water.
- - Environmental sustainability.
- - Safety and security.
- - Finance and governance.
- - Humanity: The Future of our Cities.
- During the three day on-line discussion, you can communicate with over 70 distinguished guests, such as:
- * an awarding winning visionary and green architect, whose theories are being built on the ground in 'New Cities' in China
- * the remarkable woman who heads London's envi! ronmental initiatives as Deputy Mayor of London
- * the Indian head of the world's biggest slum dwellers' activist group
- * the scientist in charge of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
- * the head of the world's biggest and most influential environmental organization
- * authors of groundbreaking books
- * the President of Canada's aid agency
- * the President of the African Development Bank
- William McDonough, Nicky Gavron, Jockin Arputham, Dr. Rajendra Patchauri, Achim Steiner, Janine Benyus, Robert Greenhill and Dr. Donald Kaberuka are just a few of the notable participants joining the tens of thousands of citizens and experts in the JAM.
- Share your ideas on the future of cities. Everyone is welcome to sign up for free at www.habitatjam.com
November 24, 2005
doctors, staples and pain killers
A week ago today (Thursday) I was discharged from the local hospital here in Bradford, the Bradford Royal Infirmary. I left with three stapled holes in my tummy and a pack of paracetamol. It started with tummy pains I was feeling all Monday, finally localising to my right side. The pain was pretty close to unbearable by late evening so I asked two of my flatmates, Danielle and Ahmed, to get a taxi with me to the hospital.
After an hour and a half of waiting patiently in pain, I twice went to the nurse's desk, nearly lying on her desk, initially pleasant later more aggressive, asking (demanding?) what time I'm to see the doctor. Finally, after a dramatic but completely true to life episode in front of the nurse's desk, they took me to the back to a bed where I could be checked and pumped with some morphine.
Anyway, to make a long story short, I ended up being completely doped up with painkillers in the hospital until Thursday. I was told at first it might be appendicitis, then I was told it was not, then I was told it probably was and that they needed to do some keyhole surgery (laparoscopy or something like that). As it turns out it was not appendicitis but a ruptured cyst that caused some problems. On Wednesday night, they performed the surgery and a week later I'm healing well.
My flatmate Danielle spent everyday with me at the hospital, although I was hardly conscious of her or anything going on around me. I also had a few other friends who kept me company and took care of me even after I was discharged. My mom flew in from Vancouver on Saturday and stayed until Wednesday to nurse me back to health. And now, I'm pretty much functioning at regular capacity, although the staples on the three holes of my tummy won't be coming out until Monday.
I'm glad I didn't have to stay much longer in that hospital although the nurses and others were kind to me. It's not a happy place at the best of times.
After an hour and a half of waiting patiently in pain, I twice went to the nurse's desk, nearly lying on her desk, initially pleasant later more aggressive, asking (demanding?) what time I'm to see the doctor. Finally, after a dramatic but completely true to life episode in front of the nurse's desk, they took me to the back to a bed where I could be checked and pumped with some morphine.
Anyway, to make a long story short, I ended up being completely doped up with painkillers in the hospital until Thursday. I was told at first it might be appendicitis, then I was told it was not, then I was told it probably was and that they needed to do some keyhole surgery (laparoscopy or something like that). As it turns out it was not appendicitis but a ruptured cyst that caused some problems. On Wednesday night, they performed the surgery and a week later I'm healing well.
My flatmate Danielle spent everyday with me at the hospital, although I was hardly conscious of her or anything going on around me. I also had a few other friends who kept me company and took care of me even after I was discharged. My mom flew in from Vancouver on Saturday and stayed until Wednesday to nurse me back to health. And now, I'm pretty much functioning at regular capacity, although the staples on the three holes of my tummy won't be coming out until Monday.
I'm glad I didn't have to stay much longer in that hospital although the nurses and others were kind to me. It's not a happy place at the best of times.
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