Friends Bulletin- Building the Western Quaker Community Since 1929-May 2002

28 Pages·2002·3.3 MB·English

Friends
Bulletin
“Building the Western May 2002
Quaker Community Since 1929 Volume 73 Number 4
%
and
Friends the Environment
“From the Lost Coast to Costa Rica”
Journey to Pakistan
Directory of Western Friends Meetings and Organizations
a
Friends Bulletin From the Fditor The Cult of Violence and Noah Ark
’s
TPahceifoifcf,iNcioarltphubPlaicciaftiicoannodf Our —cover—a papercut art work created by Salem Friend Cindy Stinson-Chennell (see be-
IntermountainYearly Meetings low) depicts the familiar story ofNoah’s ark. What may not be familiar is the story’s—anti-
oftheReligiousSocietyof war theme. Ac—cording to the Bible, as human beings evolved from Adam and Eve and
Friends(Quakers) Cain and Abel they became more and more violent. Just prior to Noah’s time, the first
(Opinions expressed are those armies were forming and people were proud of being “warriors of renown” and
ofthe authors, “heroes” (Gen. 6:4). This human pride in military might was so “loathsome” that God told
not necessarily ofthe Noah, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence
Yearly Meetings.) because of them; now I am going to destroy them along with the earth” (Genesis 6:13). God
had second thoughts and decided to spare Noah and animals (after all, they had done noth-
Editor
Anthony Manousos ing to merit extinction), but it—is worth noting that our human predilection for violence and
5238AndaluciaCourt warfare made God very angry angry enough to want to press the “delete” key and end the
Whittier,CA 90601-2222 human race and all life!
Phone: [phone] The cult of violence is once again dominating the world, and our country is one ofthe
FAX: [phone] its major purveyors. Walter Wink, activist/theologian and this year’s keynote speaker at the
E-mail: FriendsBul@aoLcom Friends General Conference Annual Gathering, argues that America’s “true religion” has
—
<<www.westemquaker.net>>
become “redemption through violence” the belief that evil can somehow be exorcised
IMYMCorrespondingEditor only through war. In a recent address on ‘The Meaning ofthe Peace Testimony for Quakers
AlicyaMalik Today,” sponsored by the Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC), Mary Lord
W
2693 AvenidaAzahar describes how the myth of redemptive violence has made our leaders willing “to make sac-
Tucson,AZ85745
rifices to our weapons and our military structures as though they were gods.”
NPYM —
CorrespondingEditors There is, thank God, a better way one that Friends have tried to practice and pro-
JeanTriol mote for over 350 years. This issue contains an article by Roberta Llewellyn about Quakers
POBox367 —
Somers,MT59932 who fled the Cold War madness of America in the 1950s and moved to Costa Rica
PegMorton country which has no military, and is the most democratic and prosperous in Central Amer-
5Eu1g0eVnea,nOBRur9e7n4S0t2reet ica. There Friends created a model community based on Quaker values and have sought for
PYM the past fifty years to live in harmony with nature and with local peoples. Eugene, Oregon
CorrespondingEditor
Friends share with us their vision of world free from violence, oppression, and ecological
MarybethWebster
FWCC
POBox2843 destruction. Field Staff Nancy Yarnall reports on the various peace actions under-
GrassValley,CA95945 taken by Western Friends in response to 9/1 1 and the “war on terrorism.” Our roving AFSC
BoardofDirectors director Joe Franko describes how he and Edith Cole journeyed to Pakistan to reach out to
RobertGriswold,Clerk those victimized by war and oppression.
1745CherrySt
Denver,CO80220 These small, but telling efforts all point towards a fundamental truth: social justice,
IjinnyJay,Treasurer environmental balance and spiritual—redemption are inextricably interconnected. This is
G1u8e6m0e2viOlllde,MConAte95R4i4o6Rd what the Hebrews meant by shalom a word that can be translated as “peace on earth, jus-
JeannieGraves,RecordingClerk tice and good will to all.” To survive as a human species, we must work together to build a
PMB 131 Box8049 new global ark whose main business will be to preserve life and to foster peace. This won’t
NewportBeach,CA92658-8049
PhyllisHoge be easy, but God has made the alternative all too clear: “I have placed before you life and
213DarmouthSE death.... Therefore, choose life that you and your descendants might live.”
NM
Albuquerque, 87106 (Deuteronomy 30:19).
LisaDown
POBox 11197
WA fcrwtruvxar
BainbridgeIsland, 98110
JimKimball
NW
3050 LynwoodCircle
Corvallis,OR97330
JoAnnTaylor This month’s cover: Salem (OR) Friends Meeting has been given limited edition prints of an
2850MidvaleAve original papercut titled “Noah/s Ark.” Proceeds will help raise funds for remodeling die Meeting
LosAngeles,CA90064 House to accommodate persons with disabilities. Cindy Stinson-Chennell, the artist, is a longtime
NormanWPasche attender ofSalem Friends Meeting and accomplished at paper-cutting. The wonderful poster makes
620 CoWluAmbia St an appropriate picture for a meeting house, a child’s room or a house-warming gift. It measures 16”
Monroe, 98272-1211
x 13” and is black on white. Cost is $20.00 plus $5.00 mailing charge. There is no additional mail-
ing charge for up to three posters sent to the same address. Orders and checks can be made out to
Salem Friends Meeting, 490 19th St NE, Salem, OR 97301.
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2 May 2002 FRIENDS BULLETIN
From the
Lost
Coast
to Costa Rica
t
Left: “Lost Coast" ofNorthern California. Right: Costa Rica
Forming Community as a Spiritual Practice
by Roberta Llewellyn live a relatively simple life today in
Berkeley (CA) Friends Meeting Oakland. I am mindful of energy re-
T sources and conserve accordingly, in-
homas Merton describes in his cluding daily use of water, albeit tap
Asian Journal the deep valley water, and walk to most places in the
of the Mim Tea Estate above Bay area or take the bus. My attempt
Darjeeling as beautiful and quiet, and with others to create community in the
further comments, “Yet it has nothing I natural world back then has significantly
could not, essentially, have found at moved me presently to explore further
—
Needle Rock or Bear Harbor” places what other communities have seeded
on the California “Lost Coast” where and grown over time.
Merton explored while visiting Our In December of 2000, I made a
Lady of the Redwoods Abbey in "Lucky” (Lucille)Guidon—PhotobyR. Llewellyn journey to Monteverde, Costa Rica.
the sixties. I was pleased by Mer- Costa Rica—a Central American success story Cloudbursts sprinkled gentle
ton’s comment in reading his Since the late 19th century, only two briefperiods of rain in sunll§ht’ and rainbows
journal, for I had been one of a violence have marred its democratic development, arched pastel colors of sweet
handful of new settlers of the Although still a largely agricultural country, it has surprises throughout my days
Lost Coast during the time of his achieved a high standard of living compared to its Centra! there. I had come to record the
exploration. American neighbors. Land ownership is widespread. stories of a Quaker Community
I, too, had been deeply Literacy: 94.8% who had actualized saving the
drawn to the natural beauty and Per capita GDP: $6,700 Cloud Forest. They had come
solitude inherent in that region. (Compare Nicaragua: $2500 and Panama: $3200 ) largely as a result of five young
Part of my vision back then lay in Costa Rica has no military, only domestic police forces, men fleeing the United States
finding community apart from including the Coast Guard and Air Section (Missouri and Alabama) after
mainstream America and living Statistics and facts fromAOL’s “Lonely Planet” being jailed for refusing to reg-
alternatively for its own sake. For Quaker travel oppowrtwuwn.ictriesst,usdeyeto“uCorsst.acoRmica Study Tour” (p. 22) ister for the draft during the US/
Chopping firewood and hauling Korean conflict. Costa Rica was
water before a water system was man-made anguish and sadly, tragic con- the chosen destination because
created was a daily endeavor, as well as sequences over land boundaries caused of its abolition ofthe military in 1948.
feeding, on limited resources, a family of me to move, along with my children, There were few Costa Rican families
four children and two adults. Food com- away from that pristine indigenous Sin- in the vicinity when the original twelve
modities, brown rice, and locally abun- kyone Indian coastal land. Quaker families first setded in Monteverde
—
dant, golden Chanterelle Mushrooms Akin to a lost love one that gets in 1951. The area had no electricity,
—
were frequent mainstays of our diet. En- in your blood I have retained the fla- postal service, or transportation, except
countering the reality of transplanted vor of that pioneering experience and for horses, oxen, and oxcarts. Preserva-
Friends Bulletin May 2002 3
—
tion of vital watersheds in Monteverde in her daily activity ofcapturing the sur- preciated the twilight time. I really love
became critical and through Wilford rounding gnarled trees and foliage in that time of day, when the light, sud-
(Wolf) Guindon’s leadership, the Quak- vibrant flowing forms. Lucky generated denly, just like magic, becomes fairy-
We
ers preserved the watersheds and pris- warmth and vitality. exchanged land all around.”
tine forests. This was central to ulti- greetings and moved to the library. I visited with John and Sue Trostle
mately establishing an 800-acre reserve. From the large library windows,
over a simple, yet delectable vegetarian
The reserve abutted the local farms and sunlight sparkled in the heavy mist. The supper in their comfortable home not
eventually became part of the Monte- room itself was sheaved in warm light. I too far from the Monteverde Institute.
verde Cloud Reserve, which protects set up my tape recorder and Lucky be- The Institute was founded in part by
endangered species (the exotic quetzal, gan telling me of her early beginnings in
John Trostle and other Quakers to help
for instance) and habitat. The terrain ways reminiscent of my experiences in
biologists have a place to earn a living
was, then and now, hilly and rugged. Northern California:
teaching tropical biology and agro-
I spoke with Lucille (Lucky) Guin- “On our farm, we didn’t have any- ecology while doing their research work
don, who came with her husband Wolf thing but the well for water. Later we for getting their PhD This creation was
to the montane region when she was built a house with a roof, so we could a natural endeavor for John, who had
We
eighteen years old. met at the use rain water off the roof, into tubs, worked for the Council of International
Friends’ library, attached to the school barrels, or buckets. So, I did a lot of wa- Student Exchange in New York before
that usually has about 86 children in
ter hauling then. I did a lot of water sav- leaving his job there. Sue had also quit
attendance. Mostly “Ticos” as Costa
ing. I became very aware, of how much her job as a social worker when they
Rcoincsaindsercaalbllythelmesseslviens antutemnbdearloQnguawkietrh water a person uses and used the same both had decided to move to Monte-
verde.
water over for many different things,
children.
John was also one of the found-
The Costa Rican children are
ing members of the Monteverde
required to attend Friends’ Meet- Conservation League, and Sue is
ing House (built along side the a member. The League was
School House, both existing for
founded specifically to buy and
close to fifty years with some ad- protect land, and keep it from
ditions made in the eighties) for A
being deforested. major differ-
silent worship once a week. The ence between the Institute and
original Quaker families had es-
the Conservation League was the
tablished this agreement with the Institute was set up to be self-
Costa Rican families in the fifties, supporting and self-sufficient.
in exchange for the local children The Institute received payments
receiving an education.
from universities for managing
There have been no converts
high-quality educational pro-
from the dominant Catholic Com-
QuakerMeetinghouse, LibraryandSchoolinMonteverde, CostaRica grams for American biology stu-
munity, and as reported to me by dents. The League was depend-
several Friends, no one really tries to because I had to haul it on my back, ent on grants and contributions to buy
convert these children or their families. from quite a distance, two buckets at a
virgin cloud forest.
In the days prior to becoming class- time. We used the Coleman lanterns, John relates, “Our leaving the
mates with the Quaker family children, and we were trying to save, as we didn’t United States was really a question of
the Costa Rican children generally only have much money at all; we didn’t have our being very much products of the
attended school for a couple of years.
any income for about four years, before sixties and early seventies, and being
Mostly they were needed to work in the
we had returns from the cheese plant concerned about the military develop-
fields harvesting corn alongside their ”
that had to be built. ments in the US.
fcaumtitliinegs.dow(nThetihre fCalromuedr Ffoartehsetr,s awlbeeriet “The cheese plant was built in 1953 in thIe aLomstreCmoiansdteRdegoifotnhewhfoolklseftI mkanienw-
unwittingly, in those years, in a slash and was cooperatively run on a consen- stream America during the Vietnam
and burn method of clearing land for sus basis, and became economically War era for much the same reason. I
crops and beefcattle grazing.) quite successful. Today the plant is en- recall my own despair living in the Bay
I traveled on the day of our meeting tirely owned by Costa Rican farmers. Area during that era and feeling the
via a four wheel drive taxi on a rutted “We had to make pastures for our same concern as the Trostles had experi-
dirt road from Santa Elena, a few kilo- cows, and we had to get our cows, then enced during that time.
meters away; I was glad upon my arrival heifers, and they had to grow up. Actu- One of the challenges most of us
to walk the short distance to where ally, we had milk before the cheese faced living in the backwoods of Men-
Lucky was sitting cross-legged on the
plant was ready. So we were living on docino was the “how” in making our
damp earth. The cool earth air was
sweetly intoxicating. She had a drawing milk for a while! But, we learned to living. Apart from a few who had trust
funds or some folks who simply (not so
pad on her lap and was busily engaged save on just everything, and I really ap-
4 May 2002 FRIENDS BULLETIN
)
easily) lived monastically, many of us in Jimenez, a native woman, became Presi- Many lessons were learned over the
the beginning got welfare and/or food dent of the Board of Directors of the course of my former Lost Coast commu-
stamps, plus US government surplus Coop. I remember when we came in the nity’s growing pains in coming of age and
food. Notwithstanding the questionable 70s and we used to go to Coop meetings finding balance with nature. Our wild na-
nutritional value of food commodities, and lecheria meetings, there would be a ture is never more nihilistic than when
we made do until we got our gardens sprinkling of women, but no one would ruthlessly independent from the organic
together. Fishing for salmon was an- say anything. And now there are proba- whole. Today this same community, hav-
other link. Later, cash crops (such as bly as many women as men, and they ing built its own school many years ago,
marijuana) became a fixed commodity. bring the children too. And if they have and having actively participated in saving
My feeling about the latter endeavor, questions they ask them. And it has not the Sinkyone Wilderness (LostCoast) from
especially in regards to the hidden, ag- been an easy thing for some of the men deforestation, has formed a spiritual con-
gressive aspects of entrepreneurial pot to accept, but over a period of time, be- nection within to sustain its vibrancy and
growing, played a part in spiritually di- cause the women have developed their co-existence.
viding the community and certainly power and I think they feel it has made A difference clearly in “how” com-
played a part in my decision to leave. them better wives and mothers and hap- munity forms, and ultimately, I feel,
John tells me, “We made our in- pier people, certainly, that this has been feeds itself, becomes intrinsic to positive
come from services we provided for a wonderful influence for the rest of the co-existence. Relationship, or really re-
American college groups, American family, too.” lating, is essential for the health of each
universities. We have many volunteers, John expressed that he “tends to being, as well as forests, vital water-
We
but the central staff is salaried. have take a mystical point of view about the sheds, plants, animals, all living species
a volunteer coordinator, we have many fundamental relationship between the within its bio-region.
people from the United States, Canada, Cloud Forest and Quaker meeting. The
and Europe who come to volunteer and Cloud Forest is a magical place, and Roberta Llewellyn identifies with nature, spirit,
and caring aspractice. She describes herselfas
work here, both in our schools and for there is, I think, a strong relationship an errantjournalist, seeking communityformed
the Institute. An elected board of direc- between the Quaker meeting, the silence on peaceful co-existence. She co-produced an
tors, a diverse board, runs the Monte- in the meeting, and the silence and the OralHistoryDocumentaryforPacificaRadioas
verde Institute and they’re all Costa Ri- life and magic that is in the Cloud For- a series titled: Pomo Indians; These Things That
” We Cannot Be Replaced Roberta has contributedin
can, which is helpful. est. don’t talk about this very much, the past to News From Native California and
Sue spoke of the importance of the but it has influenced all ofus.” Friends Bulletin.
role ofwomen in the community, which,
she expressed, had changed so much in Eugene Friends Reflect
the time since she had come in the 70s.
“Women were traditionally second class On Friends’ Environmental Testimony
citizens, they were the wives, the moth-
ers, and the providers of the food. They by Milena Thompson, Joe Softich, John Allcott, Stewart Mulford,
would bring the noon meal to their hus- Stan Thompson, Edythe Pearson, Ruth Bryant and Brett
bands in the fields. The Costa Rican W(Eugene (OR) Friends Meeting, QuakerStudies, Spring Term, 2001
community and the role of women in the
campo, I think was pretty typical
hen humans understand
throughout the country. And that has
deep in their hearts that
changed here completely since the
even their softest breath
1980s. And I think this has been par- connects them intimately with all crea-
tially due to the influence of Quakers, tion, they will more and more act to pro-
because the Quaker men participate mote and nurture all creatures and stop
much more in the running of households acting in ways that put all life in peril.
and the raising of children, and the People will live in Unity with Nature not
women speak up much more comforta- out of fear, and not out of self-interest,
bly in groups and so forth. And now but out ofdeep love.
there are many Costa Rican women who Will any of my grandchildren or Art by Kathryn Willard, Tacoma (WA) Meeting
have taken leadership roles in the com- their grandchildren ever see a big tree or bequeath them?
munity and have been outstanding con- a polar bear? Will the earth become so hostile
tributors in many ways. Will my great grandchildren need to that there won’t be great grandchildren?
The organization called Casern is a oppress Third World children so that Will we see a world rife with social
women’s cooperative, which was begun they may have food themselves? injustice based on economic injustice
by Costa Rican women, with the help of Will my great-grandchildren all die and fueled by environmental injustices?
ofcancer from the radioactive legacy we Pollution, over grazing, and poor farm-
some of the gringo women also. Patricia
Friends Bulletin May 2002 5
ing practices threaten our food supply. across all races and also, across all spe- it, rather than merely living in it and ex-
Improper use of mineral and fossil fuels cies. That love is the bond and the impe- ploiting it beyond our needs. A world in
imperil our energy supply. Humanity’s tus for life’s expressions. Revelation is which humans would treat each other
focus on short-term benefits endangers the living expression of God in the with respect for what and who they are,
wild flora and fauna. Land, sea, plants, world. It is a continuing activity. Each as well as for their accomplishments. A
animals and even human cultures are all person can contact the Divine Spirit di- world in which all living systems would
—
under siege. rectly no intermediary is necessary. be in balance with each other and with
Quakers feel the need and the in- Concern for our environment would their physical resources. A world in
tense desire to perceive, revere, and rec- seem to follow from our testimonies on which constructive activities would be
ognize the presence of the Divine in harmony, simplicity and community. encouraged, and destructive activities
Creation. Because we take time to be While the Peace Testimony is specifi- would be redirected into more positive
silent and wait for divine revelation, we cally addressed to relationships among channels.
may be able to know what we need to do humans, the underlying ideas can be ap- We would acknowledge and accept
individually and collectively to solve plied to our relationship to all other liv- our interdependence with all living
some of the overwhelming problems ing things. Wars are now waged over things and our shared physical environ-
—
facing the future of the Earth and ment we would reduce our
We
all of life. need to realize that consumption of animal products
we are all connected, and that and focus our diets on vegetar-
what happens to one happens to ian supplies, so that we can end
all. the industrial-scale production
of meat and other animal prod-
Our Quaker Heritage ucts.
Our dwellings would be fash-
“I came to Quakers very ioned from materials that we
—
much as an outsider, unable to have helped to gather locally,
accept any established religion. or for which we have exchanged
My impression of Quakers was of some labor and time to “re-
a remarkable tolerance for me,- place” or renew. Our homes
and for others, as they were.” would be modest and yet inspir-
“I could act fro—m where I Artby Kathryn Willard ing spaces that shelter us and
was, with acceptance 1 would nurture our necessarily indoor
expect to give others the same accep- access to water. Right sharing impels us pursuits; they would also link us to the
tance.” to learn and act to equitably and sustain- world outside and to the people and liv-
We
“Quakers, whether at the 15th ably share in and live in the natural ing things that live nearby. would
Street Meeting in New York, or the world. plan our communities to be adaptable
Eugene Friends Meeting, generally dis- Our Vision ofthe World and responsive to change. Our countries
played a kindness, a caring, a concern would celebrate the differences they
for suffering and an openness to look at There would be enough food for all. repres—ent: language, —physical environ-
any issue and reflect upon it intelli- Each family would have some land for ment or bio-region religious prac-
gently.” raising some of its food organically, tice, ideology.
“Growing up in a rural situation without pesticides. Citizens would celebrate their tradi-
gave me love for animals and for grow- Forests would be cut selectively. tions and heritage while remaining open
ing our own food, if possible. But I was Cattle would not be raised for food, thus to the notion of “others." We would
an adult before realizing how precious saving streams from pollution, and land travel to foreign places and be respect-
and fragile the ecosystems are, and how ruined by grazing. ful guests and gracious hosts, recogniz-
all is connected and affected by every- Everyone would have a home. Peo- ing that—we share the planet with one
thing else.” ple would live in communities and share another we would seek to learn from
“I am coming to the condition of equipment and utilities. and teach one another.
We
valuing all living things and seeing that There would be adequate public would organize our societies to
ofthe Spirit in all things.” transportation, so global warming would be stable: in population, in use of re-
be prevented. There would be fewer sources, in the provision of basic goods
We
The basic Quaker Testimony is to roads. and services. would value learning
allow ourselves, as individuals and as a There would be access to natural and education as necessary tools for es-
community, to be led by the Light and to places of beauty to nourish our spirits. tablishing and maintaining our stable-
—
do God’s will however that God and There would be pure air and water. state societies, and we would focus our
that will might be perceived. We believe We would live in a world in which energies and resources on collaboration
that there is that of the Spirit in every- humans would believe that we are part and dialogue in pursuit of agreement,
one. Love infuses all being and unites us of the environment, and are stewards of instead of our violent and aggressive
6 May 2002 FRIENDS BULLETIN
—
confrontation we would value open-
ness, tolerance, respect for others and
Agonizing or
for self, honesty, love, patience, curiosity,
and spiritual exploration.
Accepting
Actions and queries
by Martin Cobin
What can we do about the situation?
Boulder (CO) Meeting
Do my actions show that I am led to
share fairly and sustainably for my needs
A
How do we sustain ourselves? Na-
in the natural world and encounter the
spirit in all Creation? s one of the creatures of nature, ture is not always pretty.
Am I doing all I can to influence I have potentials and limita- Lions eat warthogs.
elected officials to set and enforce policies tions. One of my potentials is Warthogs catch, devour rodents.
and laws that show commitment tojustice the capacity for intellectual understand- Rodents multiply.
(environmental, social, and economic)? ing. One of my limitations is the inabil- Nor is nature always predictable.
Do I incorporate respect for other ity to understand all with which I must
cultures and social backgrounds with my deal. I can agonize over my lack of un- Men and women pray,
desire to model and promote simple liv- derstanding and the discrepancy be- on either side seek God’s help,
ing? tween what I believe I have the potential drop atomic bombs.
Do I stimulate a healthy dialogue to do and what I am able to do. I can, on Some natural elements work in dif-
the other hand, accept my limitations
with people about these issues? ferent ways.
How open and receptive am I to new aanmdrdeospwohnadtinigs otpoena floeradmiengetvheant wrehseunltsI Breezes tinkle bells.
ideas and perspectives? Winds sing songs in sycamores.
We owe it to our world to use what in opposition and no readily apparent Cyclones devastate.
personal power we have to help stop envi- like—lihood of success. The longer I
ronmental degradation. Though it is some- live— even with an awareness of suffer- Whmayt are my capabilities? Should I
times easy to feel powerless as we face the ing the more impressed I am both by focus energies?
enormity of the challenge, we must each how much I don’t understand and by Nurtured apple seeds
do what we can on a personal and political how little that has to do with what I can can create much happiness,
level. We must face the prospect that our enjoy or with how comfortable I feel in never oranges.
silent acquiescence can do as much dam- following my leadings. I try to learn What if it doesn’t all make sense to
age as blatant acts ofdegradation. We are from the reality of the nature of which I me?
involved, even as we live, and we must am a part; it suggests to me that there's Space. Time. Nothing ends.
ample room in one's life for both aspira-
face that responsibility. I don’t have to understand;
We tion and humility.
have to strive to be mindful of We can appreciate what we value I’m only human.
the spatial and temporal impact of our
actions. We also must act upon what while we have it. As I perceive it, we must be clear
grounds we can—notably on our immedi- On high mountain slopes that humility is counterproductive if it
replaces aspiration. Aspiration, however,
ate and nearby environment, and in our flowers never bloom for long.
own lifetimes. Acting now and where we Where does beauty go? can be destructive if it is not accompa-
nied by humility. There will be enough
are, we can hope that our actions will have We respond to leadings simply be- agony for most people to experience
ripples to affect positive change far be- cause they are leadings.
without searching.
yond our own time and space.
We Salmon in their need, Agony can stimulate action but too
open ourselves to an ongoing surmounting obstacles, swim much can disable us. We can at least
venture of learning more and doing more
against the current. shield ourselves from that form of agony
to protect and enhance the environment
The consequences of action are not which is caused by an inability to be
and the lives ofthe animals as well as our
own always clear. open and responsive to leadings without
lives.
a ready acceptance ofour limitations.
Only when we understand deep in Beaver, people dam
our hearts that even our softest breath con- small creeks and mighty rivers.
nects us intimately with all creation, will Is much damage done? Author of numerous
we more and more act to promote and We are not always as unrestricted as articles and poems as
nurture all creatures and stop acting in we might wish. well as a Pendle Hill
ways that put all life in peril. People will The eagle flies free pamphlet, Martin Co-
live in Unity with Nature not out of fear, bin, currently aged
and not out ofself-interest, but out ofdeep it seems, yet is chained to earth 81 is former clerk of
where it finds its prey. Int,ermountain Yearly
love.
Meeting.
Friends Bulletin May 2002 7
—
Journey to Pakistan by Joe Franko
Orange Grove Meeting
Pasadena, CA
Part Two of a Three-Part Series
This is the second part of a three-part
had here, at the end of the ride when I
series on thejourney to Pakistan under-
asked him how much, he said, “As you
taken by Edith Cole, Claremont (CA)
Meeting, and Joe Franko, regional di- like!” So I have learned to ask my host
rector ofthe AFSC Southwest Regional Arif and others what the going rates are
Office. Joe has a slide presentation of for some services. In other cases, since I
his trip, which he is willing to show to am often mistaken for a “UK,” I have
interestedgroups and will be showing at learned to begin bargaining at about
Southern California Quarterly Meeting two-thirds ofthe quoted price in pounds,
on Saturday, 4 May, at a Montessori which means converting pounds to dol-
School, 1890—Orange Ave, in Riverside, lars to rupees. Those of you who know
CA, at 8 PM. Editor. my arithmetic skills will definitely un-
derstand that there are often big smiles
Earthquakes and Rickshaws on their faces when we finally settle [Joe
A
was formerly a math professor
.
t around 3 a.m. this morning Editor]. It says a lot about how few
there was a loud bang outside, Americans have been here that I am mis-
and then a low rumble quickly
taken for British at times. At least until I
approached. Soon my bed and the room open my mouth.
were shaking, and there was a loud roar
such as I have never heard during an Visiting a Shrine and Mosque
earthquake before. Although it felt like
the earthquake went on forever, it actu- The Data Shrine we visited yester- Boy carrying milk in Lahore, Pakistan—
ally lasted only about 40 seconds. I was
day was quite interesting. Hundreds of Photo by Franko
definitely glad I had been sleeping on a
thousands of rupees a day are collected
mat on the floor! Edith and Joe are gathering funds to
About a half an hour later there was for the poor. Data Ganj Baksh, who died help support a girls school in Pakistan:
an aftershock, which was more like a in 1072, is often referred to as the patron Here is what people’s money will buy
quick jolt than an earthquake. Because saint of Lahore, . He was renowned for for ONE MONTH:
helping the poor and needy, and there
of the lack of immediate news sources, I $120 will buy one head teachers salary
have no idea how strong the earthquake are many who come to the shrine either $50 will buy a teacher's salary
was. I would guess it to be around a 5, for food, medical help, or a cure. $35 will buy a night watchman's salary
but will need to wait for tomorrow’s pa- Edith Cole and I were treated like $205 will buy all staffsalary
pers to get the scoop on it. royalty, and many men parted to lead me $50 will help with monthly operating
I took a long walk through Lahore up to the inner shrine, where the per- expenses
this afternoon and saw no damage, even fume of flowers and incense was over- Here are other ways to contribute to the
whelming. Truly an otherworldly smell. classroom:
to buildings that were under construc-
tion. There is no word where the epicen- On returning to get our shoes the men $50 will buy two desks and six chairs
ter was nor any word yet from the small insisted on having their picture taken $50 will buy a cupboard
with Edith. $5 will buy a school uniform
villages. People seemed to be going
Later in the day we had others ask $25 will buy a fan
about their routines as usual.
$400 will buy a computer
On the way home I decided it was to have their pictures taken with us. I
time to try the most ubiquitous mode of realize suddenly that as exotic as I find All checks should be made out to AFSC
transportation here in Pakistan, the mo- this city, Edith and I are more exotic to and seCntAto 980 N. Fair Oaks Ave, Pasa-
torized rickshaw. They are little more them. While there are some tourists from dena, 91103 with a notation that the
other Muslim countries, we have seen no funds are for Friends Afghan Girls
than motorized scooters around which
Americans or Europeans. Everywhere School in Pakistan.
has been built a shell. They are defi-
nitely much less frightening riding inside we go, people stare at us, yet the hospi-
than they are watching or running from tality is overwhelming. Islam and I said I thought that it too was
when you are trying to cross the street! While in the Badshahi Mosque yes- beautiful, and then they wanted to know
My driver spoke no English, and terday, two young men, both named Mo- why I was not a Muslim! Later we
did not understand where I wanted to go. hammad, came up to ask if we were learned that they were students from
So we had lots of laughing and hand Muslim. I told them we were not. I told Mardan and they introduced us to Pro-
gestures as we wove in and out of traf- them I found the mosque to be very fessor Sharif Khan, their chemistry pro-
fic. As in several other transactions Eve beautiful. They asked what I thought of fessor. They invited us to stay with them
8 May 2002 FRIENDS BULLETIN
on our way to Peshawar. shopping area here has many book the US and I said that I had been a pro-
Such is the hospitality of these shops, and as I was going from one to fessor of mathematics but that I was
people, who are very offended if we another I noticed an antique store and now working for the AFSC. He asked
will not share a meal or an overnight decided to take a look inside. Major how long it had been since I taught. I
with them. One of the surprises of this Chaudhry is the owner of the shop and told him three years. He seemed re-
trip has been finding out how many of was there to talk to the manager. There lieved and then said that he hoped he
the Pakistanis we meet have tried to was a loom there with a Persian rug could ask me some questions, but that
help the refugees and are interested in weaving on it, with the tools hanging he didn’t want me to take them person-
We
doing a piece of work with us. hear from the loom. The major tried to sell it ally. I assured him I would not take of-
ofall the aid organizations from outside to me and I explained that I was admir- fense.
of Pakistan, but many ordinary Paki- ing, not buying. He asked if I was “in He said he was glad I had not been
stani men and women have helped and the business” and I explained I worked long away from a campus because his
are interested in helping more. It is one for a humanitarian organization. He got son was considering applying to an
of the most encouraging parts of this very excited and took me back to show American university and he needed to
trip so far. me pictures of the hospital and letters ask some questions. His son is a bright
As I finish writing this now the from the Minister. We wound up the student who received mostly A’s on his
loudspeakers are again blaring out eve- visit with his offering to give me the ‘A’ level and ‘O’ level exams and he
ning prayers. Five times a day the loud- weaving! I thanked him profusely, but showed me his son’s transcript. I told
speakers on each mosque call the faith- told him I would feel much more com- him I was impressed and didn’t under-
ful to prayer. Each mosque has its own fortable accepting his invitation to din- stand what he was concerned about. I
loudspeaker, and sometimes I can hear ner and a visit. Such is the hospitality of thought he could get into any American
two or three. Beginning at 4 a.m. in the
the people here! school with grades like that.
morning, I have found them also calling We are trying to plan out our next In fact, he had been accepted by
me to prayer, and I have begun to look week to visit the border and the camps, several American colleges, so that was
forward to their reminders that I am
but nothing in this country is done eas- not his concern. What concerned him
called to be more than an administrator.
ily. Everything takes much time, as was some email from several of his
there are long discussions about all ar- son’s friends already on college cam-
Encounter with a Humanitarian
rangements and lots of other seemingly puses in the US. They had talked about
Today I spent the afternoon talking unrelated things. The other day in the how frightened they were about being
with Major Zafar Iqbal Chaudhry, who train station we were unable to get on on a US colle—ge campus these days. One
is the son of Abdul Hameed, a well the train and a long discussion ensued of his—friends at a college on the East
known humanitarian in the Sahiwal dis- about alternatives. Soon many people Coast had been attacked by fellow
trict of Pakistan. Mr Hameed died re- were being consulted for their opinion. I students. Others described how students
cently and Major Zafar helped to estab- realized then the discussion was impor- had refused to eat with them, and how
lish a hospital in his father’s house. It tant, not only for reasons of hospitality, friendships had been mysteriously
takes care of the medical needs of sev- but also because of community, where dropped. He and his wife were con-
eral villages, paying special attention to the product isn’t as important as the cerned for their son’s safety, especially
the needs ofwomen and children. community being established. The pace since he was a devout Muslim and wore
Under the direction of the minister of life flows much more naturally and I a beard and a turban.
of social welfare for Punjab, a local am reminded of my time in Iowa, where What could I say? I told him that I
NGO [non-governmental agency], the relationships were so much more impor- could, ofcourse, not say that such things
A1 Hamdard Foundation, is managing tant than in California, where mobility would not happen to his son, especially
the hospital. They are in dire need of andjob responsibility often detract from considering the US government’s round
support to engage a doctor for an relationships. up of Muslims with student visas. I
hour’s daily visit. Right now they have talked about how concerned I was about
a nurse, but they need a doctor to pre- Are Muslim Students the government’s trying to draw col-
scribe medicine. They are also trying to Safe in America? leges into becoming arms of the immi-
set up a home for homeless women. gration authorities. I also talked about
They are looking for donations in While various arrangements were how concerned some ofmy friends were
any form: financial, medicine, sewing being made, I decided to have a cup of for my safety coming here. I said that
machines, etc. He has invited Edith and tea in the student cafeteria. Soon a well safety was a difficult thing to find in
me to dinner this week to arrange a visit dressed Pakistani man named Mansoor today’s world, and that as a parent I,
and to review his books. Ahmad sat down opposite me, excused too, was concerned when my son went
How this all came about is an inter- himself, and asked if I might have a few to Africa for the Peace Corps.
esting story. Yesterday I had time to do minutes to speak with him. Yet each of us must access the risks
some sightseeing, so I decided to do Mr Ahmad asked me if I was teach- of an act against the benefits of attempt-
one of my favorite things, which is to ing here and I explained that I was visit- ing that act, and that such decisions are
hunt through old book shops. The local ing Dr Zaman. He asked if I taught in personal and without recrimination. I
Friends Bulletin May 2002 9
hoped his son would consider schools in can be issued a permit. As is often the Meeting with AFSC Representatives
the US since such ugly incidents were, case here, much will depend on how he
to my knowledge, exceptional. I said sizes us up. My experience here, though, Today we finally met with Dr Leila
that if his son made the decision to come convinces me that Dante was wrong. Richards, AFSC’s Field Coordinator for
to the US he should quickly find a sup- The inner circle of hell is reserved for Central Asia, and with Abdul Hadi Az-
port group to help with any difficulties the bureaucrats from every country. God imi, AFSC’s field rep in Afghanistan,
tonight. They are part of AFSC’s relief
that might arise. will put them there and to leave hell
and reconstruction program for Af-
So the ugly American who used to they must get the permission of every
travel abroad has come home. How can other bureaucrat. They will be there for ghanistan. They are hoping to establish
a long term presence in Afghanistan.
anyone feel safe when dialog has been an eternity.
« Since October AFSC has supplied
replaced by the might of our arms and Meanwhile, the newspapers are full 239 tons of food, 13 containers of blan-
when the rule of law in America is re- of President Bush’s foolish and danger-
placed by the politics of racism? How ous State of the Union Address. He NkeGtsO,sainndthegrraengtison.ofHadmionaenyd Letoilalowcialll
many other parents around the world seems unable to understand that good
be trying to get visas into Afghanistan,
feel that their children are less safe, in- and evil cuts through each of us, and and when they are successful they will
side or outside of America, as a result of each country. He sees the world in black
attempt to find an office in Kabul to
our actions and attitudes?
share with another
NGO. We have agreed
Reflections on US
that we will meet again
and “Them”
next week in Peshawar.
me
It is clear to that the
The rule of law,
work Edith and I are
ofgovernment writ, as
envisioning in a camp
we know does not
it,
close to the border, but
exist in Pakistan. If it
in Pakistan, will dove-
were not for Islam,
tail very well with the
there would be no law
work envisioned in Af-
at all. One of the fun-
ghanistan. In fact, I see
damental disagree-
both as essential in this
ments I have with my
region where every-
host Arif is that he
thing is interconnected.
believes there is one We spent much of the
Islamic law, or Sharia,
time talking about col-
which unites everyone
laborating and helping
here, but I see differ-
on both sides of the
ent interpretations of
border.
everywhere. Some —
iwtomen wear the bur- Approaching Refugee Camp in Pakistan Photo by Franko Hadi is an expa-
triate Afghan who
qua, some just a veil
comes from the San Francisco area and
and some no veil at all. Arif is right, and white. He does not understand that
is part of that large Afghan community.
though, that there is a universal respect people here and in many parts of the He is young, enthusiastic, and full of
for women that comes from Islamic law. world are as frightened of us as we ap- hope. He spoke very well about the
Despite differences in interpretation. pear to be of terrorists. To them, we
youth they will bring from the San Fran-
Sharia is the only law, like the law of seem to be the terrorists who must be cisco Bay area in February 2002. They
hospitality, that is clearly respected. It is appeased.
will be working with Life for Relief and
the only law that binds together tribes, As a letter to the editor said in yes- Development. Perhaps Edith will be
families, and unrelated Muslims. terday’s paper, the USA is disliked not able to help out with that group, espe-
Laws passed by the government are for who we are, but for what we do. cially if we get something going in the
not much heeded. The police and gov- Like the Israeli government that does Peshawar area, which is where they will
ernm—ent officials are hopelessly cor- not understand the evil of house demoli- be going.
rupt which is one of the reasons that tion, whatever the provocation, we do Time for bed now. A long bus ride,
Mussharafcame to power. not understand the evil in treating pris- a long dinner meeting, and the bed looks
Today we are in Islamabad for the oners as less than human. During the very inviting. Tomorrow I am looking
second time to try to get permission to Vietnam era we railed about the tiger forward to visiting the camps....
enter one or two of the thirteen camps cages, and now we have erected our
for refugees near the border. We are own in Cuba. We seem not to under- [Next month: “Visits to the Refugee
meeting at noon with the Deputy Chief stand that the evil we do in the world Camps"]
Commissioner for Refugees to see if we takes root in our own hearts....
10 May 2002 FRIENDS BULLETIN