plans

"a good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving" - Lao Tzu

It turns out that the second year of this graduate program can be just as time-consuming as the first... I've managed to go nearly an entire school year without writing a single blog! Oops.

But guess what. I am DONE with school in under 2 months! And that means a new season of adventures filled with travel :) To catch you up, this year has been jam-packed with 4 to 5 classes each quarter, an internship on campus, volunteering twice a month at my home church (Flood), visiting friends for weddings, hosting several other friends in sunny San Diego, and the ever-present job search... Needless to say, I'll be grateful to have a bit more time on my plate once classes are over.

In the midst of the chaos of this year, I was presented with the opportunity to join a cause that cultivates everyday peacemakers through immersion in global conflict, specifically in Israel/Palestine. The Global Immersion Project (TGIP) is a non-profit organization started by a couple of friends of mine that "curates four-month long, experiential Learning Labs that culminate in two-week immersion experiences into the classrooms of global conflict. They do this because they want to see a global generation equipped for everyday peacemaking." They believe that everyday peacemakers are men and women who are equipped & released for conflict resolution and transformation within the spaces of family, neighborhood, local context, & global context.

About a month ago, I began the first phase of the learning lab, which has involved an extensive historical background on the conflict in Israel/Palestine, the diverse theological frameworks of the people living in that area, international politics, and peacemaking practices. This phase is intended to equip us to enter into relationships more intelligently and into the conflict more compassionately. I will continue this phase of the Global Immersion Project through the end of June, when we will leave for our two-week stay in Israel/Palestine. That phase of the learning lab will allow us to experience, first-hand, the tension and trauma of conflict, the contributions of slanted theologies and rigid nationalism to conflict, and the tangible impact that the peace-making Way of Jesus has on conflict.

I am beyond excited for this trip! :) It has been incredible to see the way in which my perspective on conflict has shifted in the short time since beginning the learning lab - I'm looking forward to how my heart will change after spending time with those directly involved in the Israel/Palestine conflict.

I will update my blog with more updates about this experience as I continue in the learning lab... Can't believe we'll be heading to the Middle East in just two months!

♥ mk