... that belong to 17 individuals that have come together to discuss world politics and the conflicts within them, share different religious, social and cultural backgrounds ... and live together for three months.We cumilatively have 727 years of life experiences!!!! We come from 13 different countries and 6 continents, have raised 17 children, have made decisions that affected people all over the world, have published numerous books and articles, cook countless types of cuisines, play different musical instruments and actively volunteer in our communities amongst many other things.
Each hand is attached to a thankful body, a clever mind, a kind soul, and a kindred spirit. We are all different, yet the same – believing in life, believing in the world and believing in ourselves to make a difference. To quote Albert Camus, “to accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.”Together, we spent 12 weeks learning from peace and conflict specialists/professors from all over the world. Together, our minds came together, learned and discussed - sometimes we harmoniously agreed and other times we debated acrimoniously. Regardless, the experience was unique and amazing! As we return to our homes in various continents, time zones, to work, school and with families, the Time spent together joining hands, lending someone an ear, offering another one's shoulder etc. in "our Bangkok" will remain but a mere memory … our 17 hands ...
Great ideas, it has been said, come into the world as gently as doves. Perhaps then, if we listen attentively, we shall hear amid the uproar of empires and nations, a faint flutter of wings, the gentle stirring of life and hope. Some will say that this hope lies in a nation; others in a man. I believe rather that it is awakened, revived, nourished, by millions of solitary individuals whose deeds and works every day negate frontiers and the crudest implications of history.
~Albert Camus
