Peace & Community

One of the members of our 7th Iran delegation has her own blog at Mid-Missouri Peaceworks. Here is an excerpt from her latest entry, the entire piece is below.

Sometimes, In the jet lag lull of the early afternoon or in the transition between meetings on busy city streets or in preparation for group process meetings, I pause and ask myself "Why are you here Lily?" And I know it's for the human. We are here to say ten thousand times: "We came here for peace and we want the American people to know the truth about Iranians." We are here to show our buttons that read "Peace Advocate" in Farsi. And to deliver our poems about how we are all part of the same body.

I take pictures and remember they are for the people I will show them to--whomever they may be--when I return home. Just like all of us, I am here for the little moments and the big ones. We-you and me-are here for the laughter and tears. To learn. To ask questions. To challenge. But most of all, I believe, to do our best to love.

Why Are You Here?

Sometimes in the jet lag lull of the early afternoon, in the transition between meetings on busy city streets, or in preparation for group process meetings, I am reminded of a favorite question: "Why are you here?" I posed this question during the speech I gave at 1,000 STRONG, Columbia Peace Coalition's gathering to mark the fifth anniversary of the 2003 Invasion of Iraq. It is one of my favorite lines from that talk.

"Why are you here? Is it for your children? Your children's children? Is it for the media? Why are you here? Think about it an be proud." (I think I might be missing something, but you get the idea!)

Yesterday, we went to the mountains, which border Tehran to the north. I was there to have people smile at us and say, "Hello" and ask "Where are you from?" I was there to see somebody bungee jump. I was there to meet the two young adult women who stopped and talked with the group. And for the three fashionably dressed young men who posed for pictures. I was there to see the archery contest. I was there to smile.

In the afternoon, we traveled to the Sapir Charity Hospital. I was there to listen as the hospital Chief of Staff talked about how we don't make up for violence by creating more violence. I was there to listen as he spoke about the importance of a religious charity hospital caring for people of all religions. I was there to watch a newborn baby breastfed as a proud grandmother looked on. And I was there to tear up as I appreciated the beauty of new life. I was there to learn that there is a law in Iran that prohibits hospitals from turning emergency patients away. I was there to hear "There are problems but they are not impossible."

Last night I visited the family of one of my Columbia friends. I was there to walk into a birthday party in the main lobby and be invited for dinner. I was there to be loved and welcomed as family. I was there to listen to the 16 year-old daughter play the piano in their beautiful home in Tehran. And to meet the family's pet hamster. I was there to see marriage certificates. I was there to learn more about the Iranian education system. I was there to ask questions about everyday life in Iran.

This morning to the museums at Saad Abad Cultural Historical Complex, the previous home of Reza Shah. I was there to see the beautiful art of Mahmoud Farschian and to visit the Museum of Fine Arts and see both contemporary and classical Iranian art. I was there to deepen my appreciation for Iranian cultural history. I was there to see school children on field trips and to smile with joy as they practiced their English lessons with us: "What is your name?" "How are you?" "I love you!" "I love you very much." I was there to give an understanding look to their teacher as they excitedly ran down the hill to keep up with us. I was there to talk with a military man who said "It doesn't matter to me that you are Americans; to us we are all humans."

This afternoon, we had lunch at a beautiful restaurant. Later, we talked with children as they played. This afternoon we went to the Carpet Museum of Iran. After that, we came back to the hotel for a group meeting. And I've just finished a discussion with a smaller group of fellow diplomats about our reflections and our hopes for the rest of the trip; our concerns about the world and our hopes for the future--for our return back home.

Sometimes, In the jet lag lull of the early afternoon or in the transition between meetings on busy city streets or in preparation for group process meetings, I pause and ask myself "Why are you here Lily?" And I know it's for the human. We are here to say ten thousand times: "We came here for peace and we want the American people to know the truth about Iranians." We are here to show our buttons that read "Peace Advocate" in Farsi. And to deliver our poems about how we are all part of the same body.

I take pictures and remember they are for the people I will show them to--whomever they may be--when I return home. Just like all of us, I am here for the little moments and the big ones. We-you and me-are here for the laughter and tears. To learn. To ask questions. To challenge. But most of all, I believe, to do our best to love.

I finally have a genuine Iranian monteau (knee-length top) and two colorful scarves--one is blue with flowers and the other has red, white, black and grey stripes. They were lent to me by my hostess last night. (I've been holding out for a bargain at the market!) All women are "covered," in public, i.e. we cover our heads with a scarf; but for most women I've seen, that means having a scarf tied over your head and around your neck, but leaving your bangs exposed. Our plan is to travel to Shiraz tomorrow evening. I'll write more soon!

Posted by Lily Tinker Fortel at 5:17 PM, 5/3/08