Let me first tell you a little about daily living: I live in a lay missioner compound and as of now, I am the only one. In a few weeks, an Italian couple is coming for the month. I boil my water for everything it seems -- certainly to drink and then it's filtered through a pretty simple system. I do have hot water for a shower, as well as electricity and a modem hook up for my computer. If the power is consistent, everything runs pretty well. If it goes down, well, as my JPIC colleague Richard says, "That's Africa!"
This past week and the next week coming up are incredibly busy and a great experience for a new missioner. Our JPIC office is hosting the OFM International Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Council meeting. Last week was the African Continental meeting and friars arrived from all over Africa. There were intense working sessions with presentations, small groups and plenary sessions.
Each of the JPIC animators from the various countries were asked to articulate the human rights issues that arose in their various countries. One theme that came through loud and clear is that of Chinese business practices. The Chinese are heavily invested in Africa, from road building to hospitals building, etc. Some may be very good. However, there are allegations of intense deforestation of indigenous trees, building on protected wetlands as well as labor and employment abuse issues.
Monday, the international part of the conference begins with the examination of similar issues of justice, peace, integrity of the environment, peace building, etc. from the friars around the world. In the middle of all of this, we continue to work on our proposals for the legal clinic we want to begin for the underserved.
I was invited to speak before the Law Society of Kenya on the best practices of our bar associations in the states. It was a wonderful reception and I have been asked to guest teach a few ethics classes at the law school. All in all, these contacts will serve our JPIC office well as we go forward with our proposed legal clinic.
Peace and all good,
Susan
