Sunset in Manila

There are too many pictures to choose from, but perhaps the beauty of this one will convey something of our trip. A week ago I returned for 10 days in the Philippines with 14 incredible students and 3 priceless colleagues. We spent several days in Manila, visiting the National Council of Churches and St. Scholastica's school. We then went to Baguio City. There we met my old friend Penelope Caytap, who took us to wonderful places and taught us about the Igarot, or indigenous peoples of the Philippines. Our last day we went canoeing in Pagsanjan. Aside from some truly frightening car trips, and literally hours of traffic jams, the trip went off without a hitch, and we all learned more about cross-cultural dialogue and the culture of the Philippines than we could have in a year on campus.

Maybe more pictures are in order, because I can't come close to finding adequate words!
Mountains of the Cordillera



Learning dances at the Cultural Center at St. Louis University

Where was Bishop Gene's Prayer?

HBO says the Inauguration Committee decided Bishop Gene Robinson's invocation would be a part of the pre-show program at yesterday "We Are One" concert. That meant it was a part of the televised portion and most of us didn't get to hear it. The concert was great, but I was very disappointed to not see Bishop Gene.

Fortunately, there is a clip from Sarah Pulliam of Christianity Today.

Fr. Ed & Oprah

The Rev. Ed. Bacon is rector of All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, a congregation known for its radical inclusion of all who seek to participate in the community of Christ's Body. Fr. Ed was on Oprah last week, and I admit that I record Oprah every day. I was really excited to see an Episcopal priest on Oprah, and though I didn't watch every minute of this episode, I did watch all of Fr. Ed's comments! I was thrilled when he said "being gay is a gift from God." It's such a clear statement of how he - and I - understand God's activity in the lives of God's people, and not just straight people.

Of course, not every one was so thrilled. So, Fr. Ed was on again today to explain what he meant - which was exactly what he said! No apology. No backpeddling!

WATCH:

"Prop 8: The Musical"

See more at Funny or Die

Legacy

So far, this is my favorite image about the election. It's by John Deering and is available here.

It's in the Air.

I'm anticipating a great party tonight - a couple of them, actually. First on campus and then with some faculty friends. It's going to be a good day. A life changing, country changing day. But don't take it for granted - VOTE!

My friend Wendy the Priest has said it better than I can:

I wasn’t going to say it here, but I’m up early
watching and
listening and reading,
and it feels like Christmas to me
because there’s a burn burn burn—
Can you feel it?
Can you feel the buzz of change?
It’s in the air. I keep tearing up.
I have goosebumps. And my stomach is in a knot.

I need coffee (to help with the knot, to wake me up). Then
I am voting for Barack Obama.

Because, at the end of the day,
I look at the story. I study the narrative. (It’s what I do.)
The narrative says more to me than any opinion,
The narrative says more to me than any campaign.
The narrative, the story
is the umbrella, the informant, the source.

And I believe his story.
That’s right, you heard me.
I. Believe. Barack. Obama.

(My father is rolling his eyes.
My brother is thinking,
“Oh shit. She really did drink the kool-aid.)

His story resonates with me and my idea of the American Dream.
It’s a story that speaks to the poor, the meek, the hungry, the peacemakers.
It gives the underdog power. (Sounds like The Gospel of Jesus Christ to me.)
It’s a story that ripples with humanity, community, charisma, and care.
Genuine care. And chances, options, respect, and grace.

(As opposed to fear, war, violence, and wealth.)

I can go in circles with you about Issues and Policies,
But I probably won’t. I’m not articulate enough.
Some might point out that I can "get emotional."
And I’m done with the Us/Them.

What I know for sure—
I know that I’m hooked. Hooked on Hope.

(It's pretty dang good kool-aid.)

Oh, and
Thank GOD for those who have gone before us—
Those that fought fought fought for my right to vote.