Hello Helen - you left a message for me on QuakerQuaker, but unfortunately I hardly ever log in, nor do I receive notices by email of messages.  However, I have now logged in and seen of your interest in the meeting in Hong Kong.  How might I be able to help you?  I am very happy to receive emails to jrleighton@gmail.com, or even a Skype call would be welcome at jrleighton.   You may be aware that there was the FWCC AWPS triennial meeting in HK recently, and it was good to see a number of Australian Friends here.  In particular, it was good to see Ronis Chapman and Gretchen Castle, who have been helpful to our meeting in HK.  Some other Australian Friends showed an interest in the HK meeting whilst here, and I do hope that any concerns of theirs have been addressed.  I know that Ronis and Gretchen have a full understanding of the recent history of Friends in this part of the world.

I am interested, having seen Facebook, that you have recently been to Papua, and are connected with Silver Wattle.  I'd be glad to connect, even if you no longer have a particular interest in the HK meeting.

Peace and Light, John

Thanks for those thoughts Helen. Surely how we model these values to our children is one of the earliest and most significant experiences for them. I wonder too when we should introduce them to things that are not good in the world. I recently went to see the film  "Girl Rising" for International Women's Day, which shared a very powerful message about how education of girls can make a significant positive impact. However, the girls and women in the film has experienced slavery, child marriage, rape, poverty and natural disasters. I wanted to take my 9 year old daughter, but in the end decided not to because I felt she might be too young to be exposed to the grim realities of the experiences of many women. I think it was the right choice, but I wonder when is the right time, such that children are aware of the realities of the world, but feel empowered to make a difference, and to feel hope and not hopelessness?

Hi, I'm looking at various Quaker forums. Hope to start some Circles of Discernment on earthcare topics.

I had to smile when you mentioned sweet singing voice... I am a genuinely appalling singer, but I loved being in Turkana as well, and yes the children had a great impact on me. It was a good group, and I loved being with our tour guides (Eden, Simon, John and Gabriel).

The impact of being in Kenya,  continues to work through me, in fact as we approach a 1 year anniversary  it amazes me still, and I will write something for my blog.

I see that you have now retired to a new meeting in the city of Melbourne, I can imagine after a while at Stillwater, that is a new challenge.

Join the club in being actively in prayer and contemplation in the inner-city. With Blessings 

I love your profile. . . and wish you much peace and contentment on the journey in your retirement.

Chris

Here is another link for a snood pattern for you,

Julie's Snood

Deborah