April 10, 2008 journal entry

When Ron Byler, my supervisor, first began insisting I take a sabbatical, I suggested that I wait until the war with Iraq was over. Then several people pointed out that I might not live to see that happen and that I'm certainly not indispensible. I began thinking about what education, trips and reading would be most helpful as I continue my service as Mennonite Church USA peace advocate.

When I first began this job, I quickly realized that there isn't time to both DO the work and to learn, to be educated and to prepare new material. That's the reason for sabbaticals. I decided to pursue education and reading to help me better understand why people choose to ACT for peace and justice, and a trip to understand a part of the world and a religion in tension with the United States government. Thus, I plan to take a Sermon on the Mount ethics course at EMU in May, to travel to Iran, April 29-May 13, and to read several piles of books.

Iran delegation

This is the seventh Fellowship of Reconciliation Grassroots Civilian Diplomacy Delegation to Iran.

FOR purposes for the trip include:

• reaffirm friendship and solidarity between the people of the United States and the people of Iran,
• allow a diverse and representative group of Americans to see the realities of life in today's Iran and
• allow ordinary Iranians to meet citizens of the United States.

• visiting a conservative Islamic nation,
• spending time with a delegation of diverse people from the United States and
• bringing back information to share with Mennonite congregations.

I was surprised to discover that Iran, which borders Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, is not Arab, but Persian! Just shows how much I have to learn. We will visit Tehran (the contemporary capital), Qom (world center of Shi'i theology), Esfehan (legendary capital of medieval Persia), and Shiraz (jewel of classical Islamic culture as well as the seat of Iran's ancient pre-Islamic civilization). We meet at the JFK airport in New York City to fly together.

Weather in Iran will likely be in the 80's. Tehran is one of the most polluted cities in the world and at 4000 feet. I will wear typical conservative Islamic dress, including a headscarf that covers my hair, head and neck. This is law, from the moment my airplane lands in Tehran until I leave Iranian airspace on departure. First stop off the plane is to buy a manteau, which I understand to be sort of a black raincoat to cover my arms and legs. This also I will wear at all times unless I am in a room with only women or in my hotel room. No swimming in the Persian Gulf or Caspian Sea!

Our delegation members

We applied to be part of this delegation and our leaders have said that many more people are applying than can come and 'competition' was stiff. Members include people from coast to coast and one person already living in Iran, retired folks and youth, people of several races, Buddhist, Navaho, Christian and Jewish. Professions include clergy, sculpture, videographer, peace education, rabbi (one of the first ten women ordained), environmental and consumer rights advocate, professor of philosophy and religion, writer, librarian, mediator, graphic designer, professional gardener, and pastoral counselor. I'm quite overwhelmed!