I've been home from South Africa and Kenya exactly one week, and it's been an interesting seven days, to say the least. I think I'm finally over the jet lag, which is a good thing. With Sue and Jen in Bangkok with four other women (our trips overlapped by two days) there's been no time for me to go to bed early and try to adjust, so sleep has been at a premium.
And while I've still been processing through my African experiences, I've been distracted by the violence in Bangkok. Linwood House goes to Thailand every year at this time, and every year there seems to be political turmoil while they're there. This year has been the worst though, which explains my distraction.
Here's the thing: Sue travels a lot, and I travel a lot. The only way we can do this and stay sane in the process is to completely release the other. Sue does not need my "permission" to go anywhere, and I would never suggest that she stay home when she feels she needs to go. This is how we live, and it works for us. Needless to say I've been keeping a close eye on the situation on Bangkok, and keeping in touch with the team as we are able. Sue and Jen are smart, wise leaders, and I'm confident in their ability to assess the situation and make the right calls. It's growing experience for all of us.
It's been interesting for the women on the trip. Because of the volatile situation their plans have had to change, several times. Now, the question becomes "If we can't do what we came to do, why are we here?" I think this will be an incredible experience for the six of them. Are they able to let go of preconceptions, of the very Western mindset that says "This is why we are here; this is what we must accomplish while we are here."? Will they be able to be really present in a foreign land undergoing political and social turmoil? What will it mean to stand with the Thai people in these circumstance?
Lots of great questions. I'm looking forward to debriefing with them when they get home.
(You can keep track of the team on the Linwood House blog)
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