EXPERTS LUNCH AND GREENWICH VILLAGE

25th.JULY 2010 EXPERTS LUNCH AND GREENWICH VILLAGE
Thursday was great! Papua New Guinea Government reported and had "constructive dialogue" all day. Head of their delegation was the only woman in their 109 man Parliament. She is Minister for Women and has 14 staff. With her, she brought an impressive team from the Government and Attorney General's staff. I saw about 16 in all.

Lunch with the expert Committee was the highlight for us. Albanian NGO's hosted the event. Arta, Mirela and Merita had all in readiness early, plus three working papers for each guest. We sat together - at their request - for the introductions. Then, as they spoke, I served the Committee members. Following the input there were lots of questions and as they took a second round, I left having told the girls beforehand.

When arranging my work programme with Winifred on arrival, I mentioned that extending my time in New York had upset my retreat plans. Now it seemed even the weekends were full. We saw what was almost a four day gap so I grasped the moment! I emailed a sister in Greenwich Village, which I understood was closeby this house in 17th Street. A reply indicated I would be welcome and asked how I got to know of them. I replied that a minister had come four years ago to the Divine Healing Team in Belfast and told us his ministry was ecumenical as there were Sisters nearby. I was in for two SURPRISES! Greenwich was in New York, but not where I had been last time. It was "upstate" so I had to take a train. Sister Mary Elizabeth met me and she is Anglican. We drove to the convent and as we entered the 100 acre site, a deer lifted its head from taking a drink from a little lake to welcome us! The Community of six moved into this newly built convent in 2004 and their number includes one Novice who was busily engaged with a Summer Camp in the nearby 500 acre complex that includes a Healing Centre. The scenery was just glorious - rolling hills and lots of trees plus three lakes, goats and sheep and I even saw a rabbit - altogether an idyllic retreat setting. I really enjoyed the few days and feel ready for Albania reporting tomorrow. As I left, the community was enjoying a little moment of relaxation , sitting on a floating gazebo on one of the lakes - I spent just a few minutes on this very pleasant rythmic structure and enjoyed it.

Watch this space for news of Albania. I may not write tomorrow, however, as Winifred and I are invited out in the evening.