Remember our visit to Ewha

The Scranton Women's Leadership Center just posted a very moving video about the short but powerful life of the young woman who is remembered by this statue.  Yu Kwan Sun's story is shared in a short docu-drama.   I hope that you will take 12 minutes to remember Yu Kwan Sun and be taken back to our Journey in September 2013.     Here's a link the Herstory , one of the pieces that SWLC has shared on its Facebook page.  

 

Yu Kwan Sun is remembered and honored in Korea's history for her bold
 action as a young woman. 

 

Ubuntu Zimbabwe with Jane

Ubuntu Zimbabwe stopped by Africa University and was met by Individual Volunteer Mary Beth Byrne.    Jane Dunn leads this team and visited the various clinics under the United Methodist umbrella around the country of Zimbabwe.   One stop is the clinic at Ol' Mutare located very close to Africa University.  Travel safely as you continue your journey.

Mary Beth Byrne and Ubuntu leader Jane Dunn

Ubuntu sisters 

Ubuntu Korea - Sisters meet again

Bonnie and Paula - enjoying time together in Paula's home

Bonnie and her husband and several others were driving from snowy northern Indiana to Sager Brown UMCOR, Baldwin, LA for a week of volunteering.   They couldn't wait to get out of Indiana to stay ahead of the snow and arrived in Birmingham, AL for a visit with Paula on Friday evening.  

Bonnie and Paula were sisters on the Ubuntu Korea team and the plan for many months had been to stop by "on our way" to  Louisiana for a visit.   What a great hostess!   While in Birmingham, we were moved by our visit to the Civil Rights Institute located just across the street from the Baptist Church that was the focus of 3 bombings back in the late 50's and early 60's.   It is a history that we must remember in order that we will never continue those practices again.  The day was beautiful so we also went to Vulcan Park to see the huge monument made to celebrate the growth of Birmingham through the  steel and cast iron industry.   The vista from the one of the highest points in Birmingham made for some great photographs.  

Great day.  How special it was for Paula and Bonnie to be able to spend a couple of days together.   We just may have to do that again.  

 

We are planning on meeting in Louisville at the UMW Assembly.  

NOTE from Rev. Kim

Rev. Heasun Kim

After reading the articles from the last post, I wrote to Rev. Kim and here is her response. 

Good to hear from you!!

Happy New Year!! Our New Year is this coming Thursday. So, it will be a long weekend.

Thanks for keeping up with the Comfort Women.

 

Were you able to keep up with the news of the comfort women statue in Glendale, CA? It has become a Japan issue and all the signing against the statue to ask congress to remove that statue.

 

Anyway, we have to be clear what this is all about - using women's body as a weapon of war.

 

With the conservative Japanese government today, anti-Japan sentiment is again clouding the comfort women issue.

 

Well, keep up the good work, and look forward to seeing you at the Assembly.

Love, Heasun

Seems like I have more reading to do.   I am not aware of the issue in Glendale California.   Maybe my roommate Karen or good team member Helen might provide insight.   Back to work... Bonnie

Well, here is an article that shares the Glendale, CA controversy. 

Never far from my memory

The sculpture with the pink raincoat is a replica of one in the  War and Women's Human Rights Museum. She is always there among all who gather to speak on behalf of the Comfort women each Wednesday at noon.   A "rally" has taken place weekly for over 20 years as a constant support for these women.  

Ubuntu Journey to Korea continues for me this evening...I've just read an article and watched several videos in this CNN piece on the Comfort Women of Korea.   I share with you..."Another Voice Lost "  

 

Another piece that you will want to read... Another victim of sexual slavery... from The Korea Times.    

 

Hwang's voice is now silent.   Will the voices of those who speak at the rally in the future gain strength and the attention that is desired for the comfort women in honor of Hwang and all those who have gone before her?   Sing loud Hwang for we are with you.  

Gathering of UBUNTU Sisters at Assembly

My experience with UBUNTU Journeys has been once as a team member and once as a team leader.   Two vastly different experiences and both wonderfully fulfilling.  These journeys are part of my day to day life.  How great it will be to connect with women from these two experiences in Louisville at Assembly. 
  

A reunion luncheon on Friday, April 24

noon to 1:30 p.m. 

 

A Booth in the display hall for UBUNTU Sisters

   

We are invited to volunteer to work a two hour shift on

•  Friday  9:30 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. 
•  Saturday noon through 8:00 p.m. 

If you are willing to work a two hour shift, please contact Vicki Newkirk at bvnewkirk@comcast.net   and give her day and time preference.  

 

Assembly in Louisville

Jeannie Blankenbaker is working on getting all Ubuntu sisters to be together for lunch on Friday noon at Assembly.   Watch for details. 

 

Just one year ago today, I was on my way home from Sierra Leone.   Doesn't seem possible one year has passed.  

 

How has God used you in the year since your journey, whether it be to Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe or Korea or wherever?   For me, my world has expanded again and God is helping me see things that have gone unnoticed in the past. Since the Journey to Korea, I'm must more aware of the history of our amazing sisters long ago who made a huge difference in the lives of women.   
I'm thankful for the new vision.  I seek the wisdom to take the next steps.   What is it that God wants from me that will truly make a difference? Changes that are taking place are changes within me.  Thank you God for  helping me be more understanding of others, more open to new ideas,  and more thoughtful in what I do and say.