shared stories from Highlander: 7/7 - 7/9

LOVELLA CALICA: IRAQ VETERANS AGAINST WAR/ STORY Board,  Phiadelphia, PA

I see, hear, feel so many people having realizations, break-throughs, epiphanies, those moments when some things click in their brain and they say, “ah hah” or “yeah” or “hmmm” those golden moments when we are moving forward. when we are pushed by someone, when we are open to growth and change. It is an inspiring feeling and I’m excited for many more. I also wanted to point out that we sometimes get so caught up in process, in asking what we’ll do when x happens or planning and getting agreement from everyone. It doesn’t leave space for one to take risks and be courageous and really create change.

-Lovella

 I just keep being reminded and seeing that struggle is such an important part of growth and working together. Those uncomfortable moments, pushing yourself to say what you feel, to respond to what someone said, the tension. it’s all so powerful.

-Lovella

LIZ FREDERICK: MILITARY FAMILIES SPEAK OUT Washington D.C.

Amateur Poetry at Highlander

I will leave from this space with

affirmation that despite death, destruction, and anger

there is also life, renewal, and hope.

There is purpose in our work

and reason to be proud

This place is a reminder that we are not

the first to have struggled

Nor will we be the last.

But I move forward from this space

embracing my responsibilities

To this nation

To this world

To continue this journey

and leave this space, this earth

better than how I entered it

-Liz

IVAN BROIDA: PROJECTO CARIBEAN PAZ San Juan, Puerto Rico

30 amazing people with 30 stories that each connected make infinite stories that make one BIG story. our story. after all the talking and all the clashing and the dancing, singing, meeting, playing, eating, (not) sleeping, in beautiful Highlander Center in Tennessee, i am hopeful that we will put an end to this and all wars. i am also hopeful that all the conversations will lead to a different way of living; a more just, more peaceful, more fun life.

a lot of things are in the works, a lot of people have made deep connections, and more importantly, it does NOT stop here. this is the beginning in some ways and the continuation in many others of years and years of peace work.

i am grateful for having had this opportunity to meet and connect and create a new story with the folks that work tirelessly day in and day out. we took all the challenges that were thrown at us (after all, ending the war is not easy) and worked creatively to start something that will lead to many other somethings.

-ivan