Dreams are funny creatures. They keep you up at night, compelling you to give them the wings they need to fly. This particular dream started in the early 2000s, when Rotary International first launched the Peace Fellow Program. Since then it has circled around with the constant question of, "could it really be me one day"? That day has come and the dream has taken flight.
I am Here!
Hello from Thailand! What a surreal introductory week it has been. It is one thing to land in a new place and adjust to the new languages, sights and sounds but is quite another to also launch into figuring out how to buy toilet paper, rid your room of unwanted cockroach guests and to fully jump into peacebuilding discussions.
This is Chulalongkorn University and my residence, CU iHouse, where I will spend a large part of the next 3 months.
The Peace Fellows
In my class, there are 22 peace fellows. They represent a wide range of cultures and job sectors. There are 14 countries represented and the expertise ranges from community activists and United Nations staff to the Punjab Chief of Police and the Iresi, Nairobi prince.
Chinatown Explorations
I am so glad that upon arrival, one person took it upon himself to get us organized to do an impromptu walk into Chinatown as a group. Bangkok's Chinatown is one of the largest Chinatowns in the world. It was founded in 1782! Trying to order food, navigate the hectic traffic and stick together connected us immediately as we laughed, dodged traffic and eventually ended up with cold drinks and steaming plates of delicious food.
Here are just a few of Chinatown's delights.
The Teachings
As one of our first activities this week, we were asked to rate our expertise in various peace and conflict resolution areas. The one word that no one felt confident to explain fully was PEACE! So, I am hoping that by the end of my time here, I have will have some super eloquent words to explain what peace is.
This week, we also presented each of our conflict analysis projects that we will be working through as peace fellows. The topics vary from the persecution of the LGBQTIQ community in Zimbabwe with arrests, imprisonments and prejudiced slurs from the former president to the reality of the rapid deforestation of Pakistan and the warnings that Pakistan will approach an absolute scarcity level of water by 2025. Tears and passion filled the room as the painful realities faced back home were described by each person. These are not case studies. These are real issues that each peace fellow has dedicated themselves to resolving and is scouring globally for peace-centered, conflict resolution focused support, solutions, and tools that can be used. I am so excited for the resources we will connect with, the innovations that may be created and this incredible network of peacebuilders.
Winter Festival
As a spectacular close to the week, we had the opportunity to visit the Royal Plaza, on the grounds of Dusit Palace and Sanam Suea Pa. The gates were swung wide open at the invitation of the King to celebrate the Un Ai Rak Khlai Khwam Nao (Love and Warmth at Winter's End) Winter Festival. From the royal family shops, the foods available in the floating and ordinary markets and the spectacular cultural performances, the atmosphere of joy and fun was palpable. The splendor of Thai arts, culture and traditions truly is remarkable!
Gratitude
My journey to becoming a Peace Scholar has been supported by so many, especially my amazing family! Thank you all for the love, support and encouragement. I am extremely grateful to my Rotary family, including members from the Calgary Olympic Club and the Calgary West Club who helped me throughout the process. A giant thank you to District 5360 for endorsing my application.
In a city of almost 10 million people, I certainly have had a tremendous welcome. Stay tuned as the adventure unfolds!
Your Thoughts
What does peace mean to you? Share your thoughts!
Do you have any suggestions for what to see and do while in Thailand and SE Asia in general? I would love to hear from you!
All my relations,
~lorelei