This title may sound strange - does peace and weapons go together? Let me explain what weapons I have in mind... Last week I participated in an international forum called "State of Europe" which focused on many of the issues and challenges facing Europe today. It took place in Riga, Latvia on May 9 which…Read more The weapons of peacemakers
Community
Why should I care about Europe Day
I will be honest... Two years ago I would not be able to answer what is Europe Day and why is it celebrated on May 9. I guess I thought it is just another day in the calendar which sounds good but has no special meaning. I was wrong . I think it has a…Read more Why should I care about Europe Day
Walls that keep us ‘in’ or ‘out’
This week I was traveling on a long international flight. Usually my flying routine is sleep, eat and watch movies. The airline had a good selection, especially documentaries. So, I watched a short documentary about the fall of Berlin Wall in November of 1989. It brought back lots of memories and a flood of emotions.…Read more Walls that keep us ‘in’ or ‘out’
When we look for someone to blame
Last week there were international headlines from Durban and other cities in South Africa. Any story about Durban catches my attention since I have been to this beautiful city on the Indian Ocean. South Africa is a country with amazing people. I remember sitting on the airplane watching a sunrise over the green rolling hills…Read more When we look for someone to blame
Don’t judge the book by its cover?
In Latvia we like to use another saying “Don’t judge a man by his hat.” It can have different meanings like do not think he is smart or important or trustworthy because he wears a nice hat. Or that a person is not what he wears. Or that we cannot know the hearts of people.…Read more Don’t judge the book by its cover?
The danger of being a peacemaker
If you lived in unjust and oppressive circumstances, what would you do? If you were desperate to change the life around you, what kind of movement would you join? What kind of leader would you follow? I think about the events that took place 2000 years ago but are as relevant today. During Easter we…Read more The danger of being a peacemaker
Rwanda’s road of thankfulness…
Few days ago our friend tagged me in his post #TURASHIMA. It is a Kinyarwanda word that means "We are thankful". Rwandans and friends of Rwanda are invited to reflect on Rwanda's last 21 years and express why they are thankful. My friend invited me to join this campaign! I feel blessed to be considered…Read more Rwanda’s road of thankfulness…
When fear drives out love…
Sometimes I look like this. At least mentally and emotionally. Like the little frightened and confused Gollum with voices in my head. One voice that talks about love, trust, forgiveness, reconciliation, hope and the other voice – full of fear, mistrust, hopelessness, bitterness, unforgiveness... I talked about being a good listener but there are times…Read more When fear drives out love…
The threat of listening
Are you a good listener? Have you ever felt threatened by listening to someone's story? I have a good friend from Siberia, Russia and she helps me to be a better listener. Here is how... First a little side note: Have you ever been to Siberia? I have and I loved it! Some years ago…Read more The threat of listening
peaceroads 