Last Sunday, August 23, I went on a very special pilgrimage to Lithuania. Quite different from what some may expect when hearing this word, but the kind I find the most meaningful spiritually - for a special cause and on behalf of others. This time to show support for the ordinary people of Belarus who…Read more There and back : #FreedomWay for Belarus
Justice
Ask Latvians about the Corner House and take time to listen
This museum - the former KGB headquarters in Rīga - is not for the disinterested or the deeply traumatized by Latvia's totalitarian past. In the first group, you quickly realize that this is a very somber space. Every room has soaked up fears, tears and witnessed intimidation, humiliation, broken lives and tortured consciences... For the…Read more Ask Latvians about the Corner House and take time to listen
Oregon diary: The art of sanctuary
I will admit the sign in the shop window first surprised me. I was entering a store for used books, looking at the posters and local advertisements and there it was. You could not miss it! "WE WELCOME... ALL RACES... ALL RELIGIONS... ALL COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN... ALL SEXUAL ORIENTATIONS... ALL GENDERS... WE STAND WITH YOU...…Read more Oregon diary: The art of sanctuary
Israel-Palestine conflict and my personal challenge
This one is hard. Not because I have nothing to say or because it is too complicated. No, it is because I am a Western Christian and also student of theology/religion. And there is no other international geopolitical issue which can divide Christians as sharply as the Israel-Palestine past, present and future. No matter how…Read more Israel-Palestine conflict and my personal challenge
Platitudes of peace and unity in Korea and one Latvian’s view on it
The 2018 Winter Olympics are called "Peace games" but somehow this message does not stick easily. As my blog page tells, I am all for using every and any platform for peace building, common good, diplomacy, solidarity and sports is one of those forms of fun and entertainment which brings people together. Just like kicking…Read more Platitudes of peace and unity in Korea and one Latvian’s view on it
Lustration and flushing out the Soviet poison for good
I belong to two generations. Gen X - Nirvana, grunge, MTV, The Cure, flannel shirts, cynicism... but also a generation between two worlds and two truths. Born in the USSR, I became an adult in free and independent Latvia. The feature photo was taken at a former Soviet military facility in western Latvia which used…Read more Lustration and flushing out the Soviet poison for good
Rohingya and soul searching in Myanmar
Myanmar is making international headlines again and the news is not good. Tragedy for the thousands and thousands of people who are losing their homes, ancestral land, possessions and fleeing to neighboring country Bangladesh... hundreds are also losing their lives and their loved ones. The story of Rohingya ethnic minority has repeated through the years…Read more Rohingya and soul searching in Myanmar
More than a Wikipedia fact in postcard from Latvia
Do you have a wish list of influential people you would like to meet? High on my list is Vaclav Havel. I wish I could have met him as his prophetic wisdom is on my mind ... This goes out to everyone flirting with authoritative regimes and ideas where truth does not matter, where freedoms…Read more More than a Wikipedia fact in postcard from Latvia
Dear Latvia, I love you
This is my dear grandmother Margaret who is only 5 years younger than the Republic of Latvia. Born in 1923, she has seen and experienced many things, lost much but also gained much. She teaches me how not to take things for granted. She also teaches me about courage, sacrifice, creativity, gratitude and hope. Today…Read more Dear Latvia, I love you
Shape of my heart
September 21 is the International Day of Peace. So, what? The world does not seem very peaceful; many relationships strained or broken; armed conflicts and rumors of wars in too many places; resources and environment being fought over; refugees in millions; fundamentalists clashing with libertarians; anxiety and fear in the headlines; elections becoming so divisive…Read more Shape of my heart
peaceroads 