Hi again everyone,
Yes, I still can’t quite believe it: we raised ALL the money we needed.
This means that:
Five people from Gaza will be funded to attend the Nonviolent Communication International Intensive Training. One of them will be funded to participate in the yearlong BayNVC Leadership Program.
!!!
When I realized that my dream had come true — that people I know and many I’ve never even met had chipped in to add up to nearly the total amount — I couldn’t sleep all night.
Again.
But this time, it was hope and excitement and awe that kept me awake. The generosity many of you offered will translate into, quite possibly, a life-changing experience for some people who most of us have never and will never meet. I was struck by the almost palpable connection, and interdependence, of all of us. I remembered hiking last summer in California, feeling very alone, and suddenly becoming aware, not through thought but through breath, that the air I was breathing was literally the same air that my sister Heather over a thousand miles away in Colorado was breathing. How close and vulnerable we all are: what I breathe out will reach you.
And how tragedy and loss in one life can open up growth and hope in another. Some of you, when you sent me a contribution or other kind of support, shared stories, some heartbreaking and some joyful, about why you were giving and where the money came from. What a tremendous honor it has been to hold these stories and generosities in my heart. What a tremendous gift to pass your gifts on.
The words don’t suffice, but as they are the words I have, I will write them: thank you so very much for the contributions of money and time and help in many ways.
I know also that some of you wanted to participate but couldn’t, or wanted to participate but hadn’t yet had a chance. Thank you so much to you, as well.
We don’t yet know who from Gaza will end up attending the training; that’s still in process. Many already have expressed great interest. Many thanks to Mohammed and Alia for putting out the word. Many thanks to the many people I know through Seeds of Peace and the Center for Nonviolent Communication and elsewhere who have helped and are helping to make this happen.
The next step is getting permits to leave Gaza. This is not an easy thing. I’m holding out hope that another miracle will turn up.
With love and appreciation,
Amanda
