NOVEMBER 7, 2004
Dear Friends,
Standing in a long airport line waiting to clear customs and warily facing one another were business men, women, and children of every tribe and nation, and I was among them. People were noticeably irritable and tension was palpable.
I had long thought about a retreat to an Abbey, however, with a cheap ticket in hand, I made an about face, opted for the road less traveled, and isolated my self among the masses in London. I was aware that the journey in the city might prove difficult; for while I work in a city and frequently visit cities in the company of friends in pursuit of food, conversation, the arts, or shopping, I was rarely alone in a city.
So, deliberately limiting human contacts during my two weeks away, I instead turned my attention to tuning my values of risk, intimacy, and authenticity. Mine was a venture with the goal of drawing closer to God and seeking his guidance more thoroughly.
After taking in a few tourist sights, I narrowed my activities to reading, music, the arts, and prayer. I was fortunate to view the works of Raphael, who instantly became of one of my favorite artists. Alone, I attended a gala musical evening at St. Paul's Knightsbridge Church in the Belgravia neighborhood where I stayed. I joyfully listened to the likes of London chorus. My 'companion' intimacy came to sit with me that night, swept into the space of my heart through the majesty of musical notes.
Bill Moyers, from Healing and the Mind, States "exploration is the key... the journey is worth making for what each of us might learn about this remarkable union of mind, body, and spirit that is the human being."
Praying authentically, risking the admission of things that frighten or anger me, blurting the sorrows and joys through prayer, reflection, and the intimacy of God's indescribable love, I felt less and less alone in the city; more and more secure in the journey of service God has given me.
Most importantly, it was affirmed in me that REACH Ministries exists to express God's intention to "proclaim release to the captives, to let the oppressed go free." REACH provides a safe haven for children and families affected and infected by HIV/AIDS. REACH risks criticism, it encourages authenticity in those who so seldom dare express it, and by its intimate love, REACH, itself, becomes a place of retreat for weary people.
In this season of giving thanks, we remain so very grateful for your continued support, commitment, and companionship.
Blessings my friends,
Susan K. Slonaker
P.S. As you gather with your families this season, please remember your REACH family. Your gift of $25 or more a month will ensure that our children are loved and nurtured through our Mentoring Program.