Mary Ann: We’re learning a little bit about the rhythm and flow of our work here at Woodbrooke, and one thing we’ve found is that a short trip on our day off refreshes and revitalizes us enormously. Plus it’s such a temptation to be surrounded by all the richness and beauty of ancient history and what a pity it would be to miss it!

So last week we chose nearby Warwick (pronounced War-ick) as our destination. It was a short 30 minute train ride, leaving from beautiful Moor Street Station. It’s a lovely little place, quite different from the rather unattractive and very much larger New Street Station which is only a ten minute walk away. The tickets were 5 pound sixty pence each (about $11.20) and we had roomy seats in a clean coach with a table at each of our places.

Warwick is a fairly small town, best known for its medieval castle which is one of the largest in England. However, since it’s a rather steep price for admission and needs a good 3-4 hours to get through, we decided to postpone that adventure until another time. However, there were plenty of other sights to see, and wonderful streets to meander through. First, though, since it was almost noon when we arrived, we headed out on an expedition to find a good place to eat. Right in the heart of the town, in Market Square, we found a wonderful pub called The Rose and Crown, right across the street from The Tilted Wig (Don’t you just love these English pub names??!!) Don got chips with his sandwich, and, of course, they turned out to be large French fries, but we skipped the “pud” (dessert) menu altogether…..which left us room to stop by the local pastry shop to buy a Cornish Heavy Cake which was rather like a currant scone. Very yummy!!

We toured the very large St. Mary’s Church. The crypt, the lower level of the church, is the oldest part, built in 1126. About a third of the town was destroyed in a fire in 1694, including the rest of the church so it’s only 310 years old. We also saw the Lord Leycester Hospital (which never was a hospital at all) and several other Elizabethan buildings, along with a couple of pretty gardens. Another successful English outing!

Don: As I walk between buildings on this third Friday evening of our stay here at Woodbrooke, my mind is full. For one thing, it is one of the busiest evenings of our time so far with somewhere between 40 and 50 guests to show to their rooms and to point out all of the essential matters such as the locations of the “loo,” dining room, fire escape route, course meeting rooms, and the procedures to follow should one happen to get locked out of a room. Both Mary Ann and I are exhausted, physically and emotionally. The schedule has been full and we are still trying to absorb all of the “induction” (training) information we have been given. But all of these things are surface matters. The deeper issues are as complex and intense as the more practical matters are overwhelming. Woodbrooke is an exceptional institution that has startled me on many occasions with its commitment to principles of sustainability, equality, the importance of every guest and employee, and a deep respect for the widest range of race, belief, and nationality. At no time has this been more clearly demonstrated than a celebration we attended to honor the work of the gardener who was moving. It was a most touching affair honoring his part in the whole ministry of Woodbrooke. Garner, housekeeper, office worker, kitchen staff, or department head, they all are honored and equal participants in creating a place for people to come and be renewed in body and spirit. But the thing that has stirred us in the deepest places has been the presence of the 17 people from many of the most violent and conflict-troubled places of the world. They have come here to rest, to be held in a safe place, and to learn non-violent ways. They have been here for 10 weeks and they have worked their way into our hearts. We have eaten together, listened to their stories, looked at photos of their families, and played together. Today they begin to return home and in a week they will all be gone. One woman told us: “I am ready to die from a gun or bomb, but I what I fear the most is dying as the result of a soldier’s violent rape.” Another man said that it is not uncommon for him or one of his children to step outside his house in the morning to find a body in the street. It is into this kind of situation that these friends of mine will return. I have never before had to bid farewell to someone whom I knew might very well become a victim of the world’s lust for violence. I’ve had to say such a farewell to all 17 of these people this week. But I am so proud to know these courageous individuals. They give me hope.