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.