Last month we took several women from a traumatized and hurting community on a restful retreat weekend. Out from under the gunshots, out from under the neighbors in need of bread. Out from the hands extended in need and away from the clenched fists of anger and violence. Away from the feet running to safety and the mothers clutching their children close.
To rest, to find peace. To celebrate their courage, tenacity, resilience. They were fed well and celebrated, acknowledged and heard. And in the end, they returned to their hungry and angry neighbors with hearts full of compassion, arms extended in love, ready to restore yet again.