Connections

Two places in the world have taken on new meaning for me recently. One of these places is Ethiopia, the birthplace of our future child. During the Olympics I felt a surge of pride for the Ethiopian runners. When Ethiopian Yohannes Gebregeorgis was recognized as CNN hero, I paid close attention. As I read of famine hitting parts of the country this summer, I worried about Baby Barto's first family. Do they have enough to eat? When I scan the NY Times, I click on the Africa tab and look for news articles about Ethiopia.

The other place that has entered my radar is Palestine. Two summers ago my sister Katie, spent several months working with Palestinian refugees in the West Bank. And when she came back to the U.S., she told us powerful stories that rarely make it into mainstream media. She was so inspired by the people she met, she returned to start a youth leadership program . She wants to encourage young Palestinians to be leaders who can make positive changes. In the past week as the conflict in Gaza has escalated, I listen to the news with a new perspective. I wonder what impact this violence will have on the children of Palestine and Israel? When they grow up, will they want to work for peace? Or will they be hardened by the violence to which they were exposed as children? As I read the news reports, I think of the families that welcomed my sister into their homes. What is life like for them right now?

For me, these connections serve as a reminder that we are all linked. And so I send out wishes for peace, food and security, not just to the people of Ethiopia and Palestine, but for people anywhere who are hurting, hungry or scared. May 2009 bring us all a more stable, peaceful world.