My Time In Caux

When I was first asked if I could write up a short paragraph about my time in Caux at the IofC conference centre I immediately replied, “Yes, of course I can!” After several days of several hours spent in quiet reflection, I started to get quite nervous. The nervousness was, as it often is, rooted in a host of questions for which I could find no suitable answer. How can I possibly put into words the wonderful experience that is Caux? How can I effectively communicate the deeply moving, life-altering moments that are now precious memories of my seven days in Switzerland? And, perhaps more importantly, how can I do this in a clear and concise manner? Well, my friends, the answers have not appeared but I will do my best with what I have!

I participated in the conference titled ‘Leading Change for a Sustainable World.” It was promoted as a “skill building session for people who want to invest time in specific change projects” but, in practice, it was so much more than that. It was an opportunity to contemplate what is, what was, and what could be on a personal and community level. It was an opportunity to reflect, believing in the power of reflection to bring correction and direction. It was an opportunity to meet and speak with dedicated and passionate individuals who are striving to communicate honestly, share unselfishly, and live purely as they initiate change in their communities. It was, I believe, an opportunity to witness love in action and this is something I am very grateful to have experienced.    

Conference participants were also presented with the opportunity to initiate a small forum on any topic of their choosing. With the support and encouragement of another participant (who has become a dear friend) I proposed a discussion on “The Spirit of Caux.” How, we questioned, do you define “The Spirit of Caux”? Is it a purely abstract notion or can it be expressed in concrete terms? Does it need to be pro-actively maintained or will it naturally maintain itself? As you can probably imagine, it was a lively, thought-provoking discussion and a definite highlight of my time in Caux. My sincere thanks go out to all who made this trip possible. It was a truly wonderful experience that has left me with memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Mercy Okalowe

mercyokalowe@hotmail.com