Vessel

I was under a forced semi-internet sabbatical while at GA (where Unitarian Universalists all over the nation get together) because of the nature of the awful reception and internet cost while in Minneapolis, MN. I got back Sunday night and have been extending this sabbatical a bit.

We’ve all been to conferences before. I’ve been to one for fundraising professionals and heard excellent speakers such as Jane Goodall. I also went to an intense one for college students wishing to excel in non-profit management. Where it was typical of college students to be up at 5 am and stay out working on resolutions until one am for five days in a row. I’m sure you can think of such experiences yourself.

All this experience was pushed to the wayside as I participated in General Assembly as a delegate. It is not like any conference I have ever been to. I had to attend the business sessions (called plenary) as a delegate to vote, but they had far more than debating resolutions put forth by the denomination. I also went to all the workshops that I could, and will be mulling their essential aspects here. Somehow I barely had time for anything - well almost. I tweeted as much as my poor connection would let me and met some great new twitter users during the Assembly.

I don’t get overwhelmed easy. However, by Friday, I went to a workshop where I could hear the speakers words coming out of his mouth and could hardly connect the sound to its meaning. I ended up taking notes by mechanically writing what he said. EVERY workshop I went to had a compelling message for me to go home and take it up immediately. I know I can’t do it all at once. I might try anyway.

The other aspect contributing to my overwhelmed state was the complexity of our religion. How much deeper it is than ‘believe whatever you want’. The conflicts that arose during debates where heart-wrenching. It was difficult for me to vote. Usually I know what to do, but for instance, on the peace Statement of Conscience I could not choose whether to side with military families or nonviolent resistors, both who respond to conflict in very different and honorable ways.

You can look forward to my reflections on the experience of General Assembly in workshops and in plenaries over the next few days.