Woo, it has been a crazy past few weeks! The time has flown. I should have flown, but instead I have been driving all over the east coast.
So, as many of you know, my grandfather passed a few weeks ago. He went really peacefully, was ready to go, and lived a great life. I know we will all really miss him. I know everyone dies; I wish everyone could go as gently as he did. But I was in Pittsburgh for the memorial service and didn't get back to Philadelphia until Monday at 11:45pm. So, basically on Tuesday.
That day I worked all day, and packed for my next trip. On Wednesday, I woke up and picked up my bike!! And my dear cousin Caroline in Reading. At that point I already had my suitcase in the car. We took my bike to my house and unloaded Caroline at her house. Then I went to work. Straight from work I began my journey to North Carolina to visit Wake Forest.
I spent Thursday at the Wake Forest School of Divinity, and wasn't really feeling it. It turns out that seminaries train ministers, not activists, like I had assumed from all the activist-ministers I know and adore. That evening I spent the night with Bob and Deena, with whom I am related, but need to draw a picture to explain our blood ties. I had a wonderful time with them. They have a beautiful house, are super interesting and hospitable... it was the highlight of my trip to North Carolina!
Unfortunately, it was the highlight of my trip to North Carolina (not to suggest that it wasn't great, it was). I spent Friday at the Wake Forest School of Law, and I was just overwhelmed by the lack to concern or acknowledgment of social justice. I felt like it was completely ignored, and I know that in "normal" conversation it doesn't necessarily come up... But we were in a tobacco-fortune-heir-named building, with all kinds of white men (don't get me wrong, I love many white men), and talking about proving people's innocence. There were a lot of great places to talk about social justice and societal things, but it didn't come up. In fact, the professor asked the class if anyone had ever been in a protest (class of like, 50) and no one raised their hands.... but me. Come on!
I left the school and drove to Washington DC. I hung out with Liz, from Scripps College, and we had a great time. On Saturday we visited the capital, proper. Spent a little time at the Supreme Court, walked by congress, walked through the mall, but didn't buy(meaning, "believe") anything people were trying to sell us, took a nap at the Washington Monument, joined the crowd at the Lincoln Memorial, and saw the crowd at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, so decided against trying to get in it. Then we had a nice relaxing evening watching "The Kids Are All Right."
Sunday I was off to a WONDERFUL round table discussion about Children with Incarcerated Parents in the Child Welfare System. Did I mention it was wonderful? I really enjoyed it and got a lot of out it.
Then I headed home, where I haven't had a moment's rest, yet!
All that is to say that:
1. I am supposed to call several people (back) and I haven't. This is not an excuse, just a request for your mercy.
2. I Don't see myself at Wakeforest, sorry to those of your rooting for WF. If you want the window sticker they gave me I will send it your way.
3. I am tired. Send me presents.
4. I should write in this blog more often
That is all for my numbering. I will be visiting Cardozo next Monday, wish me love for NYC.
I hope to hear from you soon!!
