Yes, we were at the Peace Bell on the third Friday of both March and April. The weekly vigil has, unfortunately, ended for now. The crush of personal responsibility and the need to make a living dictate pulling back on volunteer peacemaking. But we keep up the monthly vigil with people across the nation to end the wars--the national (formerly "Iraq", now "War"), War Moratorium.
In March, I met three middle school students whose opinions ran the gamut from "war is crazy." to "I don't know," to "I thought about going into the army." I know they had thought about some of the deeper issues involved in such a decision. I believe they left with more to think about with the facts assembled by the Quakers' American Friends Service Committee info written for teenagers about the life-changing effects joining the military. I have to say, I was inspired by their comments to recruit a friend and sign up for training myself--to go into our local high school with the information I usually pass out at the Peace Bell. I knew graduation is just around the bend, so I had to act fast.
Luckily, some things are just meant to be-- as when the universe easily clicks pieces together to bring about events. My friend, Tina Michael, said yes right away. Training (and 5 people's schedules) was arranged within a week. A call to guidance counselor landed us an appointment within days after training, and we were offered a chance to speak directly to the seniors with one phone call. A week later we were speaking to sleepy seniors in first and second bell, a time you could say truly that those with ears to hear, could hear. This is a true example of all obstacles being cleared away for things that are meant to happen.
Thank goodness! Sometimes majic happens when we are open to the mysteries of existance.
Now in April, it's a different type of story, when I have a chance to talk to self-proclaimed "Crazy Charlie" and he wants me to be his girlfriend... a story for another time. God bless the peaceful work we do.
Vicki Dierig
N. Ky Justice and Peace Committee, Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center
