A Moment for Life.

“Baby you’re a fireeeeeework, come on let your colooooors burst!”

It’s Tuesday, our day of tourism in Boston, and every one of our 75 participants from around the world congregated in Jimmy’s Brick Oven Pizza is throwing their hands in the air to Katy Perry’s hit song, Firework. It’s been a day full of activities– from a personal address by Vicky Kennedy to our own Flash Mob in the middle of Boston’s Long Wharf. Six days into Project Common Bond, the feeling in the room is unforgettable. Participants, staff, and facilitators jump up and down and shout out the words to the song– celebrating community, strength, and life itself.

“Baby you’re a fireworkkk, come on show ’em whaaaat you’re wooorth!”

For me, this week has really demonstrated Tuesday’s Children’s mission to provide support through the healing process for individuals that have lost loved ones to terrorism. One participant that I met who lost his father in 9/11 said that at Project Common Bond he could finally be himself among peers that shared a common bond of loss.

Let our past change the future.

Youth from conflicts such as Israel and Palestine, Northern Ireland and Ireland coming together in search of understanding, peace, and the restoration of dignity– now form a congo line across a pizza restaurant and laugh as they hoist a smaller Israeli participant on their shoulders. I am touched that their experience of loss has not led to hatred, but to hope for a more peaceful future.

Looking back at the dialogue and laughter shared over the 9 days of Project Common Bond, I am coming to understand the significance of the Survivor Tree at the National 9/11 Memorial in New York City, adopted as Project Common Bond’s mascot. Terrorism– the loss and the lasting impact it has made on their lives– happened. But, somehow, this community continues to live and grow tall– shaping their own futures as peacebuilders. Witnessing this courage and will to do good, I leave humbled and inspired. Thank you to Tuesday’s Children, facilitators, donors, and especially the participants, for showing me the way we can support one another and seek an end to both violent conflict and its legacy through dignity, community, and a touch of grace.

The other Tuesday's Children Interns and I at the Peace Games!

Team Orange repping our team cheer!

Look closely and see our participants "playing it cool" moments before Long Wharf erupts into a Flash Mob!

My Friends from Pakistan model their PCB shirts!

The Sri Lankan participants demonstrate their traditional dance at the Talent Show at the end of the week!

Until next time,

Katharine 🙂

This entry was posted on Sunday, July 22nd, 2012 at 8:32 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Comments are closed.