Growing An Oak

The work of justice and reconciliation is slow.  It’s the work of growing an oak or gluing a shattered plate back together, piece by piece. But the work is growing roots. And recently we’ve been reflecting on how tall the tree has grown when we weren’t even looking.  

People have been reaching out to tell us the ways that they’ve been growing. We’ve felt watered and nourished by their words and we’d like to share their encouragement with you as well! So enjoy these reflections from poetic to practical from people who’ve been encouraged to start Master’s degrees or lead KAIROS Blanket exercises and get excited with us as the sapling grows roots to support a West Coast cedar!    

Do you have a story about your journey of reconciliation? We’d love to hear it! Email us at [email protected]. 

P.S. The work of reconciliation requires fertilizer! Would you consider supporting us by making a donation? 

Stories 

Priya Andrade

Reconciliation is a verb.

 It's how you listen.

It's what you wonder about.

It's what you ask.

It's showing up.

It's how you listen.

Kayla Boone

To bring about reconciliation is not an easy task, but that does not mean it is hopeless and impossible; rather, it is a journey that is exciting, ever developing, and seeks to build relationships. Every day I reflect on things I have learned, as well as add to my knowledge. The way I view all areas of my life has fundamentally changed, and that is a very exciting thing.

Viviana E.Cornejo

I walked the KAIROS Blanket Exercise for the first time in March 2014. Since then I have not stopped inviting others to do the same walk. 

Since that date the BE have been presented in schools, different organizations, and many, many congregations. Around 1,800 people have heard the history of United States from the perspective of Native Americans. 

For almost every participant, this is the first time they have heard what the Blanket Exercise tell. This made them feel cheated wondering why it was never taught at schools. I believe this feeling is the fuel that is making the Blanket Exercise something that everybody wants to hear.

Christina DeVries

Engaging in reconciliation or rather the seeking of right relations has meant, to me, being able to sit, listen and soak in all that I have been blessed to hear and learn. It is in this place, in this posture, that true, deep, trusting relationships have grown. It is in these relationships where I choose to live, breathe, laugh, mourn, share, care and be who I truly am with those around me. This space is healing and grace!

Nancy Johnson

Taking the KAIROS Blanket Exercise training motivated me to continue to respectfully walk towards reconciled relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous people in Canada. It helped me understand that restorative justice is advocating for and doing things that seek to restore people and that all Canadians need this restoration.