A Fortunate Life

Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens

It so happens that when I was a child in Missoula, Montana one of my babysitters was Anne, a lovely Australian woman whose husband was pursing graduate study at the University of Montana Forestry Department.  Our family received as a gift from them several classic Australian books.  For many years they stood high on a shelf in our living room- tempting tales of a far off land.  Before departing for this adventure down under, I made a point to read them- one of which included A Fortunate Life by A. B. Facey (http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1189454.A_Fortunate_Life) 

Facey grew up in the Australian outback, had no formal education, taught himself to read and write, survived fighting at Galipoli, found the love of his life and  definitely lived  fully.  Throughout the book he talks about the importance of the people he met and the relationships he formed.  Despite many hardships he says, "I have lived a very good life, it has been very rich and full. I have been very fortunate and I am thrilled by it when I look back.''

University (Uni here) is in full swing, and as I am meeting people from around the world I feel so lucky to be living my own fortunate life.  The other Rotary Peace Fellows are all wonderful intelligent people with interesting stories, open hearts and  all with diverse backgrounds. It turns out they also like to dance :) Even after a long week, we had a fun night salsa dancing outside  in the city square.

My classes are their own international community with students from places like- Burma, Iran, Ethiopia, Iceland, Germany and Columbia and we are already engaging in stimulating conversations and I am learning and unlearning just as much in class as well as outside of class.  So far I am taking: Advanced International Studies, Ethics and Human Rights and Principles of Deep Seated Conflict Resolution.  Class structure will vary from lectures, tutorials and discussions to full role plays including a full war crimes tribunal. One professor described our primary skill as being reading, and yes! we have lots of reading to do which is challenging, complicated and fascinating.

Today was full and varied.  After waking up to the early, bright Queensland sunlight I went for a quick walk by the Brisbane River.  I then headed into the city or CBD (central business district) to take company class with Expressions a contemporary dance company.  The dancers are fierce, totally committed and some of the friendliest I have met.  It is amusing to me that in the process of literally turning my life upside down I am also finally getting the hang of handstands- go figure :)

After class I caught the bus- specifically the GLIDER  which I call the “flying squirrel bus” as it is blue with a cartoon picture of a flying squirrel, back into the city and then headed to uni campus.  In completing some of my orientation requirements, I had to attend a Safety Down Under Workshop.  Hmmn- a full on powerpoint with photos… Watch out for: crocodiles, sharks, jellyfish, rip-tides, spiders, snakes and crazy weather. Oh, and yes magpies- which during spring happen to swoop and attack bicyclists.  Adventure!

This afternoon I attended a compelling seminar  presented by Ms. Mary Grahm on  Aboriginal Approaches to Peace and Conflict http://nationalcongress.com.au/ethics-council/.  Some of the things that I learned are that Aboriginal law is tied specifically to the geography and the dreaming stories of each place and that there are multiple perceptions of time that are not linear. While in Australia, I look forward to learning more about the ancient and living culture of the Aboriginal people.

 I am immersed in an incredible international community while living in a beautiful place with its own rich history.  I am full of gratitude for my opportunities to continue learning, growing and challenging myself. From the lively members of my local Rotary Club, Brisbane Planetarium (http://www.rotarybrisbaneplanetarium.net/), to the other Peace Fellows, professors, dancers, leaders in the dance community, and new friends across communities- I feel fortunate in my developing Aussie relationships and connections and hope to continue to share A.B Facey’s outlook as reflective of my life.

Our building 

Local wildlife

My first kangaroo sighting

Community art project- New Farm Park

Fig Tree