It's a small world



My Cambridge friend Sarah F encouraged me to get together with Philbert Kalisa, an Anglican Priest from Rwanda who had recently been a guest in her home.

 Philbert has a ministry of reconciliation between Hutus and Tutsis in his home land.  He is in Sarasota to visit  family members who live here.

 So he and I had lunch together today.  It was a delightful encounter.

 As we talked we found many connections.

 *  He did post ordination training at Trinity (Theological) College in Bristol U.K., my home City.

 * When in  Bristol he spearheaded outreach ministries at Christ Church, Clifton  -- the very parish which I attended in my early Anglican days.  Christ Church was where I was confirmed, and was the parish which set me on the path to ordination.

 He and I both remember the Revd. Paul Berg who was the Vicar of Christ Church when I was a Theological Student.  Philbert served at Christ Church after my time there, so our paths never crossed

 *  Philbert is well acquainted  with my friends and colleagues:- Bishops Ian Douglas  (Connecticut) and Mark Hollingsworth (Ohio), as well as with my good friend Steve Bonsey, Steve's wife Elisabeth Keller and their children Noah, Sam, Josiah and Annie. 

 Such a small and delightful Anglican world.

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 


 I'll be off to Atlanta early on Saturday 26th (my 74th Birthday) to spend some time with my friends Steve (Fitchburg 1976) and his partner Rick; and also with Susan (Pittsfield 1984) and her partner Lisa.

 It will be good to see them.

 I will fly back to Sarasota on Monday.

 Chris S a wonderful  dog and house sitter will take great care of my dog, but I am already wondering how I will be able to survive for 48 hours sans Zion!




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