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Colombian Election

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Hello friends,             3/23/18                   The Colombian Election
Sad to hear the guerilla political party the FARC got very few votes after signing the peace accords and surrendering their guns that ended a lot of the violence. They do get 5 seats in each of the two houses of congress.
They lost due mainly to wealthy and politically powerful former president Uribe’s push against the agreement by his convincing Colombians that the accords were too lenient on the FARC.
One consolation to me is to remember in El Salvador when they signed the peace accords (1992) it has taken 26 years till now to have a government that cares for the poor. The present El Salvadoran president was a commander of the guerillas FLMN.  Pray with me something similar can happen in Colombia soon.
I just spent four days with our new granddaughter Izzy, her mother Emily and family just north of Portland in Washington. It was very special to hold and feed Izzy.  She is beginning to respond and smile lots. She is just learning to roll over and reach out and grab for Milo their small dog. I love Izzy.
Jake’s three children really love Izzy and are a big help caring for her, especially in fussy times. I really have come to appreciate their life together as a family. Look for photo in next letter.
I shared with Emily how a peacenik (and my good friend) questioned my idea “How to make peace with Isis nonviolently”. She responded, “That was good.” I answered, “I agree with you. It is healthy for me to have some honest pushback.” I was glad she felt free to challenge me.
The end of May I plan to take a course on Peacemaking at Easter Mennonite University. Then in mid-June I plan to go to Colombia for about 2 months to lead discussions and sharings on “Healing Divided Colombia”. Colombians are split over support of the peace accords. I would appreciate any donations for my planned trip to Colombia.
Shalom to you this day,
Jim
PS. Setting the record straight.  In my last letter “A Pre-emptive Memorial” some easily might have thought Evan was my brother: that was not the case; it was his brother that said to me the opening of the letter. Evan passed on more than 10 days ago.

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