Category Archives: Monday Travel Posts

Today would be a good day to be at Oxford

June 2, 2014Monday Travel Postslearning, Oxford, study, Travel, UKmelindacousins

Perhaps some people who are new to my blog might find it a bit strange that I alternate between serious posts on social, theological or political issues … and well, travelogues. But I’ve often said two of the things I’m most passionate about are God’s Word and God’s world – and I’m always keen to explore how those intersect with my life and the issues of those around me. So today is Monday again, and therefore as I often do, I’m imagining a place I have previously visited and what it would be like to spend the day there today.

I have lots of study to get done this week as I am heading off on some real life travels shortly. So today is just a short post for inspiration. If anywhere should encourage study, it’s Oxford!

What did I love about Oxford?

All the Universities I have studied with have been great places of learning, but as relatively young institutions they just don’t have the “hallowed halls” of places like Oxford.

My sister and I spent the day at Oxford a few years ago, and there was certainly a sense of being in another time, imagining life as a scholar in this place.

It’s hard not to wonder about all the great thinkers who have passed through these doors throughout the centuries.

I’d love to spend the day in just one of the libraries, discovering all the ideas and passions of those who have written in the areas I am interested in. For me, one of the joys of study is getting to “meet” people through their books!

What did I learn from Oxford?

I am reminded why I am a lifelong student: because I love learning. I love discovering new ideas, sharing ideas with others, thinking about things differently, asking questions and seeking a range of possible answers, imagining new ways of doing things, and considering how I might be able to change my small corner of the world.

Going back to study since lecturing has also helped me have some sympathy for the struggles of students – yes, sometimes it is hard to stay motivated, and sometimes it is hard to see how some things you are learning will make a difference to your life.

But I have been to too many places around the world where education is denied to many, particularly young women, to take my studies for granted. Learning is a great privilege, and it can be part of both growing in understanding and being formed in character, if we let it.

I also believe education brings a responsibility. I don’t study to amass knowledge for myself, but rather to be better equipped to teach and share and engage with others in ways that are helpful, inspiring and challenging, that they too might engage more thoughtfully with God’s world in whatever way they are called and equipped to do so.

It’d be lovely to be learning at Oxford today, but really, it doesn’t matter if you are in a famous institution or in the school of life, or somewhere in between – if you are reading this it is likely that you have the opportunity to learn something today! I’d encourage you to be grateful for the privilege, and to consider the responsibility it brings to share with others as you can.

Today would be a good day to be in Jakarta

May 26, 2014Monday Travel PostsDiversity, Indonesia, Jakarta, Travelmelindacousins

Just a quick post today. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the debate in my country about asylum seekers and refugees, the way our government has chosen to respond to them, and the options available to people who disagree to speak truth and advocate justice. I hope to post more about that in the future. For now, I’m turning my travel reflections this week to the place from which many of those asylum seekers board the boats that ultimately lead them to our detention centres, one of Australia’s closest neighbours, and a country I think we often misunderstand, Indonesia.

Just a small part of the Jakarta night skyline

I haven’t done the standard Aussie tourist trip to Bali, but alongside some off-the-beaten-track places, I have spent a little bit of time in Indonesia’s capital, and I can definitely say like nearly everywhere else I’ve visited, Jakarta is a place I both enjoyed and learned from.

While I didn't love the traffic, I did enjoy zooming past it on the back of a motorbike! — While I didn’t love the traffic, I did enjoy zooming past it on the back of a motorbike!

What did I love about Jakarta?

Like any capital city, the public buildings tell some of the story of the nation’s history and politics.

The National Monument, commemorating the struggle for independence

And the view from the top gives you just a tiny glimpse into what a city of 28 million people looks like.

The President’s Palace is somewhat reminiscent of the White House.

While the Supreme Court building would be at home in many places around the world.

Above all, I loved the food. Fresh, fast, cheap, spicy, diverse, delicious.

So. Much. Good. Food.

What did I learn from Jakarta?

Like many places, Jakarta is a city of contrasts, with areas of great poverty in the midst of the high-rise city towers. I was reminded of the challenge all countries face to provide justice and equity, and in particular to remember the least among us.

A slum nestled between high rise construction zones

I appreciated visiting the huge mosque, which can accommodate 120,000 men praying simultaneously, and learning more of the influence religious affiliation has on life in Indonesia. I did get myself in a little trouble when I went to follow my (male) friend in signing the guest book, only to be given a sharp rebuke – not for you!

But mostly I learned from the people. They were so friendly and welcoming, with such a positive attitude towards me as an Australian (although this was prior to the diplomatic tensions of the last couple of years). I was often “mobbed” on the street by groups of young women wanting to practice their English.

I’ve said it before, and the more I travel the world, the more I am sure I will say it again. People are people everywhere. We like to think that it is so difficult to understand one another, and certainly on the level of politics and culture it can be. But when we take time to have a conversation and share something of our lives with another person, I am always amazed anew at how what divides us is superficial, and what unites us – our hopes, dreams, loves, laughters – is so much deeper. We are need to be challenged to take time to learn from those who seem different to us, and to learn how much we truly share.

Today would be a good day to be in a place I won’t name

May 19, 2014Monday Travel PostsChristians, persecution, Travelmelindacousins

My Monday travel posts are usually filled with photos. Not today. They are also usually filled with details of where I went and what I saw, but again, not today. I want to write today about one of the most profound travel experiences of my life, but in order to avoid any chance of compromising the people I met there, I am making the place I’m reflecting on today anonymous. I’m talking about visiting a place where Christians are facing daily harassment and persecution, and how it would be a good thing for me to spend more time there.

An anonymous block of rooms at the back of an anonymous factory on the edge of an anonymous town … where I met the most inspiring people I’ve ever met

In the last couple of weeks, the Western world has been horrified by the news of the kidnapping and trafficking of nearly 300 (mostly) Christian girls in Nigeria, an event which I have already shared some of my questions from. This week, similar heartbreak and outrage has been expressed over the news of a pregnant women sentenced to death in Sudan for marrying a Christian. How do we even begin to respond to such happenings which are so far out of the realm of our experience?

Well, the reality is that while these may be out of the realm of our experience, they are familiar to many. Data from the reputable Pew Research Center this year shows that 74% of countries in the world have some level of government interference with worship or religious practices, and in 48% of countries, force was used against religious groups or individuals in 2012. The religious group harassed and persecuted in the highest number of countries (151) continues to be Christians.

While Christianity has enjoyed privilege and power in the West over the last century (that I can’t help but think it never should have accepted), at the same time around the world many followers of Jesus have suffered and given their lives for what they believe. When Christians in the West complain about our loss of privilege, we arrogantly minimise the very real suffering of our brothers, and increasingly even more so, our sisters, around the world.

So, what did I love about visiting a place where Christians live with this reality every day?

I loved the incredible faith, perseverance and hope I saw in those I met. Despite living in circumstances I simply cannot fathom (despite having seen them firsthand), the Christians I stayed with encouraged and inspired me greatly. These people take their faith seriously. They take the words of Jesus seriously. They know the cost of following Him, and they have chosen to pay it, believing His promise that they are blessed in doing so.

The room I stayed in, which as a guest I had to myself. Next door, twelve young women live in the same space.

I was particularly inspired by their whole-hearted devotion to their calling and mission. These people seek to share with their families, friends, and neighbours, the hope they have found in Jesus, and have committed their whole lives to that end. Not to mention that their knowledge of the Bible would put most of my colleagues in ministry to shame!

What have I learned from meeting Christians in places like this?

I am so profoundly humbled when I think of those I met there. They treated me with respect and grace, seeing me as someone who had something to teach them about following Jesus. The truth is quite the opposite. I have so much to learn from them.

Some of them talked about their desire to one day visit a place like where I live, to see churches worshipping freely in my country. God help me, but I wanted to pray that they would never get that chance. For I fear how disillusioned they would be. They assume that our freedom and comfort would cause us to be even more devoted and passionate about our faith and mission. Would that they were right.

These people follow in the footsteps of their Saviour, who suffered and was persecuted and told His disciples not to be surprised if they faced the same. They witness to His grace, passion, humility and self-sacrifice in the way they live their lives daily. What do I witness to? How can I preach a crucified Messiah who gives Himself up for the world when I have so much and have given up so little?

My bed … I admit I struggle simply going without a mattress for a couple of weeks

I am reminded of the words of Jesus: “It is harder for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God than it is for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle.” (Matthew 19:24) It is easy to assume that we are the fortunate ones , but Jesus warns us of the danger of our wealth, comfort and security.

When we hear about people suffering for their faith around the world, our great desire seems to be to want to “fix” things, as if making their lives more like ours will make everything better. Certainly I believe we should speak out about the kinds of grave injustices that have been in the news this week. But I also wonder whether we need to take more time to “sit with” those who are suffering persecution, whether physically or spiritually, and recognise that perhaps we are the ones who need to become more like them.

I pray for my brothers and sisters facing persecution for their faith around the world. I pray for peace and courage, for mercy and protection. But I pray too for myself and the church in countries like mine. Where comfort so easily leads to complacency, and privilege to a loss of passion. I wonder how we can learn more from those following Jesus in places like the one I dare not name but would love to visit again today.

Thinking Out Loud …

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