Last Sunday Curtis and I went out to eat. We were reading
our table tent advertisement, it said: Por
la PAZ, de que soy, caPAZ? (For peace, what am I able to do?). It struck me as an odd table tent
advertisement for a pizza place, but it also reminded me that we are living in
a country with a 50 plus year ongoing armed conflict. Promising peace talks
have been under way since 2012 between the government of Colombia and the FARC
(Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) (they have agreed to 4 of the 6
points). While the peace talks are important for the future of peace here, the
signed document is not what will bring peace.
So, back to the table tent. I noticed it, ate my pizza, and
left. A few days later I noticed another sign somewhere (remember I am still
learning Spanish) that said something about I am able…for my country (I missed
the middle part). Then a few days later I noticed a woman carrying a shopping
bag that said ‘for my future, for my family, and for my country: I am able’. I
figured there must be something going on. Then my suspicions were confirmed in
church yesterday. The pastor talked about ‘Soy
Capaz’ (I am able). Turns out there was a national campaign launched last
week to encourage everyone in Colombia to think about the role we all play in
promoting and building peace.
 |
| The five points of the campaign (taken from a local newspaper) |
The campaign will last for 30 days and consists of five
points: 1) I am able to accept that we can be much better; Colombia can be the
country we dream of. 2) I am able to recognize that I am part of the problem and
part of the solution. 3) I am able to put myself in the shoes of others, and to
accept our differences. 4) I am able to be a better Colombian. 5) I am able to
do something for my country, for my family, for my future.
I think this campaign is good for a number of reasons. This
campaign acknowledges that this country isn’t at peace right now. People who
live in Bogota (myself included) have the luxury of ignoring what’s happening
in other places of the country. This campaign also asks every individual to
think about what he/she can do to build peace. So it leaves me with these
questions: What am I able to do? As a foreigner? As an American? As a Christian?
How does this affect my work with youth and women?