“The men are all talking about this on the wings.” Here we are in prison and Will was telling me what he’d heard. He was on the Sycamore Tree victim awareness course but had had to miss Ray and Vi Donovan telling their story. Of the assault on their two sons and murder of one of them, Chris Donovan. Will had heard all this second-hand, but it still amazed him.
Why? Brutal assaults like on the Donovan lads are alas, not rare. Forgiveness by victims isn’t unheard of. What surprised Will and the men on the wings – was the Donovan’s willingness to come into HMP Slade and tell their story. To tell it at length, sharing their sorrows and tears. And then listen with warmth and compassion to the prisoner’s own stories.
They found the body. Which one? The day after the beautiful sunrise picture, in Lake Gahini, Rwanda, I was in Kigali in the genocide centre. Freshly found bodies, ready to be interred (see picture below). With prayers and respect. What is Easter Day to them and their families? Of for the wounded and maimed in Brussels. Of for that matter, all struggling with unloving relationships, unkind bosses, bullies at work and school?
She turned and looked right in my face. “You want the truth, don’t you? You want me to be honest, surely?” This week, in Holy Week. The issue was trivial, but the question echoes, especially on Good Friday. Not easy to find a polite answer to the question.
Deep in Taliban held Afghanistan, a Taliban leader washes the feet of his men. “As soon as everyone was assembled it was time for dinner: a communal heap of rice and a plate of oily, orange coloured mutton. It was a special occasion. Abdullah had scooted around the circle beforehand with a pewter basin and a jug of warm water – a hand washing ceremony that was usually performed by the youngest son of the family, not the most senior man present. It was a deliberate act of self –abasement, an expression of humility and comradeship more eloquent than any words.”
I’m giving up alcohol. No – the doctors have not told me too. I’ve not been done for drink-driving. The liver is fine thanks, I’m dinking well under the recommended limit. I’m giving it up for Lent. That 40+ day run up to Good Friday and Easter. That traditional time when Christian people either give up something, or do something extra. Or both. To enter into this period of drama more personally. 
Travelling Outside In 