Created from one jewel

Welcome to my journal as I prepare for, travel to, and return from Iran with the Fellowship of Reconciliation on a two-week grassroots civilian diplomacy trip. The phrase "created from one jewel" comes from lines gracing the entrance to the Hall of Nations at the United Nations in New York. Saadi, Iran's greatest Persian poet, reminds us all that we are one.

The human race is a single being
Created from one jewel
If one member is struck
All must feel the blow
Only someone who cares for the pain of others
Can truly be called human
- Saadi, circa 1200-1291

Plans are for the 20 or so of us to travel to Iran April 29, 2008 and return to New York on May 13, 2008. Internet access while we are in Iran will likely be spotty, but I'll send brief notes when I can and fill you in on details when I return.

My purposes for this trip to Iran include:

visiting a conservative Islamic nation,
spending time with a delegation of diverse people from the United States and
bringing back information to share with Mennonite congregations.

May this trip help me and perhaps some of you to learn to care for the pain-and joy-of the people of Iran.

Susan Mark Landis, peace advocate
April 10, 2008

	Iran prayer cards are available from the Peace Advocate Office ( ) for 15 cents each plus postage or you may make copies yourself locally (download now (1210k PDF)). Post them around the house or stick one in your Bible to remind you to pray for Iran.
	United States and Iran relationships: Advocacy NOW!
	The Fellowship of Reconciliation news release for the IRAN CIVILIAN DIPLOMACY DELEGATION APRIL 29TH 2008
	More blogs and reports from the delegation at www.forpeace.net

Susan's journal entries

	April 10, 2008
	April 15, 2008
	April 21, 2008 - news release
	April 24, 2008
	April 28, 2008
	May 1, 2008 -Susan lands in Iran
	May 3, 2008
	May 6, 2008
	May 6, 2008 #2
	May 9, 2008

Links:

	FOR Iran information and former delegation journals
	MCC in Iran
	Mennonite Church USA work on Iran
	Peace lamps given to Iranians
	Contact to arrange a time for Susan to visit your congregation
	Iran in a nutshell