The Friday Four, Part 141

~1~

If you saw my Friday Four last week, or follow me on Facebook, you'll know that I recently spent five days in Salt Lake City (and two long days in my van) to participate in the Parliament of the World's Religions.

It was an incredible experience! From Native American smudging, to the Sikh langar, to Muslim comedians and artists, to a Baptist gospel choir, these five days were packed full of fascinating, uplifting, educational experiences, of people sharing how they worship and connect with God - however they identify that Divine Power, and of the innate goodness and power of people choosing to step outside their comfort zones and make a difference in the world. I'm so glad I got to be a part of it!

~2~

I got to meet and hang out with some of the coolest people. I didn't get nearly enough pictures...

Native Americans in full ceremonial dress

Sonja J. Wratten of the Church of England,
the first female priest of her parish in Bedford, England

Andrea Radke-Moss and Carol Lynn Pearson

Two Jain women chatting at the Parliament

My sweet friend Emily & her daughter Cherylyn!

And her husband (and my good friend) Kenyon

My freshman-year crew from BYU: Dan, Ben, Cristie & Brian

HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji

Meredith & I met Zarqa Nawaz, the creator of
the Canadian sitcom "Little Mosque". It's on Hulu - go watch it!

Ajisebo and Wande Abimbola, Yoruba high priestess & priest

Met an online friend in person, Betsy Vanderberghe (C)
and a new friend Becky Farley (L)

SpokaneFaVS folks celebrating after a successful presentation.
Some of the best people I know are SpokaneFaVS people!

Tresa, Sara, me & Meredith - we've got big plans!

FaVS road trip buddies! Kim, Tracy, Skyler, me, Meredith, & Laura

~3~

Of course there were many others that I didn't get to personally meet, but whose words were powerful for me this week. Karen Armstrong, Tariq Ramandan, Jane Goodall, Grandmother Rose Pere, Ilyasah Shabazz, Ruth Messinger, Rabbi David Saperstein, Valarie Kaur, Jonathan Brown, Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid, Bernard Freamon, Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb, Bishop William Swing, Rev Jim Wallis, Police Chief Devon Clunis, Dharma Master Hsin Tao, Sister Maureen Goodman, Metropolitan Nikitas, Danny Blackgoat, the list goes on and on...

And my reading list has exploded!

~4~

Coming back to reality after the interfaith high of the past week is not always fun and smooth. I'm definitely experiencing withdrawals! But these faces ease the transition a bit.