Handprints from Bethlehem

Sixteen sets of handprints
Arrived at my sister’s door
From Bethlehem in Palestine
The envelope had been opened
Before it reached me

I look at these handprints
And the messages they wrote
Wondering what do people fear
From these messages they sent
To the Peace Embassy

No pictures of the senders
Just simple lines drawn around their hands
I touch each one so gently
Knowing I am touching their very souls
I promise – The Peace Embassy

Will take good care of them

Kerry Bowden, 10 minutes after receiving the handprints from Bethlehem

Handprint from Bethlehem

Handprint from Djarragun

Handprints for Bethlehem

Monday September 27 one week one book! Now to tidy up the layout and finish the editing with Carole and its off to the Aquarius printers in Townsville where I will check it one more time before it goes to press. Besides arranging the launch, I only have one major thing to do - the space on the other side of this page will have a photograph of me with some of the Djarragun College students and their handprints. By the time you read this these handprints will be in Palestine.

Nearly forgot. Remember Jean of Djarragun saying, “Give this person a call”? I am pleased to say not only will HE through his foundation, be funding the Peace Embassy bus but will build and fund the upkeep of the Peace Embassy itself.

But that deserves another book. I just wanted you to know that dreams can come true when others also believe in them.

PS: I just received an email from Jean-Paul Wabotai, who comes from the Congo but who is working in Spain at present.

Jean-Paul, “the voice of Africa”, was one of the entertainers at the Gala Ball in Puerto Rico. He sang, danced, jumped and beat his body - it went straight through my body and touched my soul. I was sorry we didn’t get a chance to catch up during the launch of the Alliance for the New Humanity. I felt even then we might have a lot in common.

Jean-Paul emailed to say he will be in Australia in May 2005 and would like to work with me. He also said he wanted to collaborate in putting my poems onto a CD. He has already downloaded the One Mind One Voice poem and is making it into a song, which he may perform in Puerto Rico in December this year. WOW! The journey continues…..

Old, Unfit and Unemployed is now finished, I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did writing it. I learnt a lot along the way. (Even learnt to write November 30 instead of 30th November as I always have.) Thanks Carole! That was fun. We should do it again sometime!

Love peace and a hug
Kerry

...Back to Cover