14 Jan, 2012
Florida– your easy winters defy the American notions of seasons. But that ease won’t last forever. In the coming years, your beachfronts and watersides will be reshaped by rising sea levels. Your roads and developments will require dramatic restructuring. As loving neighbors, will we prepare for these changes in a way that will minimize suffering, or will we only hear the cries when it is too late to diminish them?
Greetings from Jacksonville, compadres! It has been an active week here. In true Florida fashion, there were CarbonSabbath talks at a retirement community, in a Spanish-speaking service, one in shorts, and even a visit to the beach. In all of those visits, the reality of climate change seemed to hit home in a way that was very concrete. For many participants, the estimated sea level rise will directly affect their property or those of their neighbors. For them, love of neighbor in the face of climate change is about their actual, physical neighbors. This reality heightened the importance of our discussions and brought a depth of concern that is not always apparent in the groups I visit.
Special thanks to Beth Tjoflat for being such an incredible host and booking agent during my time in Jacksonville! The instant when Beth heard about the Carbon Sabbath back in one of our preaching classes at YDS, she extended an enthusiastic invitation for me to come down to Jacksonville. True to her word, Beth maintained contact and made sure that I made my way to town and felt very comfortable during my stay. Thanks again, Beth!
During my visit to the Glenmoor Retirement Community, I had some engaging conversation with very friendly folks there. Of course, I forgot to take a picture. Thanks to all of the folks there for having me join you in your service and for our conversation over lunch!
Gracias a mis amig@s de St. Francis por aceptar este viajero!
Thanks to all the good folks at Episcopal School of Jacksonville for welcoming me! Special thanks to Hopie Jernagan and Kevin Day. Looking forward to hearing how your class' CarbonSabbath goes, Mr. Day!
On my way down to Jacksonville, I stopped off at Cumberland Island for a few days of solitude in pristine island wilderness. This island is a national treasure. There are wild horses, beaches full of beautiful shells, mossy trees filled with startling variety of birds, and deep quiet. If you ever have the chance to visit, I highly recommend it.
Wild horse in mossy trees.
Thanks to Bill and Gayle Carpenter for your hospitality, conversation, and shared time during my stay at St. Simons, GA!
Today, I start my journey westward! Thanks to all of you for sharing the journey thus far!
Until we meet again
More aware of the water’s rise
Than we thought possible
Savannah
