There were 32 of us from 14 countries.    

Mozambique, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Namibia, Burkina Faso, Zambia, and several other African countries were well represented. Three were from the USA. One was from the UK and one was from Canada. 

We were a collection of pastors and counselors, writers, journalists, and artists. Two were television journalists who covered little known wars. I was aware of at least 1 engineer. 

I heard people speaking English, Portuguese, Xhosa, and several languages I could not identify. 

While I have no way of knowing anyone’s net worth it became clear from multiple conversations that some lived on very very little while others have all they’ll ever need. 

Several people among us had buried their children, faced wars, famine and experienced violence first hand. 

Some had faced forced removals and had to resettle in areas unknown. At least 2 had endured brutal torture. 

For 10 days we lived together, shared meals, and talked. We learned. We laughed. We listened. Some cried. 

Over the days it became clear that happiness and peace and goodwill all come from within and defy purchase. We learned, some for the first time and some again, that it’s not where someone lives that delivers contentment, but always how.