Photo by Charles vonRosenberg From left, Ann Hallisey of Northern California, Annie vonRosenberg and Ginger Sauls of Lexington (Ky.) await the start of the MDGs "Walk to Witness" on July 24. The walk was followed by tea with the queen at Buckingham Palace, setting up a study in contrasts.

Notes from 'the middle of the world'

I am sitting in my dorm room (different from Charlie's), taking a break from studying for my Bible class. And I want to write something to the people "back home" about my experiences at the Lambeth Conference.

It really is wonderful here. I am waking each day in the middle of the world - or so it seems. The countries and dioceses represented here are staggering, and I am right in the middle of it!

We do competitive eating, competitive bathing, competitive standing in line ... and my tiny room is the one tranquil space. It is so very well worth it because there are so many people to meet and so many ideas to share. And they are all right here!

Since I am a Bible group facilitator, I spend some extra time studying the Gospel of John. I have tried to help bring spouses in my group together - two spouses from Tanzania, one from England, one from the Arctic Circle, and me. In larger groupings, I encounter spouses from New Guinea, Tasmania, South Africa, India, Latin America, Hong Kong, and Taiwan - their names lyrical and their faith strong. Among us, there are different languages and different styles of being a spouse. Yet there is a thread of sameness in us all - especially involving common faith and mission.

Each day, we gather as spouses in a plenary session to hear stories of others from around the world. Then we break into small groups for Bible study. There are many, many opportunities for other presentations, for outings, and for educational events. And, there is the Marketplace - a world bazaar of goods!

This big world - that I feel in the middle of - contains so very many ideas and perspectives. When we gather, there is electricity in the room.

Of course, there is some anxiety about being different. However, I've found that the key is to slow down, spend time with someone, and hear such wonderful stories. It is our belief in God that brings us here. Yes, there are some people who have agendas to pursue and some who are louder than others ... but the opportunity to be here and to share this time really is wonderful. Charlie and I are so very grateful to East Tennessee for making this experience possible!