I can’t help but feel shame that in our country, too many lives are lost rather than saved because our country chooses to kill rather than help people get better. Yet, there is pride too - because co-delegates affirm that we are doing good work even without national support and limited resources.
When people remark how tough it probably is to be working in this environment, I tell them what keeps me going is hope - because i know leaders that do understand what needs to be done and because more and more cities are asking to be trained. Hearing the journeys of other countries who have moved from punitive to reformative approaches reinforces that hope.
So I end the workshop with a grateful heart. I am humbled by the affirmation and generosity of the other delegates and institutions like the UN. As I left the compound today, I looked for the Philippine flag that continues to fly despite the threats of our President. I reminded myself that tyrants may come and go, but love and goodness in the world prevails.