The only constant is change!

Caux Winter Gathering 2016/17

Most people will agree that the time between Christmas and New Year is special. Not only because of candles, decorated trees and gifts, but also because it’s a time that naturally seems to invite each of us to look back on what has been, to touch base with what is important in our lives and to prepare ourselves for the new  year to come.

So what happens when 85 people from 16 different countries, 4 continents, various backgrounds and all age groups come together to take time and reflect on change and its impact on their lives?

This year’s edition of the Winter Gathering in Caux offered presentations, discussion groups, daily art projects, music, times of quiet and moments of fun while glorious sunshine provided the perfect setting for breath-taking views on Lake Geneva.

The reflection times and plenary sessions each morning set the tone for the day, giving input and food for thought that was picked up again in the lively community groups which met every afternoon. These groups were precious moments for all participants – adults, teenagers and children- to get to know each other, work together, share personal stories and exchange ideas.

2500 years ago the Greek philosopher Heraclitus stated: « The only constant is change. » If that is true - where does that leave us, as individuals, a part of society, our nations and the world? How do we deal with these constant changes, whether we want them or not?

In rapidly changing societies intercultural communication is more important than ever. In her keynote speech on day 1, Sylvia Agbih (Germany), PhD candidate in a research project on health care for refugees in Germany, challenged the audience to reflect on the question of personal identity, awareness of others and how we deal with the clash of different concepts of culture in the society we live in. She underlined that even if human nature tends to simplify life in order to digest and interpret an overflow of information, we can learn to step back, reflect and let people tell their story in order to understand them better. Her conclusion was positive: We CAN change!

Her husband Paul Agbih (Nigeria/Germany) also gave a valuable lesson in intercultural understanding. He first shared negative experiences of his life as a Nigerian in Germany, only to interrupt himself saying: « But I do not believe in one-sided stories. They demonize the other and it limits us. You need the other side of the story to get the full picture of what is going on. » He then went on giving examples of positive encounters, leaving smiles on everybody’s faces.

The second day addressed change from a more personal angle based on the assumption that if we are all “children of our time”, we are not only shaped by society but also by the family we grew up in. Ragna Reuter, a doctor from Germany, said about communication within her family: « Misunderstandings start very easily.  It usually takes much longer to solve them."

The plenary session on day 3 opened with a challenge: « How many planets does it take to support your lifestyle? » After the participants had taken a test to find out how sustainable their current lifestyle actually is, positive examples of recent projects and start-ups showed how ordinary people can do extraordinary things to change the world they live in. « We need to improve people’s knowledge on what they can actually do to make things change!» underlined the facilitators Dafne Manzano (Spain), Martin Healey (Germany) and Diego Vargas Diaz (Mexico).  Christoph Keller (Switzerland), facility manager of the Caux Palace, explained how, according to CAUX-IofC’s commitment to sustainability, the building’s new heating system (80% wood / 20% fuel oil) has managed to reduce the building’s carbon footprint substantially.

Day 4 explored the challenge of making room to enable change. Participants were divided into groups tackling a series of tasks in various parts of the building. The results were then “translated” into daily life, like the question “How do we know when enough is enough - or even too much?”, using the example of an empty glass the participants had to fill with water with their eyes closed, without spilling water or making it overflow.

On 31 December it was time to look back – and also ahead. A slideshow on the main world events 2016 reminded the audience not only how much and how quickly we actually forget. It also pictured clearly that the world we live in changes all the time.

2016 came to an end with every participant handing over a self-made party hat especially made for another participant. 85 different hats for 85 different people – a perfect way to show diversity at its best!  

Lauren Beckwith (USA), a student in international studies, about her first experience in Caux :

“The topics were great and made me reconsider my personal perspectives. I learned much about myself through my reactions to other people.

I loved being part of a team. We served breakfast and I was pleased that I was free after that. But I also learned to be thankful for the service other people did in the house so that I was able to enjoy the rest of the day. In Caux I felt people were listening to me and that what I said really mattered. It feels really good to have people who listen to you. I now feel very motivated.”

Marie-Christine Nibagwire (Rwanda/United Kingdom), a Church of England minister and founder of “Saferefugerwanda”, came to Caux as a single mother with her children:  

“I had to leave Rwanda in 1994 because of the genocide where I lost my home and many family members. I came to Caux because every year my children would say: ‘How come we are on our own on Christmas Day? What was Christmas like when you were a child in Rwanda?” In the end they were becoming so frustrated for not having many family members on Christmas that even a Christmas tree did not mean much to them. 

When I heard of Christmas and the Winter Gathering at Caux, I felt it would be an answer to our prayers. We came, hoping to be part of the Caux extended family and our dream came to pass.  We were about 60 people from more than 15 nationalities.  We did the Christmas tree together, sang carols, played games and exchanged presents.

My children and I came back home full of joy, thanking everyone who organised the event and all those who embraced us and made us feel like members of their families.”

Report: Ulrike Ott Chanu

Photos: Diana Topan